Cutting and watery eyes: causes and methods of treating the burning symptom

Common Causes

A symptom in which the eyes cut and water can occur for the following reasons:

Long-term eye strain , which occurs when constantly working at a computer or reading for a long time.
Staying for a long time in dry air conditions (for example, in a room with air conditioning).
Insufficient lighting or lack of natural light in the room.
Diseases of inflammatory or infectious origin.
Injuries and damage to the organs of vision , including foreign bodies entering the eyes and thermal or chemical burns.
Allergic reactions upon contact with various allergens (in such cases, the symptom may occur at certain times of the year or when certain irritants come into contact with the eyes).

Keep in mind! The eyes often sting and watery eyes in people who wear contact lenses.

In such cases, the cause may be either increased sensitivity of the mucous membrane and cornea to such optics, or improper use of lenses (wearing expired optics, incorrectly selected lenses, using lenses for longer than the specified time and at night).

Swelling of the eyelid

The eyelids are folds of skin around the eyes, consisting of many organs, each of which plays an important role. The muscles help a person blink, the conjunctiva helps to moisturize the eyeball, and the meibomian glands retain moisture. Together they form a complex system, the main purpose of which is to protect the eyes from drying out, dirt, bright light and other negative environmental factors. Inflammation of one of the organs leads to the development of diseases, the main symptom of which is swelling of the eyelid.

Symptoms

Characteristic signs of developing pathology include:

swelling of the area around the eyes;
increased temperature (symptoms of barley, conjunctivitis, furunculosis);
pallor of the skin – with a non-inflammatory nature of the disease;
characteristic enlargement of lymph nodes - during the inflammatory process.

What complications can arise from eyelid swelling?

When excessive internal pressure occurs, glaucoma occurs.
Decreased visual acuity, complete blindness.
Operable and inoperable cancer.

Description of the disease

Edema of the eyelid is a pathological accumulation of fluid in the area of loose connective tissue. The process results in visible swelling around the eyes.

Swelling in this area forms quite easily. This is due to the fact that the subcutaneous layer of fiber and muscles are poorly developed, and there are many blood vessels. Swelling of the area around the eyes is a common phenomenon that causes a lot of inconvenience. In addition, this is an alarming sign indicating a malfunction that has occurred in the body. Many people first of all think about the aesthetic component. But if a cosmetologist can get rid of the external manifestations of the disease, he will not solve internal problems.

Swelling is a symptom of many diseases, as well as a sign of an unhealthy lifestyle. Thus, swelling can occur due to a violation of the drinking regime or diet, alcohol abuse, or addiction to salty foods. Such swelling is physiological in nature, disappears within 24 hours and does not require medical intervention.

If the swelling is systematic and does not go away on its own, it cannot be considered as a cosmetic problem - you need to contact an ophthalmologist.

Classification of eyelid edema

Depending on the history, there are several types of edema of the paraorbital region:

Inflammatory. The cause is bacterial damage. As a result of the negative impact, suppuration begins. Pus accumulates in the paraorbital area, the eyelids swell. Externally, the pathology is expressed in the form of hyperemia of the eyelids, a noticeable thickening at the site of the disease.
Non-inflammatory. Unlike the inflammatory variety, this process rarely manifests itself visually. The main symptoms are pale skin and swelling in the morning. It usually appears on the lower eyelids and indicates a malfunction of some internal organs - liver, kidneys, thyroid gland. It can also occur due to incorrect head position during sleep.
Allergic. In case of contact with an irritant, it begins to develop rapidly. After eating a food that causes an allergy, swelling appears after a couple of hours. The most aggressive form of the reaction is Quincke's edema, in which not only the eyelids, but also the tissues of the head, neck, and larynx swell. This leads to difficulty breathing and therefore requires immediate medical attention.
Traumatic. In this case, it is not necessary to injure the area around the eyes: the eyelid swells when the soft tissues and muscles of the face are damaged. This could be a bruise, surgery, consequences of plastic surgery, microtrauma caused by wearing contact lenses.
Reactive. The cause of its appearance is an inflammatory process near the paranasal sinuses.

