Causes of Puffy Eyes – What is Eye Puffiness, Prevention And Symptoms

Puffy eyes may be experienced due to several possible reasons. First of all, puffy eyes is a condition wherein the eyes swell. The skin around the eyes can also become slightly inflamed thus the term "puffy". The skin around the eyes is one of the thinnest and most sensitive parts of the body. It also has many blood vessels which is why it is very sensitive. Puffy eyes typically go away after a couple of days. However, it can also be a symptom of another eye condition. This is why it is best to consult an eye care professional if your eye puffiness is persistent or doesn't subside after a couple of days.

When Should You See a Doctor?

When the eye puffiness is persistent or severe, it is time to see your doctor or consult an eye care professional. Also, if you experience discomfort, pain, blurry vision or other conditions, you should go to an optometrist for an evaluation. In some cases, there may be an underlying condition causing the eye puffiness.

Are Puffy Eyes the Same as Under Eye Bags?

Eye puffiness and under eye bags are two different eye conditions. Eye puffiness mainly affects the eyes while under eye bags affect the skin right below the eyes or lower eyelids. There is a specific kind of puffy eyes called under eye puffiness which affects the lower portion of the eyes. This is also different from under eye bags.

In some cases, bags under the eyes come with mild swelling or puffiness of the eyes. This is usually due to aging since the tissues around the eyes become weaker as a person ages. Under eye bags are typically due to fluid retention in the space right below the eyes. There are many kinds of treatments for eye bags and eye puffiness. Eye creams are one of the most popular treatments that can target both problems.

Symptoms of Puffy Eyes

When the eyelids swell, this is usually a symptom that there is an underlying cause for the problem such as infection or allergy. Symptoms of puffy eyes can include eye irritation like an itchy sensation. If the extent of the puffiness is severe, vision can also be obstructed. Sometimes the eyelids become red and inflamed. In very severe cases, eyelid dryness, flaking and eye discharges can occur. If pain is experienced, this may be an indication of an infection.

Causes of Puffy Eyes

It is very important to determine the exact cause of the eye puffiness and determine what kind it is. If it is just under eye puffiness then some home remedies and some Dos & Don'ts can eliminate the problem. Eye creams can also be beneficial in most cases of eye puffiness. Here are the top causes of puffy eyes:

Allergies:

Eye allergies happen due to the immune system's response to a foreign substance which is called an allergen. Pet dander, certain substances, pollen and dust can cause eye allergies resulting to puffy eyes. In some cases, you may be allergic to an ingredient in the makeup or eye product you are using. The most popular treatment is the use of histamine. It would be best to determine what you are allergic to and avoid them.

Fluid Retention:

Eye puffiness particularly under eye puffiness can be due to edema or water retention. This may occur because of your diet, certain medications or dehydration. If the water retention problem is severe or persistent, you need to consult your doctor for the appropriate treatment.

Aging:

Skin elasticity decreases as a person ages. This is especially the case of the skin around the eyes which are the thinnest and most delicate in the body. Also, skin structure becomes weaker making it more prone to damage and irritation. Since aging occurs naturally, the best solution to this problem is using the best eye creams that are designed for puffy eyes.

Conjunctivitis:

Pink eye or conjunctivitis is simply the inflammation of the conjunctiva or the clear lining of the eye's surface. It can be caused by allergies, virus and bacteria. The symptoms of this eye condition include red, watery and itchy eyes. The solution to this problem is keeping your eyes clean by washing it and using hydrating eye drops. If it doesn't subside in a few days, you need to consult your doctor.

Eye Injuries:

Trauma to the eye area can trigger swollen eyes and eye puffiness. This includes eyelid contusions (black eye) and cosmetic surgery trauma. The problem will usually subside after a few days. You just need to be careful and protect the affected area.

Crying:

Crying is one of the most common causes of under eye puffiness. It usually disappears completely after a few days. You can try applying a cold compress or constantly washing your face with cool water to reduce inflammation and make it subside faster.

Other Causes:

There are many other causes of eye puffiness like skin disorders, ocular herpes, orbital cellulitis, the use of contact lenses, hereditary factors, blepharitis, oversleeping and insufficient sleep. Once you determine the exact cause, it would be easier to come up with the best treatment. If the cause is any kind of eye disorder or disease, it is best to consult an eye care professional.

Puffy Eye Treatments:

In most cases, eye puffiness is simply caused by aging, water retention, crying and too much or lack of sleep. In these cases, the best treatment is the use of effective eye creams. There is no need for surgery or any kind of medication unless the disease or trauma is involved. Just remember that you should be cautious in choosing an eye cream and perform extensive research to determine which one is the most effective. Study the ingredients of the eye cream you're considering for purchase and make sure that it is not just effective but also safe.