Puffy eyes are the result of a combination of factors, including your age, allergies, how you sleep, what you eat and genetic makeup. If you experience frequent eye puffiness, treatments are available--and some of them can even be found in your refrigerator. Pinpointing the cause of your puffy eyes also will help determine your best treatment option. For example, if your puffy eyes are due to allergies, dietary reductions in sodium to reduce puffiness may not be suitable for your causes. To determine why your eyes are puffy, take note of when puffiness occurs. If it is when you first wake up, it is likely due to the way you sleep; if during the spring allergy season, it is due to allergies. Then, try one of the treatments designed to suit your specific condition.
Cooling Under-eye Cream
If you have experienced a sleepless night or perhaps a crying session, your puffy eyes could be the result of blood vessel dilation. When the blood vessels enlarge, this causes the skin under the eye to puff up. Combat this with a cooling under-eye cream that contains ingredients designed to constrict blood vessels. Active ingredients may include caffeine and calendula.
Cucumbers
While many tout the cucumber's healing properties, cucumbers have two chief aspects going for them in terms of helping puffy eyes. First, cucumbers that have been refrigerated can cool the eye, causing the blood vessels underneath to constrict and de-puff. Secondly, cucumbers are the ideal shape to place over the eyes. Cut two slices about 1/4-inch thick, then place over the eyes for five to 10 minutes for best results.
If you would prefer not to use cucumbers, other alternatives can offer similar benefits, including applying chilled green or chamomile tea bags, a frozen bag of vegetables with a cloth over them or a cool, moist washcloth.
Diet Low in Sodium
According to Eye Doctor Guide, most people should eat 2,500 milligrams of sodium per day, yet they may eat as much as 5,000 milligrams. Consuming excess amounts of sodium causes the body to retain water, which can result in bloating and under-eye puffiness. For those with puffy eyes, a diet that avoids processed and fried foods may help to treat the inflammation that can cause eye puffiness. Vegetables belonging to the nightshade family, including potatoes, tomatoes and eggplant, all may contribute to puffy eyes and should be avoided.
Allergy Treatments
For those with allergies, allergens can infiltrate both the eyes and the sinus cavities to cause inflammation and swelling. In addition to avoiding windy or dusty areas that may sweep allergens into the eyes, over-the-counter allergy treatments may help to treat puffiness of the eyes, according to the Mayo Clinic.
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