Do your eyes look swollen or puffy? The swollen eyelids are due to the fluid that builds up in the thin layer of the surrounding tissue of the eyes, and the eyelids or the eyes can swell. Pink eyes are also seen in some cases. This swelling is referred to as puffy eyes.
What Are Puffy Eyes?
Puffy eyes are swelling of the eyes and are also known as periorbital puffiness. It refers to the accumulation of the excess fluid in the connective tissues throughout the eye, most commonly the eyelids.
Puffy eyes are also known as under-eye bags or bags under eyes. These are called due to the mild puffiness and swelling around the eyes. It is common as you age.
Puffy eyes or under-eye bags are rarely an indication of a major medical condition. Cold compresses at home can reduce the appearance of puffy eyes.
Generally, the eye swelling goes away on its own within a day but if the swelling lasts longer for 24-48 hours, you must visit an eye care professional.
Puffy Under Eyes Causes
Ageing is one of the main causes of the puffiness under the eyes. The skin under the eyes is very thin, which changes as you age. With ageing, the tissue in the eyelids gets weakened and due to this the fat in the upper eyelid can fall, coming to the lower eyelid.
Fluid accumulation is more likely to happen in the lower eyelid as you age. The fluid retention in the looks very prominent in the thin skin around the eyelids. The fluid retention is known as oedema. Oedema causes the eyes to appear puffier especially when you get up in the morning but as you start blinking it puffiness goes away.
Other Reasons That Cause Puffy Eyes
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Not Enough Sleep
Research study has found that not getting enough sleep is one the reason for the puffy eyes. It is also the reason for dark circles under the eyes, red eyes and droopy eyelids.
The muscles around the eyes get weaker due to lack of sleep. This is also the cause of loss of elastin and collagen tissue under the eyes. This causes the fluid to accumulate and make the area to swell. This under-eye swelling may last for 24 hours because of the little sleep.
The signs will become permanent if you have poor sleep regularly. Seven to nine hours of sleep is a must for adults.
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Too Much Salt Intake
Intake of too much salt in the diet can make the body retain water. The excess of water causes swelling and puffiness in the face and body. The skin around the eyes is very thin therefore is at higher risk of puffier. This leads to under-eye bags and also dark circles.
To reduce the puffy eyes, you should cut down the salt intake. Packaged and processed foods that have added salts should be avoided. Drinking plenty of water helps to flush out the excess sodium.
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Smoking
Smoking cigars, cigarettes irritates the eyes. You may experience an allergic reaction even if you do not smoke but if you are standing near a person who is smoking. This can make the eyes water triggering under-eye swelling. You should quit smoking if you want to prevent the eye puffiness and other symptoms.
If you are sensitive to leftover smoke particles, always try to clean the surfaces and items at your home. After being around the people who smoke, always wash your clothes and hair.
