Overview
Puffy eyes have a variety of causes, including diet, lack of sleep, allergies, heredity, age and sleeping on your back. Puffy eyes are rarely caused by a serious condition, according to the Mayo Clinic, and do not require medical attention. Try reducing puffy eyes by using home remedies, then move on to doctor’s treatments if the bags under the eyes do not respond to at-home care. Finding the cause of puffy eyes will help doctors determine the best treatment.
Step 1
Put an extra pillow or two under your head before bed, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Puffy eyes often occur at night when fluid pools underneath the eyes. To ensure that your eyes look awake and refreshed in the morning, raise your head slightly higher than the rest of your body.
Step 2
Cut sodium from your diet, suggests Health Services at Columbia University. Eating too much salt can cause fluid retention throughout the body, including underneath the eyes.
Step 3
Limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine cause fluid retention underneath the eyes as the body tries to conserve water.
Step 4
Consider blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery. A cosmetic surgeon can perform blepharoplasty when sagging skin is causing bags underneath the eyes. The surgeon will tighten the skin under the eyes and sew it in place.
Step 5
Stay away from known allergens. Exposure to allergens can make your eyes puffy and itchy. To prevent puffy eyes because of allergies, avoid the substances that trigger allergic reactions.
Step 6
Wait it out. If you are a menstruating woman, you might notice your eyes become puffier during the time of your period. After your period, the bags underneath your eyes will subside because you are retaining less water.
Tips and Warnings
- Place a cold compress over your eyes to temporarily reduce puffiness.
- Consult a doctor if your puffy eyes are accompanied by additional symptoms, such as itchiness or discharge.
About this Author
Madison Whitfield has been a freelance writer and editor since 2006. She has written hundreds of health, fitness, travel, beauty and grooming articles for numerous print and Internet publications. Whitfield earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from New York University, where she studied writing.
