Swollen upper eyelid

I've had 4 operations in the last 9 months for retinal detachment. After the first 3, my eye would always recover properly. The last operation which was done December 5th 2008, went well according to my doctor. I went to Africa for a little over a month to travel with family in January. I did everything the doctor told me, putting my eye drops in and not touching the eye as it healed. Now it's June, and for the past 3 months the upper eyelid on the affected eye has been swollen. I've told the doctor and he says I'm imagining things, but my mom and I can see that it is definitely swollen.

I've tried eye drops for allergies, but they only make my eye red.I'm sure it's not an infection since there is no itching or pain associated with the eyelid.

Any help would be appreciated

[kivrin]

Has the doctor actually seen you? I would bring in pictures of you so the doctor can see what the eyelid looked like pre 3 months ago and what it looks like now.

If you don't get satisfaction, ask another doctor. I dislike anyone who tells you "you're imagining" something about your health. You have a concern, it should be addressed.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

You need to see your surgeon.  It is possible the eyelid is drooping making it appear swollen.  Also, after so many operation, it not uncommon to have a swollen lid.

Dr. O.

[jay1993]

I've shown him pictures and he still insists that there is no swelling. I'm hoping to see a different doctor soon

[jay1993]

I have seen the surgeon but he thinks nothing of it. Just looks at it and hurries me out of the office. The eyelid isn't drooping. You can see that it's swollen by looking near the eyelashes. It also looks as though there is wrinkles.

Would a cold or hot compress help with the swelling?