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eye swelling
The eyes are a pair of organs that have several different parts which interact together to make the eye function normally. The eyelids and eyelashes provide some protection for the eyes while other parts of the eye help with the actual process of seeing and focusing on various things.
A swelling is an inflammation that occurs as a result of some infection or damage to the tissues of a part of the body. Swelling may also occur when there is improper circulation of body fluids due to some medical condition. General swelling is considered to be quite a bad condition as it is indicative of some systemic failure. An eye swelling, however, is limited to a few simple causes.
A swelling of the eye can only occur on the outer parts of the eye. It is highly unlikely for the eye or the muscles within the optic cavities to swell up. An infection can possibly affect the eye and cause an eye swelling. This infection is often referred to as a sty. An eye infection usually affects the eyelid and causes the eyelid to swell up. An eye swelling around the eyelids may be caused by an infection which has penetrated the hair follicles. Sometimes, a hair follicle of the eyelash may get blocked for some reason or the other. This could lead to an eye infection which itself can cause inflammation. Another type of eye infection, known as conjunctivitis can occur. This usually causes itching and burning rather than eye swelling but it can lead to the eyelid becoming inflamed. Insect bites can cause severe eye swelling. Ant bites on or around the eyelids can cause the eyelid to swell up to the point that the eyelid cannot be opened.
An eye swelling can also be associated with an injury. Eye injuries are quite common during fist fights and are common among people involved in fighting, either professionally or non-professionally. Because of the shape of the eye, the energy from a punch landed on the eye may not dissipate properly. This can cause the eye and the surrounding area to be damaged. This damage results in bruising and can also result in the eye being swollen up. When an impact injury occurs, it is normal for there to be an area of darkened skin around the eye. This is often referred to as a ‘black eye’.
An eye swelling is best treated with a warm compress which can help to ease the pain and improve circulation in the area.
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