Home remedies for swollen eyelids

Your eyes can swell due to a number of reasons, such as injury, allergy, illness and even crying. The treatment option for these issues are different, but it is important to know about the exact cause behind your swollen eyes. Severe cases of swollen eyes can be because of an underlying medical condition and should be examined by an eye doctor. On the other hand, mild cases of swollen eyes can be treated with home remedies like cool compression, cucumber and potato. Read on to know about some effective home remedies to treat swollen eyelids.
Green tea bags

Green tea contains antibiotic and astringent properties that help in managing many problems such as burning sensations, swelling and irritation. Just keep two used tea bags in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. Then, use those cold green tea bags on both your closed eyes for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this home remedy atleast 2-3 times everyday until you see a significant difference in your eyes.
Cucumber

Cucumber slices on your eyes are best to reduce irritation and swelling in your eyes. If you are sleep deprived or swelling occured due to crying, then cucumber can work as a great home remedy. With its high water content, cucumber hydrates the skin and reduces swelling. It also has anti inflammatory properties and antioxidants that can help in getting rid of dark circles.
Cold compression

Both cold and warm compression can help in reducing swelling in your eyes. Cold compression controls the fluid leakage and helps in relaxing your eyes. The swelling in your eyes can get effectively less using cold compression no matter what the cause as it reduces the blood flow. In such cases, an ice pack or cold washcloth can help reduce the puffiness.
Massage

Massaging your eyelids firmly but gently can also help in treating puffy eyes. You use a clean washcloth or a clean finger to massage them. You can do a basic clockwise rotation on your eyelids gently with your fingers. Doing this atleast twice a day can provide relaxation and mobility, further improving the condition of your eye. So, simple eyelid exercises can also become a friend in such cases. You can talk to your eye doctor about the same.
Witch hazel

Witch hazel plays the role of a natural astringent and antioxidant that can tighten up your skin. Take a few cotton pads and soak in witch hazel. Then, squeeze the pads and apply on your eyelids. Do this atleast twice a day for 5-10 minutes. It will not only help in reducing the swelling but also improve the overall condition of your eye. Make sure that witch hazel does not get into your eyes.
Rinse

Rinsing your eyes and applying a warm compression over them can help in reducing many symptoms such as inflammation and red or watery eyes. The doctor will advice to go for a treatment option on the basis of the severity and cause of swelling in your eyes. Washing or rinsing can also help in getting rid of any kind of eye infection, if there is any.
Sleep

Taking rest and sleeping with your head elevated can also act as a useful home remedy to treat swollen eyes. This will help in draining fluids away from your eyelids and surrounding tissues. Moreover, if the cause behind those puffy eyes is sleep deprivation or tiredness, then this home remedy can work like magic for you. You can combine this natural way with another home remedy for more effectiveness. For example, cucumber slices on your eyes while sleeping.
Potato

Using potato is one of the best and quickest home remedies to treat swollen eyelids. Just cut slices of a cold, raw potato into two and keep these pieces gently over your eyelids for around 10-15 minutes. There is a useful enzyme present in potato, called the Catecholase, which effectively helps in reducing the water retention around your eyes, which further decreases puffiness and swelling on your eyelids.