The Mayo Clinic reports that as we age, it’s not uncommon for our eyes to swell or get increasingly puffy. The tissues and muscles that surround the eye and support the eyelid weaken while the fat that helps support the eyes settles beneath the lower eyelids causing a bag-like appearance. Puffy eyes, more often than not, is a cosmetic concern and rarely a serious medical problem. If you have puffy eyes along with other symptoms, you may want to call your doctor.
Periodic Discomfort
Puffy eyes accompanied by discomfort, itchiness, dry or watery eyes can be associated with seasonal or pet allergies. It is estimated, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, that 15 to 30 percent of people in the United States are allergic to cats and dogs. Pet allergies are typically caused by proteins in an animal’s dander, saliva or urine.
Many people only have a reaction if they touch a pet and then rub their eyes. There are some people, however, who can get watery, itchy or burning eyes by just entering the home of pet owners.
Seasonal allergies, called seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever, can occur when you breathe in mold spores or pollen from grass or weeds. Unlike allergies to plants and stinging insects, which requires contact, people with hay fever can get swollen, itchy eyes on days when pollen and mold count in their area is elevated.
Persistent Pain
The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests that if you have puffy eyes accompanied by redness, changes in vision along with a host of other symptoms, you may need to call your doctor. If you have injured your eye and you begin seeing spots, flashes, or have partial vision loss, you could have a detached retina, which is a serious medical problem. If you have flu-like symptoms along with eye pain, you could have an inflammatory condition. Sinusitis would cause thick nasal drainage; puffy, swollen eyes; and pressure behind your forehead. If there is a bump near an eyelid, you could have an insect bite.
Discharge
Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is a contagious condition caused by the same bacteria and viruses that cause colds and other infections according to Kidshealth.org. People with allergies tend to contract pink eye more frequently. Conjunctivitis is not a serious condition and it usually clears up on its own. Symptoms include discomfort, redness, thick discharge, sticky eyes and sensitivity to the light.
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