Puffy Eyes

Puffy eyes are mild swelling under the eyes and may also be referred to as periorbital puffiness. Puffy eyes are very common and may occur at any age due to a wide number of reasons. Ageing individuals may experience puffy eyes as the tissues around the eyes start to weaken. However, they can also affect younger people. Puffy eyes are rarely a sign of anything serious and can even be remedied through cosmetic surgery.

Symptoms of Puffy Eyes

Puffy eyes generally appear as mild swelling or puffiness under the eyes. This condition can occur due to fluid retention around the eyes and is most noticeable in the morning after waking up. Puffy eyes may be accompanied by certain noticeable symptoms related to the eyes, which may include:

• Mild, temporary swelling
• Sagging of the skin under the eyes
• The teary or reddish appearance of the eyes
• Dark circles

Cause of Puffy Eyes

The cause of puffy eyes may be as common as crying, but there can be many commonly observed causes of puffy eyes. These may include the following:

• Lack of sleep: Puffy eyes are very commonly observed in people who don't get ample sleep or stay up late. Puffy eyes may be accompanied by a feeling of tiredness and sleepiness during the day, as normal REM and non-REM sleep gets disrupted due to a lack of proper sleep or disruption in the normal sleep cycle.
• Allergic reaction: Allergies are one of the leading causes of puffy eyes and may even spread to other parts of the face and body. Some people may be allergic to certain foods or even medicines, which may lead to inflammation and swelling of the blood vessels. An allergic reaction may be accompanied by clogging of the nasal passages, which may automatically direct the drainage of fluids into areas around the nose and the eyes.
• Diet: Sodium is known for its water retention capacities in the cells, which may contribute to the puffiness of the eyes, especially if sodium is consumed in higher quantities. Eating too much salt or salty foods, which may be present in processed food, alcoholic drinks, carbonated beverages, etc., can contribute to puffiness. Limiting the intake of such foods may help reduce puffiness.
• Ageing: As people age, the skin around the eyes and the overall body, in general, begins to get loose and sag. This is due to low collagen production during old age, leading to thinning of the skin below the eyes. This allows fat to move into the under-eye areas and make them look puffy.
• Genetics: Puffy eyes and dark circles may be inherited if they run in the family, especially among immediate family members. Genetics may also be responsible for the ageing process and how it may affect different body parts, including the eyes.
• More serious conditions include anemia, renal and thyroid diseases and some forms of dermatitis  

Puffy eyes may also be caused by various medical conditions that can disrupt the fluid balance in the body. These conditions include:

• Conjunctivitis: An infection that affects the lining of the eyeball.
• Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids.
• Keratitis: Inflammation of the cornea.
• Diabetic retinopathy: A condition primarily affecting diabetic patients that causes eye problems.
• Orbital cellulitis: An infection of the tissues surrounding the eyeball.
• Sty: An infection of an eyelash.
• Optic neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve.
• Thyroid eye disease
• Chronic kidney disease

How do I get rid of Puffy Eyes?

Puffy eyes are often temporary and can be a result of an improper diet or lack of sleep. Correcting one's sleep schedule and ensuring an adequate amount of sleep can help alleviate puffy eyes naturally. Additionally, reducing the consumption of salty foods, particularly processed and packaged foods, as well as alcoholic beverages, may contribute to reducing puffiness around the eyes.

However, if puffy eyes are caused by underlying issues such as allergies, it is advisable to seek medical advice from a doctor for the most suitable solution.

How are they Diagnosed?

Puffy eyes are primarily noticeable from the outside due to evident swelling around the eyes. It may be appropriate to visit a primary care doctor to eliminate any potential health problems. The doctor may inquire about your medical and family history and conduct tests to rule out the possibility of an allergic reaction.

Puffy eyes are often diagnosed by conducting a physical examination and reviewing your medical history. Conditions like hay fever and conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye," are usually straightforward to identify, especially when there are known risk factors for these conditions.

However, in certain cases, especially when symptoms are sudden, severe, or recurrent, a more comprehensive investigation may be necessary. This is particularly true if the eye puffiness is one-sided (unilateral) and occurs without an apparent cause. The investigation process, depending on the suspected cause, may encompass:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This blood test helps in the detection of infections.
• Allergy Tests: These include blood tests and skin prick tests to identify allergens.
• Thyroid Blood Test: Conducted to assess thyroid hormone levels, whether they are too high or too low.
• Kidney Function Tests: Both blood and urine tests are employed to check for signs of chronic kidney disease.
• Eye Swab Culture: This test uses a swab to collect eye fluid for the identification of infections.
• Slit Lamp Examination: An instrument that uses a high-energy light beam to examine the interior of the eye.
• Imaging Tests: This may involve computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Treatments for Puffy Eyes

If puffy eyes are caused by congestion resulting from a cold, the doctor may prescribe nasal irrigation methods and decongestants. In the case of puffy eyes caused by the consumption of salty foods, a dietary change may be recommended. If the puffiness is a result of an allergic reaction, the doctor may administer antihistamine medication to alleviate the swelling.

In instances where the puffiness is a result of ageing or is present due to hereditary factors, the patient may consider opting for a cosmetic procedure to address the drooping or swelling around the eyes. In such cases, the patient may be referred to a cosmetic surgeon.

When to see your doctor?

Puffy eyes are seldom a symptom of a serious underlying issue. However, if they are accompanied by a skin rash, irritation, headaches, or changes in vision, it is advisable to seek advice from a doctor. If the primary care doctor suspects that puffy eyes may be related to problems occurring in other parts of the body, they may refer the patient to a specialist.

Home Remedies for Puffy Eyes

Puffy eyes may be treated at home with simple home remedies. 

• Using a cold compress 
• Avoiding drinking lots of fluids before bedtime 
• Getting enough sleep is important
• Avoiding smoking 
• Avoiding the use of known allergenic substances

Conclusion

Puffy eyes are very common in younger and older people alike. It is rarely a cause of a serious health condition. Puffy eyes may be treated at home and may be temporary. Sometimes it may be permanent, as in the case of ageing.

FAQs

1. Are puffy eyes serious? 

Puffy eyes are often caused by lifestyle choices and ageing and are rarely a cause for concern.

2. When should I be worried about puffy eyes? 

If puffy eyes are accompanied by irritation, skin rashes, headaches, or vision problems, it is necessary to visit a doctor.

3. Can lack of sleep cause puffy eyes? 

Lack of sleep is one of the primary causes of puffy eyes in the younger population. An improper sleep cycle may also contribute to puffy eyes.

4. Can liver problems cause puffy eyes? 

Problems in liver function may also contribute to the appearance of puffy eyes.