Eye puffiness is part and parcel of the aging process. The Mayo Clinic explains that as the tissue and muscles that support the eyelids gradually weaken, skin sags allowing the fat in the eye area to gravitate to the space underneath your eyes instead. Additionally, fluid caused by hot, humid days, fluctuating hormones, eating too much salt and allergies or dermatitis can cause eye puffiness. Even your sleeping habits can cause dreaded under-eye puff. Puffy eyes are generally a superficial concern and don't require you to see a doctor; however, there are medical treatments available if you're worried about your appearance.
Medical Treatments
The most invasive but effective treatment for baggy or puffy eyelids (upper and lower) is an eyelid surgery called blepharoplasty. During this procedure, a cut is made in the eye's natural crease and excess fat and skin are removed. The Mayo Clinic states that other cosmetic medical procedures, such as laser resurfacing or chemical peels, can make the skin tighter, detracting from puffy eyes.
Keep it Cool
A cool compress can help reduce puffy eyes. Mayo Clinic experts advise using a clean, cool, wet washcloth. The Mayo Clinic instructs patients to place the washcloth on the skin around the eyes for a few minutes, applying gentle pressure.
Sleep Tight and Right
Sleep with your head slightly elevated, advises the Mayo Clinic. You can find a way to prop up your mattress or use an extra pillow while sleeping at night. Getting enough sleep also helps reduce eye puffiness. Seven or eight hours of sleep are recommended for adults.
Allergy Control
If allergies are responsible for your puffy eye symptoms, it is important to see a doctor about getting a prescription medication. However, sometimes a drugstore medication works just as well. Soaps or cosmetics may be the cause of your irritation, so ask your doctor to help you choose the right products to use on your face.
What About Eye Creams?
Two words: Buyer beware. "We've seen over 150 different products that claim to make your eyes look better, but we`ve never seen evidence that any of these 'depuffers' really work," say the cosmetic scientists at BeautyBrains.com. Preparation H is often touted as a miracle cure for puffy eyes and eye bags, but BeautyBrains.Com refutes this as being "more of an urban legend than actual fact."
See a Doctor
Kidney or thyroid problems or infection can cause swelling in the eyes, cautions the Mayo Clinic. It is important to contact your doctor if puffy eyes are severe and persistent, you experience redness and discomfort (pain and itching), or other parts of your body are affected as well.
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