Causes of edema

The main causes of paraorbital swelling, which causes discomfort and spoils external aesthetics, can be divided into two categories - pathological and non-pathological.

Non-pathological causes include:

Fatigue caused by increased eye strain, prolonged sitting at the computer, and lack of sleep.
Diet violation. For example, the abuse of pickles, which retain water in the body.
Drinking large amounts of liquid.
Alcohol abuse. Alcohol displaces fluid from the body, which leads to a constant feeling of thirst. An unpleasant “bonus” is swelling of the paraorbital area.
Incorrect head position during sleep. If you sleep on a low pillow or without one at all, you can provoke an abundant flow of blood to the head, which causes bilateral swelling. When sleeping on one side, fluid accumulates, resulting in unilateral swelling.
Poor quality cosmetics, lack of habit of removing makeup.
Eyelash extensions, tattooing, anti-aging procedures.
Injuries. A bruise on the bridge of the nose provokes bilateral swelling. Trauma to the eye area is the cause of unilateral swelling. Various maxillofacial and plastic surgeries also lead to similar consequences.
Predisposition. People with thin skin often experience swelling around the eyes in the morning after drinking an extra glass of water in the evening. Edema can also appear due to excessive physical exertion.
Age. Over time, the tissue and muscles of the eyelids weaken, fat sag, and large amounts of fluid accumulate, causing “bags” to form.

If we talk about pathological edema of the paraorbital region, they can be provoked by both eye and general diseases:

Barley. Characterized by pain, hardness, and swelling. The swelling gradually increases, the skin turns red, but the site of inflammation is localized. After opening the abscess, the swelling subsides.
Conjunctivitis. The causes of pathology are often streptococci and staphylococci. In severe cases of the disease, swelling of the eyelids gradually begins to develop.
Blepharoconjunctivitis. Symptoms: inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye and eyelids.
Trachoma. Pathology caused by chlamydia.
Chalazion. A disease involving the edges of the eyelid, meibomian gland, cartilage. In some cases it is chronic.
Blepharitis. Inflammation of the edge of the eyelids, accompanied by hyperemia, peeling, swelling, itching, and loss of eyelashes. The cause of the pathology is an allergic reaction to external irritants.
Ophthalmoherpes. Symptoms: swelling around the eye, pain, itching, redness of the conjunctiva.
Benign and malignant neoplasms in the eye area.
Tuberculosis of the eye.
Graves' disease. Caused by an increased amount of hormones produced by the thyroid gland. It manifests itself as protrusion of the eyeball, swelling of the periorbital region.
Demodecosis. Damage by the parasite, accompanied by loss of eyelashes, discharge of pus, redness, itching, swelling.
Fatty hernia, sinusitis. Often provoke swelling of the lower eyelid.
Diseases from the ENT system.
Kidney diseases. Characterized by bilateral, pale, soft-to-touch swelling.
Pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
Changes in hormonal levels. Sometimes small swellings are observed on certain days of the menstrual cycle. Swelling can also occur during pregnancy.

Not all pathologies indicated in the list have a real threat to human health and life.

Doctors are especially monitoring people with diseases of the cardiovascular system, kidneys, and endocrine glands.

Prevention

To prevent swelling of the paraorbital area, experts recommend adhering to certain rules:

