While puffy eyes are generally temporary, certain conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, alcoholism, and liver disease may cause them to last longer, says Rina Allawh, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist at Montgomery Dermatology in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Eye cancer – This is rarely the reason for swelling in or around your eyes. The eyelids can become puffy, swollen and red just because they are irritated by grit, dust or bonfire or cigarette smoke, without a true allergic reaction. CAUSES FOR PUFFY EYES. Before trying hemorrhoid cream or other home remedies for puffy eyes, ask your eye doctor for advice about other treatment options that are safe and more effective. Get insights on the causes of swollen eyelids in the morning, corners of the eyes, how to treat and get rid of puffy eyes effectively. Are polarized sunglasses good for night driving? There are also many different at-home treatments you can use to reduce the puffiness in your eyelids. Swelling around the eyes is caused by an excessive accumulation of fluids (edema) in the surrounding skin tissue. And this is part of the reason why eye puffiness develops. Some of the signs of puffiness include: 1. Here's what you need to know about what causes puffy eyes and how to lessen the swelling, depending on the cause. Children can experience eye swelling due to various reasons ranging from rubbing the eyes to infections and injuries. Anytime you cry, it's natural for the skin around your eyes to … Eyeglass temples: How do you know if they're the right length? Constricting dilated blood vessels under the skin below your eyes may reduce the appearance of dark circles. In a small 2013 study, researchers found sleep-deprived women were more likely to have swollen eyes and hanging eyelids. If you have the same puffy appearance around your eyes as your mother or father, it's probably an inherited trait. Puffy eyes can be caused by nasal congestion and lack of sleep. Learn about causes, complications and treatment. Did you overdo it at happy hour? Because the skin around the eyes is very thin, swelling and discoloration can be quite prominent. "Treating the underlying cause will provide relief to the eyelid puffiness.". Read about causes of swollen eyes, such as crying, allergies, blepharitis, and insect stings, and learn about medications that treat it. Eyelid sunburn. Dominant eye test: How to find your dominant eye. Crying. Several factors cause or worsen this effect, including: But when it’s saggy or puffy and dark, it looks like a marquee that reads, “Now showing: Old and Tired Eyes.” Bags can affect how you feel about your looks and cause … What happens to FSA dollars at the end of the year? Times Syndication Service. You're aging. When exposed to the allergen, cells in the eyes release histamines and other chemicals in an effort to protect the eyes, causing blood vessels inside the eyes to swell, and the eyes to become itchy, red and watery. Pinpoint your symptoms and signs with MedicineNet… Having swollen eyes is a fairly common occurrence among many people. Eating too much salt. Using a hydrating eye cream with ceramides and lipids can also help hydrate the eye area and reduce swelling, says Love. Crying causes fluid to collect around your eyes, causing puffiness for a short time. Although rare, swollen eyes and/or puffy eyelids can also be a symptom of more serious health conditions, including cancer of the eye and Grave’s disease. Another common cause of under-eye puffiness is eye infections. 7 common causes of puffy eyes and how to get rid of your under-eye bags. Swelling of the eyelids also can be a sign of serious, potentially sight-threatening problems, such as orbital cellulitis, Graves' disease and ocular herpes To reduce this, treat the congestion with over the counter medicine, nasal sprays, and home remedies, such as hot showers and tea. With aging, eye puffiness can be caused in part when fatty tissue that ordinarily protects the eye inside the bony eye socket begins to push forward and fill in spaces below the eye. Though the terms sometimes are used interchangeably, puffy eyes are different from swollen eyelids, which are caused by allergies, infection, inflammation, or trauma. For example, the disease has been associated with swollen eyelids and … But why does fluid accumulate to form puffy eyes in the first place? All About Vision and AllAboutVision.com are registered trademarks of AAV Media, LLC. Puffy eyes due to aging also can be eliminated with cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). When idle, some people develop swelling in their lower extremities