Puffy eyes occur for a wide variety of reasons. Most people experience puffy eyes at some point in their lives. Puffy eyes can sometimes be painful or sensitive, due to the swelling in the skin. The condition can make you look older and more tired. Puffy eyes are usually easy to treat, but treatment depends on your ability to identify the cause.
Allergies
Allergies are one of the most common reasons that puffiness develops in eyes. If your eye puffiness is seasonal, there is a good chance it is related to the pollen in the air. Pet dander can also get into your eyes and cause irritation, and occasionally allergic reactions can result in response to eye medications, contact lens solution and eye makeup, according to the Mayo Clinic. The best way to determine whether allergies are the cause is to observe your interactions with certain items and potential contaminants. You can also visit a doctor and take an allergy test to try and identify the cause.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness in your skin, particularly your face. This can also affect the eyelids and cause swelling. Puffiness resulting from rosacea is typically easy to identify since there will be redness in other locations on your face. However, swelling in the eyes can be caused by a combination of factors, so even the presence of rosacea does not prevent other irritants from contributing to your eye problems.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
According to the Mayo Clinic, dandruff in the eyebrows or on the scalp can get in the eyes and cause swelling and puffiness. This is a less common cause of puffy eyes, and the best way to eliminate it is to treat and cure the dandruff.
Bacterial Infection
Swollen or puffy eyes may be the symptom of a bacterial infection in your eyes or the skin surrounding them. Visit a doctor to confirm this cause and to get a medication to eliminate the infection.
Malfunctioning Oil Glands
The glands in your eyelids can sometimes malfunction, causing irritation in the eyelids that cause puffiness. This can usually be corrected with a trip to your doctor.
Eyelash Mites
Eyelash mites can be transferred to your lashes from another person, or they can be acquired due to poor hygiene in the eyes. These can irritate the skin around your eyes and cause puffiness, and the only way to eliminate the swelling is to treat and eradicate the mites.
