Swelling below the eye, along with redness, watering, irritation, or discharge, can occur due to conjunctivitis, an eyelid infection, an allergy, blocked oil glands, a sinus infection, or irritation around the eye tissues. Sometimes the swelling develops because rubbing the eyes repeatedly increases inflammation and fluid buildup around the delicate skin near the eyes. Cold compresses, proper eye hygiene, lubricating eye drops, and resting the eyes may help reduce irritation and swelling in mild cases. If infection is present, medicated eye drops or other treatment may be needed, depending on whether the cause is viral, bacterial, or allergic. Avoid touching or squeezing the swollen area, and do not share towels or pillows because some eye infections spread easily. Pain while moving the eye, fever, thick pus-like discharge, blurred vision, rapid swelling, or difficulty opening the eye can sometimes indicate that the infection is spreading deeper around the eye and may require immediate eye treatment and examination.

Eye irritation starting recently, along with several nights of poor sleep, may be due to a viral eye infection, allergy, eye strain, dryness, stress, or reduced eye lubrication from lack of rest. Sleeplessness can make the eyes more sensitive, red, watery, heavy, and uncomfortable because the eyes do not get enough recovery time. Some people also notice a burning sensation, headache, or light sensitivity when sleep is disturbed for many days. Cold compresses, lubricating eye drops, proper hydration, and reducing screen exposure may help calm the irritation and improve comfort. Good sleep is also important because tired eyes often become more inflamed and dry. Keeping the eyes clean, avoiding rubbing them, and washing hands regularly may reduce further irritation and lower the chance of spreading infection if it is viral. Thick discharge, severe pain, swelling around the eyes, blurred vision, or increasing light sensitivity can suggest the eye problem is becoming more irritating and may need proper eye examination and treatment.

Viral eye infection can cause redness, watering, irritation, burning sensation, sticky discharge, and sensitivity to light. The infection usually improves gradually over several days, but irritation and watering may continue for some time even after the redness starts decreasing. Touching or rubbing the eyes repeatedly can worsen irritation and spread the infection further. Cold compresses, gentle eye cleaning with clean water, proper hand washing, and resting the eyes from screens may help improve comfort and reduce irritation. Lubricating eye drops are often used to reduce dryness and burning sensation. Drinking enough fluids, eating fruits rich in vitamin C, leafy vegetables, nuts, and maintaining good sleep may support recovery and overall immunity. Avoid sharing towels, pillows, eye cosmetics, or handkerchiefs because viral eye infections can spread easily within families. Very severe pain, blurred vision, swelling around the eyes, thick pus-like discharge, or increasing light sensitivity can sometimes happen when the eye irritation becomes more intense and may need proper eye treatment and examination.