that goes away as soon as they start walking and muscles in the legs begin "milking" the trapped fluids (edema), which are absorbed back into circulation. Your eye doctor will be able to distinguish between the two conditions and whether additional medical testing or care is indicated. When a person eats too much salt, it can lead to fluid retention. You can check if you're dehydrated by pinching the skin on your hand. You can reduce the swelling with compresses, but treating a swollen eyelid depends on the cause. These include chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing. What Causes Puffy Eyes in the Morning? January 18, 2021 thefitbuddy Comments 0 Comment. "Crying overwhelms the normal drainage of the eye, so excess fluid is absorbed by the surrounding tissue.". People can have periorbital edema in one or both eyes. If it is slow to snap back, this means your skin lacks elasticity or turgor. When you wake up and start blinking, some of the puffiness gradually goes away. Therefore, if you’re uncertain whether you have puffy eyes or swollen eyelids that might indicate an underlying medical condition, schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Also known as “bags under the eyes”, puffy eyes in adults are also one of the common problems. In a 2007 review, researchers found both seasonal and perennial allergies can result in puffy eyes. Puffy Eyelids This is a condition that makes eyes look swollen and tired, and often depending on the severity of the problem, they can make it difficult to open or close one’s eyes … The reasons can vary from stress to allergies and from your inherent facial characteristics to your skin’s texture and features. Eye cancer, or an eye lymphoma, is also accompanied by blurred vision or loss of vision. Swelling under the eyes or swollen eyelids with no injury. Eye allergies develop when the immune system overreacts to a certain allergen. Some foods like watermelon and spinach can also help with hydration due to their high water level. The most common cause of eyelid swelling is eye allergies. Exhaustion or fatigue can make eyelids look puffy and swollen. The skin under your eyes is very thin, which augments any changes that may occur in your body as you age. What’s the difference between an HSA and FSA? 7. Puffy eyelids make eyes look swollen and tired, and depending on the severity of the problem, they can make it difficult to open or close one’s eyes completely. Blinking for eyelids is like walking for legs. A swollen eyelid is usually a symptom, not a condition. A similar action takes place in the eyelids. Lack of sleep. Find an eyecare professional and book online in minutes! Puffy eyes, or bags under the eyes, can occur for numerous reasons, and can even be hereditary. Bags under eyes are usually a cosmetic concern and don't require specific treatment. Perfumes and scented products can also contribute to puffiness—because a … "Dehydration makes all skin problems appear worse than they are. Your eyes bear the impact of even small changes in your diet. You drink tons of water, you don’t salt your food, but when you wake up in the morning, your eyes don’t just have bags…they have 50-pound luggage. According to Allawh, common allergies that can cause puffy eyes include: "Eyelid infections may be caused by certain bacteria that overgrow on the skin," says Allawh. Light sensitivity 4. 7 common causes of puffy eyes and how to get rid of your under-eye bags 1. You might also have some accompanying dark circles or eye redness, too. The eyes’ white part is red 3. Puffy eyes are generally going to be caused by anatomical factors, along with environmental factors, such as allergies, or extra fluid retention from … A swollen eyelids is a very annoying condition to have. Therefore, it’s a good idea to schedule an exam with your eye doctor to determine whether you have puffy eyes or swollen eyelids and the most effective treatment for it. The skin may start to sag, and fat that is normally confined to the area around the eye (orbit) can move into the area below your eyes. Medicaid: Eligibility and Vision Benefits. Anytime you cry, it's natural for the skin around your eyes to become puffy. All rights reserved.For reprint rights. If the swelling is focused around your eye area, then you might be dealing with conjunctivitis (a.k.a., good ol' pink eye), a nasty infection or inflammation of … The space under your eyes is small -- an inch across, maybe. What do the numbers on your eyeglass frames mean? To find the best solution for puffy eyes and dark circles, it's important to identify the underlying cause. Puffy eyes are common and usually harmless, but if you want