Puffy Eyes : Swelling under the eyes
Periorbital edema, commonly known as puffy eyes, results from fluid retention and can stem from various factors such as allergies, insufficient sleep, excessive salt intake, and medical issues like thyroid disease.
DISEASES & DISORDERS
Swelling or puffiness under the eyes is a common issue these days. Several factors can contribute to this condition:
Sleep Patterns: Not getting enough sleep due to work stress, excessive drinking, or staying up late can lead to puffiness under the eyes in the morning.
Salt Intake: Consuming too much salt in your diet can cause fluid retention, leading to swelling around the eyes.
Allergies, Aging, and Genetics: Factors like allergies, aging, and genetic predisposition can also contribute to under-eye swelling.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions like chronic kidney disease, thyroid disorders, styes, blepharitis, and conjunctivitis can result in periorbital edema (swelling around the eyes).
Medicinal Side Effects: Some medications like Aczone, anticonvulsants, minocycline, Flagyl, and NSAIDs can also cause periorbital edema as a side effect.
Overall, various lifestyle factors, medical conditions, and medication side effects can lead to swelling or puffiness under the eyes.
Periorbital swelling is a self limiting condition and usually it doesn't require any medical aid unless one is suffering from allergies or thyroid/kidney diseases, then in these cases we have to address the underlying disease conditions first which will eventually decrease the swelling under the eye.
To get rid of puffy eyes completely, it's essential to address the underlying cause. Here are some tips based on different factors:
Improve sleep hygiene by keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, avoiding food and electronics before bedtime, and establishing a nightly routine.
Dietary Changes: If the cause of your puffy eyes is unclear, reducing your daily sodium intake can be beneficial. Follow these tips to lower your sodium intake:
- Cook meals from scratch using fresh ingredients.
- Reduce consumption of processed foods.
- Rinse canned items like beans to reduce sodium content.
- Opt for low-sodium versions of food products, such as soy sauce.
- Control portion sizes of salty foods.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies: Try these simple strategies at home to alleviate puffiness under your eyes:
- Use a cool compress by placing a wet washcloth with cool water around your eyes for a few minutes.
- Avoid allergy triggers by staying indoors during high pollen and mold levels, and regularly vacuuming and dusting your home.
- Quit smoking, as it can accelerate collagen loss and lead to irreversible eye bagginess.
Caffeine: Caffeine can help reduce under-eye puffiness by constricting blood vessels and reducing edema caused by leaky vessels. Consider using skincare products containing caffeine or consuming caffeinated beverages in moderation.