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Unveiling the Mystery: What Causes Puffy Eyes?

Gina, Master of Clinical Pharmacy
Published

LAST UPDATED:

what-causes-puffy-eyes

Puffy eyes are a common problem in which the skin around and under the eyes often looks red or swollen.

This symptom occurs when extra fluid accumulates in the delicate tissues around the eyes. 

However, many individuals wonder about the causes of puffy eyes to know how to help treat the problem effectively.

Let us explore the answer to the question, “What causes puffy eyes?”

Puffy eyes causes

Puffy eyes lead to swelling and inflammation under and around the eye area.

The common causes of puffy eyes include lack of sleep, allergies, genetics, aging, and more. 

Let us discuss all the causes in detail.

Lack of sleep

Lack of sleep is one of the most common causes of puffy eyes. 

A study states that lack of sleep may lead to hanging eyelids, Red Eyes, swollen eyes, puffiness, and more. 

The skin around the eyes is delicate and quick to show signs of fatigue.

Therefore, proper sleep is essential for maintaining a fresh and alert appearance. 

One should get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to combat puffy eyes.

Allergies

Red eyeSource: Pixelshot
Woman suffering from eye allergy

Allergies can cause puffy eyes, as our body releases histamines when it comes into contact with an allergen. 

Histamines are body chemicals that can lead to itchy eyes, Dry Eyes, watery discharge, and more.

The above can cause inflammation and swelling, mainly around the eyes. 

One should consult a doctor and avoid allergens to help ease allergy-related puffy eyes.

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Fluid retention

Fluid retention (Edema) is a problem caused by excessive salt intake, hormonal changes, or certain medical conditions.

The body’s natural response to high sodium levels is to retain water which can lead to puffiness around the eyes.

One should maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and reduce sodium intake to help prevent fluid retention and minimize puffy eyes.

Fact:
Many women experience Edema during menstruation or pregnancy.

Genetics

Genetics can play a big role in deciding how likely one is to get puffy eyes.

Some individuals may be genetically prone to puffiness due to thinner skin or a different eye structure.

One cannot change genetics but can adopt healthy habits to help minimize the impact of genetic factors on puffy eyes.

Also, the skin around our eyes becomes more sensitive to puffiness as we age because it loses flexibility and collagen.

Crying

Eye allergySource: Andrei310_from_GettyImages
A closeup of an swollen eye

The eyes constantly produce some tears to keep themselves naturally moisturized. 

However, one can get puffy eyes from crying due to increased tear production. 

During or after crying, the tissue surrounding the eyes may reabsorb the tears and lead to puffy eyes.

However, puffiness due to crying is temporary and goes away on its own.

Warning:
Persistent or severe eye puffiness accompanied by pain, vision changes, or other symptoms can indicate a more serious problem. Consult an eye expert for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment options for puffy eyes

Puffy eyes are a temporary problem and often resolve on their own. 

However, the treatment options for puffy eyes include lifestyle changes, home remedies, eye creams, and surgery.

One should get proper sleep to reduce fluid retention and use chilled cucumber to minimize swelling. 

Also, eye creams for puffiness with soothing ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid can help restore sensitive eye skin.

The doctors may also prescribe allergy medicines like Antihistamines to help reduce puffy eyes caused by allergic reactions. 

However, the doctors may also recommend laser therapy or surgery to help with persistent cases of puffy eyes.

One should get regular eye exams and consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment options. 

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Key takeaways

Puffy eyes are a common problem when extra fluid accumulates in the delicate tissues around the eyes. 

However, many are curious about- “what causes puffy eyes?”

The common causes of puffy eyes include lack of sleep, allergies, genetics, aging, and more. 

Puffy eyes are mostly temporary and resolve on their own.

However, treatment options like lifestyle changes, home remedies, eye creams, and surgery can help treat persistent cases of puffy eyes.

One should consult an eye expert for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my eyes puffy in the morning?

One can get puffy eyes in the morning due to fluid accumulation overnight, resulting from lying down and slowed circulation. Also, factors like dehydration, allergies, or sleep position can increase morning puffiness.

What foods cause puffy eyes?

Foods with high salt and sodium content can make one’s eyes look puffy by retaining water. Additionally, people with food allergies can get inflammation due to allergic reactions. One should maintain a balanced diet to help reduce the chances of puffy eyes.

Why are my eyes so puffy?

Puffy eyes can result from various factors like lack of sleep, allergies, fluid retention, aging, genetics, or lifestyle choices. It is important to identify the specific cause of puffy eyes and consult a doctor for proper treatment options.

Can stress cause puffy eyes?

Yes, stress can cause puffy eyes. Our body releases cortisol as a response to stress, which may lead to inflammation and swelling around the eyes. One should try relaxation techniques and get proper sleep to help with stress-related puffy eyes.

What viruses cause puffy eyes?

Yes, viruses can cause puffy eyes. Puffy eyes can be a common symptom of Mononucleosis, a condition caused by a herpes virus. Additionally, Viral Pink Eye can also lead to eye inflammation and swelling. 

Citations:
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