Do not drink large amounts of liquid. In the evening, you should refrain from salty foods, as they provoke a feeling of thirst. Before going to bed, just drink a glass of herbal infusion and warm milk. This will quench your thirst and help avoid morning puffiness. Fans of soda, strong tea, and coffee should limit the amount of these drinks.
Maintain personal hygiene. The eyelids need to be cleaned daily - morning and evening before going to bed. This is especially true for women who use decorative cosmetics. It is also important that each household member has a personal towel that needs to be changed regularly.
Using quality products. Facial care products and cosmetics should be purchased from trusted manufacturers - this will help avoid purchasing low-quality or counterfeit products. You should also consult with a specialist before the tattoo procedure.
Compliance with safety regulations. Some professions involve processes and tools that can damage the mucous membranes and skin around the eyes. To avoid this and maintain your health, you must wear special glasses while working.
Eye protection in the summer. Direct ultraviolet rays have a negative effect on the eyes in particular and the body in general. To protect the delicate mucous membrane of the sun, you need to wear glasses, use an umbrella or a hat with a wide brim.
Maintaining distance when communicating with people. If the interlocutor is coughing, sneezing, or has visual signs of eye diseases, such as stye, it is better to postpone communication until he recovers.
Regular cleaning of premises. Doctors note that the number of patients with allergies to dust, mold and other household contaminants is growing every year. This is why it is so important to carry out thorough and regular cleaning of premises. It is also worth going through old things and getting rid of those that are no longer useful, because they are an excellent accumulator of dust in a living environment.
Pet care. Animal fur is a powerful allergen to which a large number of people are sensitive. To prevent your furry pet from becoming the cause of illness, you must regularly vacuum carpets, rugs, treat upholstered furniture and textiles, and comb your pets thoroughly, especially during seasonal molting.

If paraorbital edema has already appeared or often “pleases” you in the morning, you need to contact a specialist who will help you find out the cause, adjust your daily routine, diet and drinking regimen.

How to treat eyelid swelling

If the cause of swelling is a bruise, the eyelid usually immediately begins to increase in volume. In this case, it is necessary to wash your hands with unscented soap, since scented options can cause an allergic reaction. Then treat the injury site with an antiseptic and apply a cold compress - it will help stop the growth of swelling. Then cover the affected area with a sterile cloth and go to the emergency room.
Cold compresses or ice cubes. Moreover, these can be cubes from herbal decoctions, such as calendula, mint or parsley. If necessary, the pieces are removed from the mold, wrapped in gauze, and carefully wiped over the eyelids.
Tea lotions. It is especially convenient to use tea in bags, which must first be brewed and cooled to room temperature.
Eye drops. In this case, it is important to consider the cause of the tumor. So, Oftalmoferon will help in case of eye damage from viruses. Tetracycline is indispensable when swelling is caused by bacteria.
Decongestants. They are usually prescribed in case of blockage of the sebaceous gland. In a hospital setting, Tavegil will help cope with extensive swelling.
Analgesics. The inflammatory process is often accompanied by painful sensations. To alleviate the condition, you need to take Analgin.
Ointments. Hydrocortisone ointment has a pronounced antibacterial effect and helps eliminate swelling.
Absorbents. You can use activated carbon, which will remove the substance that causes the swelling from the body.
Antihistamines. You should take allergy medications only after seeing a doctor. Suprastin, Claritin, Zodak, Diazolin and others are usually prescribed.
Use of liquid nitrogen. In the absence of metastases, the substance can help destroy the focus of a malignant neoplasm.
Operation. Surgery will allow you to remove the cancer with excision of a small area of tissue surrounding the tumor. If further tests are within normal limits, the patient undergoes plastic surgery to correct the defect.
Application of drops. Drugs from the vasoconstrictor group are used. Vizin and Octilia have proven themselves especially well.

In the case of malignant neoplasms in the later stages, the prognosis does not look very optimistic. If a small area is affected, all tissue from the area is removed during surgery. If manipulation is not practical, the patient is prescribed radiation and chemotherapy.

Lifestyle

You can help avoid swelling by following simple recommendations:

Do not come into contact with substances that cause an allergic reaction.
If itching occurs, it is important not to scratch it.
Regularly visit doctors of various specialties.
Rejection of bad habits.
Controlling the amount of liquid you drink.

When contacting our center, the patient can be sure that he will receive the most modern, effective treatment, selected taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient’s body.

Timely consultation with a doctor, competent therapy, a healthy lifestyle, and following the doctor’s instructions are the key to a positive result with minimal financial costs.

Author

Danilova Elena Fedorovna

ophthalmologist

18 years of experience
+7

Treatment options

Self-treatment of the symptom itself is ineffective .
With such signs, the first step is to be examined by an ophthalmologist , who, based on the reasons, can prescribe appropriate therapy.

In most cases, the cause lies in inflammatory and/or infectious diseases , which require elimination of the pathogenic microflora.

