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Under-eye puffiness can be caused by aging, hypothyroidism, allergies, infections, or lifestyle choices. Treatment includes cold compresses, lifestyle changes, and surgery. Hormonal changes during menstruation and pregnancy can also contribute to swelling.
Under-eye puffiness, or edema, is commonly caused by normal aging, hypothyroidism, allergies, infections, or lifestyle choices. Sometimes, hormones related to pregnancy or menstruation can cause bloating. Swelling can be treated with cold compresses or by taking preventative measures such as lifestyle changes. Occasionally, those with eye swelling may need to seek surgery.
As we age, the delicate skin around the eyes becomes thinner and also tends to lose its elasticity. Sometimes, subcutaneous fat begins to swell or fill in less elastic tissue, which can lead to long-term puffiness or swelling under the eyes. It can be treated with cosmetic surgery.
Hypothyroidism can be a cause of general swelling of the face, including puffiness under the eyes. This is caused by mucopolysaccharides, or long chains of sugar molecules, drawing fluid into the tissue under the eye. If the bloating is chronic and if a person is suffering from other symptoms of hypothyroidism such as cold intolerance, lethargy, and/or weight gain, a thyroid test may be warranted.
Allergies are sometimes responsible for puffiness under the eyes. Reactions can occur with exposure to animal dander, foods, plants, and many other environmental agents, even when a person has not reacted to them in the past. Antihistamines are often the treatment of choice for common allergens.
Blepharitis, or eyelid inflammation, is an infection that can cause swelling under and around the eyes. Symptoms may include itching, excessive watering, feeling as if something is in the eye, or burning. Treatment may include antibiotic ointments or drops.
Conjunctivitis can be viral, bacterial or due to an allergen. This is a very contagious disease that can cause swelling under the eyes, redness of the whites of the eye, or itching or burning sensations. This disease is usually treated with antibiotic ointments or eye drops.
A stye can also cause swelling around the eyes. This is a bacterial infection in which the sebaceous glands at the base of the eyelashes become inflamed. Styes look like small, acne-like bumps and, like acne, shouldn’t be popped because they could spread the bacteria. They are usually treated with antibiotics.
Lifestyle choices are another common cause of under eye puffiness. Oversleeping, sleep deprivation, or following a high-salt diet can cause fluid retention throughout the body, including under the eyes. Alcohol tends to dehydrate the body and can cause puffiness under the eyes. Getting enough sleep and eating or drinking in moderation are necessary steps to avoid lifestyle-related eye problems.
Hormonal changes during menstruation and pregnancy can also contribute to swelling of the eyes and face. During hormonal fluctuations, the body can retain fluids. In addition to the common premenstrual bloating, the skin under the eyes may become slightly swollen. People can treat this type of bloating by staying hydrated. Some beauty experts recommend placing used tea bags, cucumber slices, or cold compresses on your eyes for several minutes to cool the area, causing blood vessels to constrict.
