Periorbital edema is swelling around the eyes due to fluid buildup, often caused by underlying disorders such as kidney, heart, or liver problems. It can also be caused by nephrotic syndrome, eye infections, or allergies. Treatment involves addressing the underlying disease and reducing salt intake, and diuretics may be prescribed.
Periorbital edema is swelling of the tissues around the eyes due to fluid buildup and buildup. It is often not regarded as a disease in itself but rather as a sign of an underlying disorder. Individuals with kidney, heart, and liver problems are at a high risk of developing edema around the eyes and in other parts of the body, such as the legs and feet.
Fluid buildup around the eyes is often caused by several medical conditions. In congestive heart failure, for example, the inability of the heart to pump blood effectively reduces the amount of blood flowing to the kidneys. When smaller amounts of blood go to the kidneys, the kidney cells are often affected. This often results in the kidneys’ inability to filter water properly, thus leading to accumulation of water in the tissues. Other conditions that lead to periorbital edema are kidney failure, nephrotic syndrome, and liver disease.
Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disease in which patients have low levels of protein in their blood because they lose it through urine. Children with nephrotic syndrome often have periorbital edema. Not all children with the condition, however, have nephrotic syndrome. Other causes in children include eye infections and allergies.
Puffiness around the eyes is usually pronounced upon waking up, mostly due to the effect of gravity when lying down. It is often asymptomatic in nature or usually shows no symptoms at all. Some cases, however, can become severe and interfere with normal eye opening and narrowing of the visual field. In such cases, the conjunctiva, or the white part of the eye, often becomes red or inflamed. Eye inflammation can lead to crusting, become painful, and cause difficulty opening your eyes after sleeping.
A cardiologist, renal doctor, or gastrointestinal doctor can manage patients with periorbital edema. Patients with periorbital edema often undergo a series of tests to rule out the possibility of heart, liver, and kidney problems. Doctors often treat patients with periorbital edema by addressing the underlying disease first. They usually recommend reducing your intake of foods high in salt or sodium. Some patients are also given diuretics, a group of drugs that promote water excretion, to help the body get rid of excess fluids.
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