What Are Puffy Eyes?
The skin that bound your eyes is more delicate and thinner than that of the other part of your face. When fluid accumulates in the thin layer of tissue surrounding your eyes and eyelids can swell and look puffy. If you notice that your eyes appear puffy in the mornings it could be due to retention of fluid. However, there are a variety of factors that can contribute to your eyes appearing puffy as well as swollen. Additionally, shadows and discoloration of the skin can also make your eye bags look even more visible.
What Causes Puffy Eyes?
One of the main causes of puffy eyes is aging as the skin under your eyes is very thin which augments any changes that may occur in your as you age. Over time, the tissue in your eyelids can weaken which can cause the fat in your upper eyelid to fall coming to rest in your lower eyelid.
Fluid is more likely to get trapped in your eyelid as you age whereas fluid retention is known as edema. The thin skin around your eyelid can cause the retention of fluid to be very prominent, resulting in puffy eyes. You may also notice that your eyes seem puffier when you get up in the morning. This could be the result of edema but once you begin to blink you may notice that your eyes start to look less puffy. These include:
- Inadequate sleep
- excessive smoking
- a high sodium diet
- genetics
Other causes of puffy eyes are:
- Allergies– Swelling of the eyes is a common symptom of allergies. You may also experience puffiness in the eyes if you have an allergic reaction to any food or any chemical substances.
- Pink eye– Medically known as conjunctivitis which can cause puffy eyes too. This is an infection that is caused by the virus and bacteria and is usually quite painful.
- Chalazion– A chalazion is a harmless bump in the eyelid which is also a cause of puffy eyes.
- Trauma– Swelling may occur when the eyes receive injuries in which the eye compresses and retracts resulting in the accumulation of blood in the affected area.
What Are The Symptoms Of Puffy Eyes?
Puffy eyes may accompany other symptoms which may vary depending on the disorder. They are:
- Discharge from the eyes
- Dry eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Lumps or nodules of the eyelid
- Red, sore eyes
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Stuffy nose
- Swelling of the face
- Enlargement of the lymph nodes
- Sudden change in vision
- High fever
Treatments
1) Medications
A. Eye Drops
Antihistamine eye drops work effectively if you are having eye puffiness due to an allergy. Steroid eye drops work well in case of swelling that is caused by an allergic reaction. However, steroids should only be used when recommended by your doctor. If steroids are used to treat puffiness due to other causes which may cause more harm.
B. Anti-Allergy Medications
Anti-allergy are helpful in order to treat puffiness of the eye caused by an allergic reaction. The most commonly used anti-allergic medications are cetirizine, fexofenadine.
C. Ointment
An anti-bacterial ointment aids to reduce puffiness if it’s caused due to a bacterial infection. Some people get relief by applying hemorrhoid treatment ointments. Look over-the-counter ointments that have phenylephrine which helps to narrow blood vessels by reducing the swelling.
2) Home Remedies
Certain home remedies and modifications in lifestyle can go a long way in reducing the appearance of puffiness around your eyes.
A. Cold Compress
Grab a clean cloth and wet it with cool water. Find a comfortable spot and apply and the wet washcloth to the skin under your eyes for a few minutes.
B. Rinse Your Eyes
Rinsing your eyes with cold water can be refreshing which is a great way to instantly brighten up the tired eyes while temporarily minimizing the appearance of puffiness.
C. Use A Pillow
Use a pillow while sleeping with your head raised so that the fluid does not accumulate around your eyes.
D. Quit Smoking
Smoking tobacco can lead to faster collagen loss which may lead to puffy eyes as thin skin under the eyes becomes even thinner.
E. Eye Creams
There are various eye creams available out there that can aid in reducing the puffiness around your eyes. Look for the cream that contains the ingredients such as arnica, cucumber.
