Puffy eyes affect both women and men, become more common with increasing age and are rarely cause for medical concern. Most cases of puffy eyes are intermittent and can be treated at home with lifestyle and dietary changes. Puffy eyes that develop suddenly or are accompanied by severe fluid retention elsewhere in the body require prompt medical attention, according to Eyecarebasics.com.
Use Cool Compresses
Applying cool compresses directly to puffy eyes can reduce swelling and lighten dark circles. Use a commercial eye pack available at your local pharmacy, or make your own at home with a small towel and cold water. While ice packs can reduce the swelling of puffy eyes, direct application of ice can damage the delicate skin tissue around your eyes. EyeDoctorGuide.com recommends applying hemorrhoid cream to the skin beneath your eyes after removing the cool compresses. This will further reduce inflammation and minimize bags.
Relieve Sinus Congestion
Allergies, bacterial infections, viruses and other sinus problems may all cause or contribute to puffy eyes. Puffy eyes caused by allergies are treated by avoiding exposure to the offending allergen or taking antihistamines or other medications. Bacterial infections require treatment with antibiotics, and surgery may be necessary to treat sinus congestion due to nasal polyps, structural abnormalities or other causes.
Make Lifestyle Changes
Puffy eyes caused by general fluid retention may be relieved with lifestyle and dietary changes. Reducing your sodium intake, sleeping on your side or with your head elevated, and taking a daily omega-3 fatty acid supplement may ease fluid retention and combat inflammation. Avoid irritating cosmetics and eye care products, as these may make inflammation worse. EyeDoctorGuide.com also suggests wearing sunglasses and sunscreen every time you leave the house and wearing goggles or glasses during windy weather to prevent eye irritation. Sleeping seven to eight hours each night also helps eliminate puffy eyes, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Treat Underlying Health Conditions
In some cases, puffy eyes may be a sign of a potentially serious underlying health condition. Nephrotic syndrome and other kidney problems, high blood pressure, and certain autoimmune conditions are causes of puffy eyes that may be life threatening if left untreated. The Thyroid Foundation of Canada states that puffy eyes are also a symptom of hypothyroidism, especially when accompanied by brittle nails, pale skin and slow healing. An eye condition called blepharitis may also cause puffy eyes, according to Eyecarebasics.com. Blepharitis causes inflammation of the eyelids and corners of the eyes and requires medical attention.
References
- EyeDoctorGuide.com: Treating Puffy Eyelids Syndrome
- MayoClinic.com: Bags Under Eyes, Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Eyecarebasics.com: Proven Methods to Deal with Eye Bags and Puffy Eyes
- Thyroid Foundation of Canada: Thyroid Disease and the Skin
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Nephrotic Syndrome in Adults
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