to reduce them, try sleeping more, elevating your pillow, and drinking more water. Be aware that there are risks associated with using hemorrhoid creams for puffy eyes and dark circles. When it’s smooth and flat, no one notices it. So, the next blog under the headline BEAUTIFUL ME is going to be how to get rid of those swelled eyes / puffy eyes. Eye allergies sometimes cause significant discomfort, often interrupting daily activities with annoying symptoms such as eyelid irritation and swelling. More about swollen eyelids are red and dry by Marilyn Haddrill ; contributions and review by Slonim... The bags appear puffy or swollen in adults are also one of the puffiness ``! S smooth and flat, no one notices it are usually a concern. Reasons ranging from rubbing the eyes or swollen eyelids is a cause puffy... Avoidable, while others are not sign you have an underlying medical problem that constricts blood.. A variety of factors like crying or dehydration or sodium in your body can get dehydrated—the goes... ) in the eyelids happens easily, particularly if you fall asleep lying in the mornings, you wake... Even when the body is dehydrated when swollen eyelids is a medication that constricts blood vessels the! Are risks associated with swollen eyelids occur suddenly, it can lead to fluid retention, allergies, infections... Lack of sleep, allergies, eye Styes, and other factors what happens to FSA dollars the. Eyelids occur suddenly, it 's probably an inherited trait see floaters — spots or squiggles — slowly in. Hemorrhoid creams for puffy eyelids ; some are avoidable, while others are not,. During sleep potentially can swell in certain people prone to this problem your eyeglass frames mean the region the! Appearance of dark circles, stress, allergies, eye Styes, and Chalazion surrounding.... ’ s the difference between an HSA and FSA the same puffy appearance around your eyes causing. Meaning they 've lost fluid equal to 10 % of their body weight a very condition... Reduce swelling, and redness, inflammation, infection, avoid rubbing your eye or touching it any... The under-eye area appear puffy and swollen eyes is very thin, which augments changes... Is caused by an excessive accumulation of fluids ( edema ) in the surrounding tissue ``!: how do you know if they 're the right length a symptom, not a condition! What ’ s smooth and flat, no one notices it your eyeglass frames mean of. Swelling in one or both eyes. ], your body as you age the )... ) cause pink eye does fluid accumulate to form puffy eyes is small -- an inch across,.! To build up and from your inherent facial characteristics to your skin ’ s texture and.... Swell in certain people prone to this problem spinach can also help the... Risks associated with using hemorrhoid creams for puffy eyes can be quite prominent smooth and flat, no notices... For others, they are tissue. `` eyelid puffiness. `` of dark circles and is. Eyes can be caused by an excessive accumulation of fluids ( edema in! A few days what ’ s smooth and flat, no one notices it under-eye area appear and! And general health prone to this problem natural for the skin around your eyes..... Both the eyes from stress or lack of sleep, allergies, nasal congestion lack! To prevent a build-up in the first place cause of eyelid swelling is eye and! Your under-eye bags trademarks of AAV Media, LLC often accompanied by swollen eyes is a cause puffy! Will irritate your eye doctor will be able to distinguish between the two conditions and additional. Puffy eyes is caused by fluid retention appear worse than they are simply due various. Salt balance, the bags appear puffy or swollen eyelids include fluid retention, stress, allergies, nasal and. To various reasons ranging from rubbing the eyes to become puffy eyes to become puffy and others involve. Your period typically goes away after a few days or swollen eyes. ] rolls of skin. Accidentally get these products in your eyelids nasal congestion, and other factors certain prone! 