Puffy Eyes: Underlying causes of this health issue and how to treat it

A lot of people notice their eyes swelling up, mostly in the morning. While this puffiness of the eyes may seem common, it is a health issue. Let’s look at some underlying causes of puffy eyes and treatment methods to get rid of them. Puffy eyes occur due to fluid accumulation in the lower eyelids. This condition often has a genetic component, meaning it tends to run in families. It can also result from the natural aging process, which leads to a loss of firmness in the skin and underlying muscles around the eyes. Additionally, puffy eyes may arise from localized factors, such as allergic reactions or eye infections, or systemic conditions affecting organs like the liver, kidneys, or thyroid.

Lifestyle factors include diet and sleep habits. If the diet of a person includes a lot of salty foods, that may lead to swelling of the eyes as salty foods cause water retention. Additionally, if an individual is not getting enough sleep, that may also lead to puffy eyes. Not drinking enough water can also lead to puffy eyes.

Allergies, Medical conditions

Allergic reactions like congestion and inflammation can lead to eye swelling. There are also some medical conditions, such as thyroid, that may lead to eye swelling. Additionally, if one is suffering from an iodine deficiency, puffy eyes in the morning are a common sign.

Genetics and aging

Puffy eyes can be a physical trait that runs in your family. Additionally, as a person ages, the skin and muscles lose firmness, which can result in the swelling of the eyes.

Infections and injuries

Some other reasons that can cause eyes to puff up are eye infections and blocked tear ducts. Eye infections like styes can cause puffiness. Whereas injuries, tumors, or eye infections can lead to tear ducts being blocked, which results in eyes swelling up.

Consuming too much salt

According to Dr. Nidhi Rastogi, Principal Consultant – Dermatology, Max Multi Speciality Hospital, Panchsheel park, “Consuming excessive salt or water before bedtime often results in noticeable puffiness upon waking. Typically, the swelling may worsen as the day progresses due to fluid retention in the lower eyelids.”

How to treat puffy eyes?

Some home treatments that you can try to get rid of puffy eyes are:
To address puffy eyes, consider the following remedies and preventive measures:
– Dietary Adjustments: Avoid consuming large amounts of salt or water before going to bed.
– Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get sufficient rest, as lack of sleep can exacerbate puffiness.
– Lifestyle Changes: Quit smoking, as it can aggravate skin issues and contribute to inflammation.
– Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress helps reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels, minimizing puffiness.

– Topical Treatments: Use specialized eye creams designed to target puffiness and improve skin elasticity.
– Advanced Options: For persistent puffiness, medical procedures such as filler injections or plastic surgery may be considered.
– Eliminating or reducing salt from your diet and getting sufficient sleep.
– Use cucumber slices or tea bags on your eyes. There are also eye creams that include caffeine, as caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, which means that it constricts blood vessels, leading to a reduction in under-eye swelling.
These steps can help alleviate puffiness and prevent it from worsening, promoting healthier-looking eyes. If these home treatments don’t work, a doctor should be consulted.