Generally, if your swollen eyes are due to allergies, antihistamine eye drops or oral allergy medication, as well as lubricating "artificial tears" will help relieve symptoms. Your eye doctor also may recommend mild steroid drops for more severe allergic reactions. Other causes, such as infection like conjunctivitis or ocular herpes, respond well to anti-viral or anti-inflammatory eye drops or ointments, or antibiotics. Minor bouts of swollen eyelids can be eased with home remedies. First and foremost, avoid rubbing your eyes as this will only aggravate your condition. If you have photophobia associated with chronic eyelid inflammation, photochromic lenses can help reduce light sensitivity. Also, if you wear contact lenses, remove them until the eyelid swelling resolves. Applying a cool compress sometimes can reduce eyelid swelling, as well as splashes of cold water to your closed lids. If symptoms continue or worsen, or if you experience any pain in your eye, see your eye doctor immediately to rule out a more sinister cause of your swollen eyes.
