What You Need to Know about Puffy Eyes

Eye puffiness is no fun, but did you know there are a variety of causes and fixes for them? We’ve got that info straight from the professionals, to help you in your time of swollen need.

The Why

The underlying cause of eye puffiness stems from fluid accumulation in the surrounding skin tissue. This bloaty buildup collects around your eyes and, since the tissue in that area is especially thin, your eyes puff up noticeably fairly easily.

Now, the cause of fluid retention can stem from a variety of things. Not getting enough sleep is a usual culprit, as is eating foods that are high in sodium (salt encourages fluid retention and bloating all over.)

Allergies also can leave your eyes very sensitive, with pollens and spores tormenting your tissues. Redness and itchiness may accompany the swelling if you have allergy-induced puffiness. Luckily, there are several remedies for this including eye drops, allergy pills, and nasal sprays.

If you wear contacts, you may simply have left your lenses in for too long. This barrier blocks air from reaching your retinas, and dries out, creating irritation, which leads to cornea swelling.

Alcohol consumption, if excessive, can affect your bodily tissues in a variety of ways, which can, in turn, manifest in eye tissue puffiness.

Of course, there’s always good old-fashioned aging. As you get older, fat deposits around the eyes can sag, creating a more swollen look than you have been accustomed to.

The Fixes

Reduce smoking. Smoking cigarettes dry out your skin and reduce collagen, both of which lead to loss of elasticity and an increase in sagginess.

Caffeine/Tea. Not just a lifesaver for keeping your energy up, the tannins and caffeine found in tea can actually help tame your eye swelling. Soak some teabags in warm water, refrigerate enough to be safely handled, and place them over your eyes for a few minutes. The tannins will be absorbed and start reducing your puffiness.

Adjust your diet/sleep schedule. Reducing the amount of sodium you intake, as well as making sure you get a good night’s sleep, are the best first line defenses.