Swollen outer eye in am with pink,dry patch?

[seclatt79]

I woke up yesterday morning to a very swollen left eye; my upper eyelid, around the outer corner, and part of the area just below my eye.  There is a small area, a little smaller than a dime, that almost appears to be a dry patch that is pink in color.  I put an ice pak on it and the swelling went down, but the spot remained.  This morning I woke up and my eye wasn't as swollen, but it was moderately puffy.  I put it on ice again, swelling went down, and spot is still there.  There is no drainage, tearing, or pain (maybe a little raw feeling).  The spot itches a little only if it is messed with.  Any ideas what this could be or what I should do about it?

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Could be an insect bite, or an infected eyebrow hair, or some type of allergic reaction.  Possible treatments include topical or oral antibiotics, topical or oral allergy medications, cool compresses or warm compresses.  As you can see the treatment varies and basically depends or whether the doctor thinks it is an infection or allergic type reaction.  I'm sorry but I can't tell what it is.  You should probably see a local ophthamologist - should be easy exam.

MJK MD

[seclatt79]

So I went to see my eye doctor today and she told be I have preseptal orbital cellulitis.  She gave me a prescription for a Z-pak and told me to use a cortisone crm for the dryness (being careful not to get it in my eye).  Wish me luck!!!