Puffiness around the eyes can be related to fluid retention, allergies or our normal aging process. Excess salt in your diet can cause fluid retention that shows up around the eyes, and puffy eyes can also appear due to poor sleep. Puffiness around the eyes usually responds to home remedies and does not require medical attention unless it continues or persists for a long time.
Temporary puffiness around the eyes often appears in the morning and can be caused by lack of sleep, too much alcohol on the previous night or eating a lot of salty food. This type of puffiness often disappears on its own or with simple home remedies.
Allergies can cause irritation, inflammation and swelling around the eyes. People who suffer from hay fever often experience itching, redness or swelling in the eye area. Dermatitis and other skin problems can also cause swelling and redness near the eyes, and contact lenses may sometimes cause irritation that leads to swelling.
Puffy eyes can also be related to the normal aging process. As you age, the tissues around the eyes become weaker and the skin around the eyes starts to loose its elasticity. Aging is often related to dark circles around the eyes or bags under the eyes.
Even one salty meal can cause some puffiness, and a diet that contains too much salt in general is one reason for recurring eye puffiness. Many snacks, processed foods and junk foods are high in salt. Drink enough water and avoid over salted junk food and processed foods. Exercise helps lymphatic flow and can prevent fluid retention.
Natural Home Remedies
Home remedies that may help to reduce puffiness include cool compresses that can be made with a wet cloth, with tea bags or with cucumber slices. There are also cosmetic eye creams, masks and other products that can help.
To make a compress, soak a clean cloth in cold water. Squeeze out excess water and place the cloth over your eyes for a few minutes. Used tea bags that are left to cool down can be helpful, and cold chamomile tea bags may help to relieve itching and redness. Make a cup of tea with two tea bags and save the bags. Keep them in the fridge until they are thoroughly cool. Place the cold tea bags on your closed eyes for a few minutes while you lie down.
Cucumber slices placed over closed eyes and around the eyes can also help to relieve irritation and puffiness. The cucumber slices should be cold (ideally taken from the fridge) as cold reduces swelling.
If the swelling and puffiness is persistent, if your eyes are also itching, red or painful, or if you are also having persistent puffiness in other body parts, eye puffiness could be related to an underlying health problem. In some cases puffy eyes need to be examined by a doctor or an eye care specialist. Generally puffy eyes will disappear without any treatment or with natural home remedies.
