A 23-year-old woman has swelling in her eyelid after an infection caused by her eye makeup. What is another term for this swelling?
A Myringitis
B Conjunctivitis
C Otitis
D Blepharedema
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: D) Blepharedema
Blepharedema refers to the swelling of the eyelids, usually caused by an infection, inflammation, allergic reaction, or trauma. In the case of this 23-year-old woman, the swelling in her eyelid developed after an infection triggered by eye makeup, which likely introduced bacteria or irritants to the delicate skin around the eye. When the eyelid tissue reacts to infection or inflammation, fluid accumulates in the soft tissues, resulting in puffiness or swelling known as blepharedema.
Eye makeup, especially if expired or improperly applied, can carry bacteria or allergens that may lead to infections such as styes or cellulitis. These conditions often cause pain, redness, and noticeable swelling of the eyelid. Infections of this nature may affect the glands located in the eyelid, leading to further fluid retention and inflammation, both hallmark signs of blepharedema.
Blepharedema can be either unilateral (one eyelid) or bilateral (both eyelids), and it may be acute or chronic depending on the underlying cause. Infections tend to cause acute blepharedema, which resolves once the infection is treated with proper hygiene, warm compresses, or antibiotics if necessary. Chronic blepharedema may result from ongoing allergic reactions or systemic issues such as thyroid disease.
The other answer choices do not describe swelling of the eyelid. Myringitis refers to inflammation of the tympanic membrane (eardrum). Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the white part of the eye and inner eyelids, not the eyelid tissue itself. Otitis refers to inflammation or infection of the ear, not the eye. Thus, the correct term specific to swelling of the eyelid due to infection is blepharedema.