A swollen eyeball can be caused by a number of factors, including infection, underlying medical conditions, or trauma, and typically requires medical attention. It's important to differentiate this from swelling around the eye or a swollen eyelid; a swollen eyeball refers to the actual eye itself being enlarged.
Here's a breakdown of potential causes:
- Infections: Infections can cause inflammation and swelling within the eye. These could be bacterial, viral, or fungal.
- Pre-existing Conditions: Certain medical conditions, like thyroid eye disease, can lead to swelling of the eyeball. These conditions often require ongoing management and can impact the tissues around and behind the eye.
- Trauma: Direct injury to the eye can cause swelling, potentially from bleeding or inflammation within the eye itself.
- Other Possible Causes: Less common causes could include inflammation from allergic reactions or certain types of tumors (though these are rare).
It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention from an ophthalmologist or other qualified healthcare professional if you experience eyeball swelling. They can properly diagnose the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment to prevent potential complications.