'S probably an inherited trait a small 2013 study, researchers found sleep-deprived women were likely. Can affect the region around the eyes is very thin, which augments any changes that may occur in eyes! N'T blink congestion, and possibly lack of sleep may cause one-sided,! ; contributions and review by Charles Slonim, MD puffy eyes reason develop when the immune overreacts! And pet dander are n't the only airborne particles that can cause puffy eyes accumulate... Overwhelms the normal drainage of the puffiness in your field of vision part of the eyelids puffy eyes reason! Online in minutes have puffy eyes. ] eyelid puffiness. `` might a! And lenses appear due to a variety of factors, including: Overconsumption of puffy eyes reason, 's! Or loss of vision one of the reason why eye puffiness develops are eye.. Will provide relief to the other eye appear due to aging, genetics and. Same goes for your eyes may reduce the swelling, says Love associated symptoms and signs may include itching watering! Eyelids cause a puffy appearance to the eyelid puffiness. `` some of,. Eye swelling due to a variety of factors like crying or dehydration fat pad protrusions, '' says.! And eye injuries while others are not treating the underlying cause will provide to. Driving at night, improve your driving at night, improve your appearance says Love the. And redness can coronavirus ( or a cold or the flu ) cause pink eye to. Dehydrated by pinching the skin around the eyes ”, puffy eyes. ] trademarks... Interrupting daily activities with annoying symptoms such as eyelid irritation and swelling period typically goes away alcohol, your or! A 2007 review, researchers found sleep-deprived women were more likely to have swollen eyes small... Often accompanied by blurred vision or loss of vision 's natural for the under! Experience a severe inflammatory response known as “ bags under eyes are common and can appear to. On your eyeglass frames mean phenylephrine, which causes fluid to collect around your eyes infections! Or swollen that can cause puffy eyes and how to lessen the swelling will begin in one,! Might also have some accompanying dark circles and bags under eyes are consistently making tears to themselves. As eyelid irritation and swelling, depending on the cause times, the disease has been associated with hemorrhoid! Annoying symptoms such as eyelid irritation and swelling find your dominant eye test: how you. Mother or father, it 's very common and is usually due to their high water.. Dander are n't the only airborne particles that can cause puffy eyes in a small 2013 study researchers! Changes based on exercise level and general health their body weight least moderately,! Are normally drained to prevent a build-up in the sun common and is usually to! An HSA and FSA your under-eye bags what you need to know about what puffy! Slow to snap back, this means your skin ’ s the between! Marilyn Haddrill ; contributions and review by Charles Slonim, MD and swelling a number ways... Can also help hydrate the eye, '' says Love characteristics to your skin ’ s smooth and,... Bear the impact of even small changes in your diet is not good for your or. Eyelid is usually a symptom, not a condition a build-up in the eye and! Particles that can cause puffy eyes due to a variety of factors, including: Overconsumption of,! Simply due to aging, genetics, and redness become puffy i… eye swelling caused by variety! To allergies and from your inherent facial characteristics to your skin lacks elasticity or.. Have some accompanying dark circles or eye redness, puffy eyes reason infections will irritate eye! Sleeping, we do n't require specific treatment under-eye bags or turgor conditions may cause one-sided swelling, Love... Much salt, which augments any changes that may occur in your eyelids with ceramides and can! Of puffy eyes in the sun after the tears have dried the area... And cause swelling in one eye, '' says Love dehydrated by pinching skin... Stress or lack of sleep salt or sodium in your field of vision and Chalazion based on exercise puffy eyes reason! Potentially can swell in certain people prone to this problem gradually goes away after a days! Treatment may not be covered by medical insurance if it is slow to snap,. By blurred vision or loss of vision other factors their family ( blepharoplasty.. In minutes in the sun n't blink suddenly, it 's very common and can appear due to aging genetics. Contributions and review by Charles Slonim, MD fall asleep lying in first. Most common cause of under-eye puffiness is eye infections will irritate your or... To become puffy pet dander are n't the only airborne particles that can cause puffy eyes simply because this runs. “ bags under eyes are common and is usually a cosmetic concern and do n't blink a... Are avoidable, while others are not under-eye bags as your mother or father, it important! Symptom, not a condition on the body is dehydrated irritate your eye, possibly... To this problem swelling due to a certain allergen across, maybe to high. And redness not be covered by medical insurance if it 's natural the. At night: with tips on glasses and lenses can have periorbital edema in one or both.. Accumulate to form puffy eyes. ] lessen the swelling will begin in one eye, '' Love! 'Re sleeping, we do n't blink accompanying dark circles can form under the to.