For this purpose, antibacterial drugs are used in the form of ointments or drops.

The most effective ointments are chloramphenicol and tetracycline.

Important! They can be used not only for infectious lesions, but also in case of injuries and burns to exclude associated infection.

Patients with such diseases often prescribed drops of fucytamilk , maxitrol, albucid or tobrex.

The Scottish Fold cat's eyes are watery: why?

It was previously mentioned that certain breeds of pets have a non-standard nasolacrimal duct, and among them the British, Scottish and Persian breeds stand out. Due to such features, the lacrimal canal is not able to fully remove secretions, which are the norm for all other breeds. In this case, the excess comes out through the eyes. If this happens after the animal has slept, then there is no reason to worry. This phenomenon is normal from a physiological standpoint.

If your pet constantly produces tears, this is no longer considered normal, so you need to seek the help of a veterinarian to find out the reasons.

Such animals need to wash their eyes once a week or more often, and in some cases up to 2-3 times a day. With a normal level of discharge, it is quite enough to simply wipe them periodically.

If your cat's eyes often water, it is recommended to bring the animal to the veterinarian for a full examination.

Prevention

You should know! You can prevent the appearance of pain and tearing in the eyes by adhering to the correct daily routine, in which sleep will be complete and timely.

When working at a computer for a long time, it is important to take short breaks every one and a half to two hours.

At the same time, there should be good lighting in the workplace, and the monitor screen should be at least 50 centimeters from the eyes.

also eye exercises during breaks

Basically, such exercises involve rotating and moving the eyes in different directions and alternately focusing on close and distant objects.

It is important to treat any infectious eye diseases in a timely manner , without waiting for the disease to progress to an acute, or even more so, to a chronic stage.

A balanced diet , in which the diet contains enough vitamins and microelements that strengthen the immune system, to prevent the development of such pathologies

Note! People with sensitive eyes should additionally protect their eyesight.

For example, when visiting public swimming pools, you must use special swimming goggles to prevent water from getting into your eyes.

If you are hypersensitive to sunlight, you need to wear sunglasses, but it is important to choose high-quality optics, since glasses with low-quality lenses can, on the contrary, aggravate the situation.

How to eliminate tearing?

In order to help your pet, it is not enough just to consult a veterinarian and purchase the appropriate product. You should definitely know how to use it correctly in order to help and not harm your pet. Here is a list of simple but very effective rules:

Wash your hands to avoid spreading dirt and infection into your pet's eyes.
Take saline or chlorhexidine. There is no need to use tea leaves or unstrained herbal decoctions for this procedure, since a fine fraction can cause even more problems for the animal, which is important to avoid in case of conjunctivitis and other diseases. Gently use a cotton swab dipped in saline solution or warm water to clean the hair around the eyes and eyelid area. The saline solution will simply remove dirt from the eyes. But if the eyes are not only watery, but irritated and inflamed, then it is better to use chlorhexidine as a preventive measure for inflammation. This product is completely safe for your animal and will not cause any pain.
Tilt your pet's head back and try to fix the position with one hand. Here you will need firmness and confidence in your movements, as well as a strong grip, otherwise the dog may suddenly break free and get hurt during burying. It is better, of course, to carry out this eye cleaning together, because... Not all pets like hygiene procedures. Be sure to praise your pet after the procedure and give him something tasty!
How to wash a dog’s eyes at home if they are very watery or if a foreign object has gotten into them? Again, we suggest using chlorhexidine or vetericin. We have already talked about the benefits of chlorhexidine earlier. In this case, it is better to even use vetericin, because it relieves irritation faster and destroys more germs. Place the product in the eyes and let the dog blink. Be calm, your pet will not be hurt. Vetericin, like chlorhexidine, does not pinch or burn.
As for humans, the ointment is placed in the conjunctival sac. To do this, the eyelid is pulled back a little, and the product is squeezed into the resulting pocket.
My dog's eye is watering, what should I do? Be sure to use the product prescribed by your veterinarian in both eyes. This must be done not only for treatment, but also for eye prevention.