Severe morning edema in eyelids (both eyes)

[cyriousbusiness]

What would cause severe (almost swollen shut) eyelid swelling in the morning (uponn waking) - the eyelid skin is stretched and once the edema is gone, they skin is very red and painful.

We have pretty much ruled out allergies.

Of note, is a head trauma sustained 1.5 years ago (back of head hit pavement twice) - am still undergoing various treatments to relieve pressure in head - could manipulation of the nerves in the back of my head/neck cause eyelids to swell?

Any help is very welcomed.

Thank you!

[cyriousbusiness]

Hello - thank you for your response -  Weight gain and genetics/family trait is not an issue - thyroid is fine.

Am keeping head elevated at night.

Have not visited opthamologist as of yet, but will do so.  

J

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Some suggestions:
1:  Please make sure you have an ophthalmologist perform a complete history and examination on your eyes
2.  Keep head elevated at night
3..Strictly reduce salt intake
4.  Avoid rubbing your eyes, or scrubbing eyelids
5.  Weight gain can be a big contributing factor as well as genetics.  It could be a family trait.
6. Consider a thyroid work up

These are just a few thoughts.  If everything comes out normal with your workup, at some point you may need to consider plastic surgery if it is just excess, baggy skin?

MJK MD