Random right eye swollen

[jillm]

I'm a quite healthy 26 yr old with no allergies or current health issues. For about 4 or 5 years I have had a problem with my lower lid on my right eye swelling up. It's always very random, however, seems to happen more frequently after I've been exercising, but can happen just sitting at work.
The symptom is that the inside corner of my eye gets extremely itchy and then the lower lid begins to swell. If I do itch it, the swelling is more severe, but it always swells up regardless. It is very puffy and painless, with the inside of the lid being quite red. The swelling will then gradually go down and be normal after 24-72 hours.
However, I've noticed that in the past year, the swelling has gotten more intense and takes longer to go down. As it happens so randomly, it's hard to get to see a specialist while it's actually swollen. I've seen my GP, but they don't offer much help, as it really is very random. The swelling is also quite uncomfortable as the pressure on my eye is bothersome.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

Those are allergy symptoms, most typical of contact allergy (since its not both eyes). There are many many things that might cause this. You could try cold compresses, oral benadryl and zaditor eye drops next time it happens.

JCH MD