Puffy eyes are a common symptom that affects both men and women. Eye swelling can be mild and simply make the sufferer appear overtired, or it may be severe and interfere with opening and closing the eyes. Usually, puffy eyes are only of cosmetic concern. When eye swelling is chronic, interferes with vision, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it always requires medical evaluation.
Aging
Puffy eyes are often a normal part of the aging process. With increasing age, the tissues around the eyes and the muscles that support the eyelids weaken, according to the Mayo Clinic. This causes fat that is normally stored above the eyes to migrate into the lower eyelids, resulting in puffy bags. When this migration occurs depends on many factors, including heredity and overall weight. Puffy eyes caused by aging are typically treated with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). During this procedure, a surgeon cuts inside the lower lid or below the lash line to remove excess fat and trim away extra skin.
Fluid Retention
Fluid retention in the area around or beneath the eyes can cause the eyes to appear swollen and puffy. It is normally caused by hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during pregnancy or the monthly menstrual cycle. Fluid retention may also result from the use of some medications, illness, a high-sodium diet or the effects of gravity during back sleeping. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the fluid retention, but a change in sleeping position, reducing sodium intake, and using cool compresses on the eyes upon waking may minimize puffiness.
Sinus Congestion
Sinus congestion caused by allergies, viral or bacterial infections, or other sinus problems is a potential cause of puffy eyes, especially when eye swelling is accompanied by watery or itchy eyes, pain over the cheekbones or brow, or a stuffy nose. In most cases, avoidance of any allergic triggers or medical treatment of underlying infections or structural abnormalities of the sinus passages will alleviate puffiness. Elevating the sinuses during sleep can encourage sinus draining and ease puffiness and congestion.
Potentially Serious Causes
While most causes of puffy eyes are not serious, a few potentially life-threatening conditions can cause eye swelling and bags. Kidney problems, such as nephrotic syndrome, high blood pressure, and some autoimmune disorders may cause chronic fluid retention around the eyes or acute eye swelling. Puffy eyes are also seen in cases of hypothyroidism, according to the Thyroid Foundation of Canada, and this diagnosis should be considered when other symptoms of thyroid dysfunction are present, such as lack of sweating, brittle nails, pale skin, poor healing or coarse, dry hair. Eyecarebasics states that a condition called blepharitis, which causes inflammation of the corners of the eyes and eyelids, can also cause puffy eyes. Blepharitis requires medical attention.
References
- EyeDoctorGuide.com: Treating Puffy Eyelids Syndrome
- Mayo Clinic: Bags Under Eyes
- Eyecarebasics.com: Proven Methods to Deal with Eye Bags and Puffy Eyes
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Nephrotic Syndrome in Adults
- Thyroid Foundation of Canada: Thyroid Disease and the Skin
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