Eyelid tension

[liteglimmer]

Last week, I had my left eye examined by an ophthalmologist because a foreign body got in there and caused a corneal abrasion (which resolved a few days later). During the visit, the doctor pulled out my lower left eyelid to search underneath it. Since the eyelid was pulled, the eyelid became strained and tense. It's not painful and the eyelid moves fine. The eyelid looks normal. However, the eyelid still feels tense and strained over a week later. What is causing this feeling? Will it resolve on its own?

Thank you!

[bridgeit]

It sounds as though it's muscle strain/nerve aggravation from being stretched, i.e. unusual activity. The recommended course of action for any muscular strain is rest, ice, compression and exercise. That's general knowledge, I'm no medic.

The rest part can be achieved through plenty of sound sleep. The ice could be a cold damp compress on your (closed) eye which might help, say for 10 mins per day 3 x per day. Avoid actual ice! It's too cold for delicate eyes. Exercise could involve shutting your eyes as tight as you can then slowly opening them as wide as you can for, say 5 repetitions twice a day.

Remember to blink regularly and use eye drops to keep your eyes moist if they feel dry. I personally use 'Hycosan Extra', they're really good.

Keep your lower lids clean and free from debris. A gentle wipe with a warm flannel twice a day will keep crusting away and the oil glands in the lower lids flowing nicely.

You could see how that regime goes for a couple of weeks and see your GP or optician if things don't improve. Or, if you're in any doubt, visit either right away.

Hope this is helpful.

[liteglimmer in reply to bridgeit]

Thank you bridgeit for this info! Hopefully, these will help ease the eyelid tension.