swollen eyelids

Every morning I wake up with both upper eyelids puffed up and swollen.  It is much worse if I have cried, even slightly the day before.  The swelling eventually will go down if I use compresses but then I am left with loose, crinkly skin.  I have tried all sorts of things- no water before bed, elevating my head, eye lubricant(my apt. is dry), clariten.  Some days are definitely worse than others.  I suspect I have an allergy but how does one figure that out?  Also, I will try cutting down on salt.  Any other ideas of suggestions would be so helpful because this is so disheartening!  I am 43 years old but with my eyelids doing this it can make me look much older and is making the eyelids get wrinkly!  Please help!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You need to see an Eye MD to check for lid infections or inflammation, whether you need glasses and look for allergy or dry eyes.

Find one near you at www.aao.org

JCH III MD