Causes of Puffy Eyes
Bags under the eyes and swollen or puffy eyes result from excess fluid around the eyelid and eye area. Fluid retention leading to swollen eyes can be caused by several different factors including:
- Aging.
- Genetics.
- Allergies.
- Tiredness.
- Excessive crying.
- Fatigue.
- Diet, particularly with high salt and/or sodium intake.
- Thyroid conditions.
Below, we'll look at how these common eye conditions and infections cause eye swelling and tips on how to get rid of puffy eyes.
Aging and Genetics
As people age, collagen production decreases and you lose muscle tone, skin firmness, and elasticity. Collagen loss can affect the skin around your eyes causing it to thin.
As collagen lessens, fat can move into the area beneath your eyes, which gives the appearance bags under the eyes. Aging skin is more prone to fluid retention, which can increase with fatty deposits under the eyes, causing a more swollen under eye area.
Genetics can also play a role in puffy eyes and under-eye swelling. While there isn't a single gene associated with baggy eyes, if one or both of your parents or a sibling have eye bags, there is a higher chance you may develop them.
Aging and genetics are both unavoidable, but that does not mean you can't take steps to reduce the puffiness. Here are a few techniques you can try to get rid of puffy eyes:
- Try an eye cream with retinol, collagen, caffeine, and/or hyaluronic acid. Always consult your doctor or dermatologist before testing new products on your skin.
- Use cold compresses like a cold, wet washcloth on your eyes to ease swelling.
- Get adequate sleep and develop a bedtime routine to enhance your sleep.
- Reduce sodium intake.
High-Salt Diet
Eating a high-sodium diet that includes salty foods like cured meats, salted canned goods, and highly processed/prepared foods can cause puffy eyes. When you eat salty foods, your body retains more water, which can cause swollen eyes, bloating, puffy hands and/or feet, and high blood pressure.
For reference, the FDA recommends less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day.
To that end, the following dietary changes may help get rid of puffy eyes:
- Buy and prepare fresh foods instead of packaged foods.
- If you eat canned foods, rinse them beforehand to remove some sodium.
- Limit how much salt you add when cooking.
- Choose reduced-sodium condiments.
- Read nutrition labels to ensure you’re not exceeding the daily recommend amount of sodium.
Thyroid Conditions
One cause of swollen eyelids and puffiness that people may not consider is related to thyroid conditions like thyroid eye disease (TED) or Graves disease, which are both autoimmune disorders and can be related to each other.
People with TED may experience swollen eyes, increased fatty tissue around the eyes, and possible damage to tissues surrounding their eyes.
Graves disease can lead to hyperthyroidism, which causes your body to make more thyroid hormone than necessary. It can also develop into Graves 'ophthalmopathy (GO), which can damage muscle and other tissues around your eyes. Symptoms of GO include:
- Bulging eyes.
- Puffy eyes.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Eye irritation.
- Eye pain and/or pressure.
- Blurred vision.
Treatment will depend on the type of eye condition you have. Typically, more severe thyroid eye conditions are treated with medication like prescription eye drops and/or anti-inflammatory drugs like steroids or may even require surgery. You can help control mild symptoms by wearing sunglasses, sleeping with your head elevated to prevent puffy eyelids, and using cold compresses.
Broken Blood Vessel
A broken blood vessel occurs when the white part of your eye becomes bright red from the blood leaking under the clear conjunctiva (white part of your eye). This may cause swelling or puffy eyes. While the redness may look threatening, it is usually harmless and typically isn't considered an emergency.
Treatment for a broken blood vessel in your eye is limited as it takes time for the blood to absorb, typically within a week or two. If you experience irritation, over-the-counter eye drops may ease discomfort as your eye heals.
Eye Allergies
Allergies are typically seasonal but can occur year-round when an irritant affects your eyes. Common irritants like pet dander, dust mites, plants, molds, or fumes can cause puffiness, red itchy eyes, or unusually watery eyes.
Treatment for eye allergies includes over-the-counter antihistamines, artificial tears, washing hands after petting animals, and keeping windows closed to prevent allergens from blowing inside.
If your allergies continue to cause puffy eyes, irritation, or discomfort, see your eye doctor or general doctor to discuss prescription medication or eyedrops that may be helpful.
Computer Eye Strain
Studies have shown that people who use a computer or other digital screen for prolonged amounts of time tend to blink less. This can lead to computer eye strain, a condition that can cause fatigue, eye swelling, blurry vision, headaches, and dry eyes.
While it may be difficult to avoid screen time if you work on a computer, taking regular breaks and limiting screen time after work can help rest your eyes. When you are using a screen, make sure you have adequate lighting, anti-glare screen or glasses, a comfortable working position, and a proper distance from the screen (20 to 28 inches from your eyes).
Applying eye drops and wearing computer glasses prescribed by your eye doctor can also help alleviate symptoms of digital eye strain.
Pink Eye
Pink eye is a form of conjunctivitis often related to the common cold, flu, or infection, and can result in multiple symptoms such as:
- Itching.
- Burning.
- Stinging.
- Eye discharge.
- Eye swelling.
- Watery eyes.
Pink eye can be viral or bacterial and is very contagious. Be sure to wash your hands often and avoid rubbing your eyes to prevent spreading it to others.
Pink eye will typically resolve on its own but may cause discomfort. Use a cool, wet compress to help with eye swelling, and artificial tears to help with dryness and inflammation. Avoid wearing contacts until the pink eye heals.
If eye pain and irritation persist, it's best to see your eye doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.
