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What Are the Common Causes of Swollen Puffy Eyes?

Jacob Queen
Jacob Queen

There are several potential issues that can lead to swollen puffy eyes but there are a few culprits that are more common than the rest. Allergies are generally the most frequent cause, and these will usually be accompanied by other symptoms, including sneezing and drainage from the eye. Another common cause is water retention, which can be triggered by metabolic processes, certain dietary choices, and natural body cycles. Sometimes swollen puffy eyes are caused by general inflammation, either from some kind of irritation in the eye itself or an inflammatory disease that causes widespread symptoms around the body.

Most of the time, swollen puffy eyes aren’t really a serious condition. Given enough time, the swelling will generally subside on its own and there aren’t usually any further complications. Some people consider swollen eyelids to be a serious cosmetic concern, and for those individuals, figuring out exactly what is causing the swelling in the first place can be a top priority.

Anatomy of the human eye.
Anatomy of the human eye.

Swollen puffy eyes are usually the result of an allergy. Eyelid inflammation is often a normal part of the process of an allergic reaction, which might also include nasal drainage, coughing, and excessive tear production. Sometimes these kinds of allergic responses can be serious, and might include swelling of the tongue, airway blockage, and other potentially life-threatening issues. Usually, however, they come from minor irritants, and the symptoms don’t reach a dangerous level. When swollen puffy eyes are caused by an allergy, certain medications can be helpful, and avoiding the allergen responsible is also a good idea if it’s possible for the individual to do so.

Allergies may cause swollen puffy eyes.
Allergies may cause swollen puffy eyes.

The eyelids are one of the areas where excess water is sometimes stored, so when the body starts retaining water for some reason, swollen puffy eyes are very likely. For example, if someone drinks too much alcohol, he is likely to suffer from dehydration and the body will generally start retaining water, possibly leading to eyelid swelling. Feminine body cycles can also lead to water retention, and many experts believe certain dietary choices can make the body retain water, including the overconsumption of sodium. If the problem is caused by water retention, taking in some extra water can sometimes reduce the swelling.

Swollen puffy eyes and sneezing may be a sign of seasonal allergies.
Swollen puffy eyes and sneezing may be a sign of seasonal allergies.

Inflammatory diseases involving the autoimmune system can cause abnormal swelling around the body, including the eyelids. If the problem comes from an autoimmune disease, there will often be other symptoms as well, such as swelling in other areas and pain in the joints. Additional causes include a lack of sleep, dryness of the eyes caused by being outdoors in the wind, and injury to the eyelids from foreign particles.

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

@donasmrs-- Yes, lack of sleep will do that. It will also cause under-eye circles and also red eyes. If possible, try to get more sleep. If that's not working than using a cooling eye mask as soon as you wake up can help with the swelling. They sell these gel eye masks for this purpose. It's kept in the fridge and can be applied in these types of situations.

After this, applying some concealer can hide the swelling and under-eye circles. Also, use lubricant eye drops. I've noticed that they're good for the swelling and redness as well.

donasmrs

I always wake up with swollen eyes when I don't get enough sleep or when I work too much on the computer. Does anyone know why this is? And is there anything I can do to treat it quickly?

bluedolphin

An eye infection or a growth on the eye such as a stye can cause swollen, puffy eyes as well. Sometimes, it can be difficult to differentiate between an infection and eye allergies. This is especially true if one has eye allergies often. It's important to see an eye doctor if the swelling doesn't go away.

I've had both eye infections and eye allergies in the past. I have needed antibiotic eye drops for the infection and allergy eye drops for allergies. But the best home remedy is making a hot compress with boiled hot water or hot tea, such as chamomile tea. It reduces swelling and relieves any itching as well. It also kills bacteria and cleans up discharge.

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    • Anatomy of the human eye.
      Anatomy of the human eye.
    • Allergies may cause swollen puffy eyes.
      By: Pavel Losevsky
      Allergies may cause swollen puffy eyes.
    • Swollen puffy eyes and sneezing may be a sign of seasonal allergies.
      By: jovanmandic
      Swollen puffy eyes and sneezing may be a sign of seasonal allergies.
    • Malnutrition can cause puffiness as well as dark circles under the eyes.
      By: roblan
      Malnutrition can cause puffiness as well as dark circles under the eyes.
    • Using old mascara can introduce bacteria into the eyes and cause eyelid inflammation.
      By: bedya
      Using old mascara can introduce bacteria into the eyes and cause eyelid inflammation.
    • In most instances, swollen and puffy eyes are not cause for concern.
      By: FotolEdhar
      In most instances, swollen and puffy eyes are not cause for concern.
    • Excessive tear production may be a sign of allergies.
      By: olly
      Excessive tear production may be a sign of allergies.