Ophthalmologist Questions Ophthalmologist

Eye swelling?

I woke up with the skin under my right eye swollen for no apparent reason. Like a bag under the eye. 1 day later skin under the left eye swelled but not as badly as the right. 2 days later my eyes started itching badly all around both eyes - the eyelid skin itched and also the skin underneath the eyes both were slightly red. I itched the skin so badly that the right eyelid only drooped down and when I put moisturizer on the skin it burned as if cuts were present. It stopped itching and the eyelid returned to normal after a day or two and the burning stopped. However, the large bags under both eyes remained. The right eye is much worse than the left. I applied moisturizer then and still do daily and have had no itching since.

However, 3 months later eyes both eyes are still swollen (the right eye is much worse) but only the skin underneath the eyes there was no itching or burning until 2 days ago. Looks like I have bags under my eyes. All blood tests are normal. No itching at all now for months. Hydrocortisone has little or no effect. I've been taking an antihistamine for 3 days and have had no improvement.

Two days ago the skin, under the right eye only, started looking slightly red and creased or wrinkled as it did when the problem first started. I applied moisturizer and it burned but the redness has gone away but the swelling/bag under this eye has become bigger. Somedays the eyes are more swollen than others (especially the right eye) but the swelling never completely goes away. What could this be?

Male | 43 years old
Complaint duration: 3 months
Medications: Antihistamines for 3 days
Conditions: None

3 Answers

Sounds like allergic condition with contact dermatitis . However , without examination it’s difficult to diagnose . Could be chalazion too
There are a number of conditions that could be the cause. You need a full history and exam to get to the cause.

Best Regards,

David J. Pinhas, M.D.
It could definitely be a reason to see an ophthalmologist for an exam and definitive diagnosis for appropriate treatment.