Bags underneath the eyes aren’t always caused by a lack of sleep. If you’ve been getting adequate sleep and still notice puffiness underneath the eyes, there may be a medical reason for your under-eye bags. In most cases, bags underneath the eyes are not due to a serious illness and do not require medical attention, says the Mayo Clinic.
Allergies
Allergies cause a histamine release in the body, which may cause certain areas of the body to swell. These areas may include the feet, the face, and underneath the eyes. Bags under the eyes that occur due to allergies may also feel itchy or look red. To help reduce the symptoms of bags underneath the eyes due to allergies, take an over-the-counter antihistamine or place a cold compress over the eyes. To permanently eliminate puffy eyes due to allergies, take an allergy test and stay away from known allergens, recommends the Mayo Clinic.
Fluid Retention
Puffy eyes may swell up when fluid is retained in the body. Fluid may accumulate if your diet is high in sodium, you sleep flat on your back, you frequently drink caffeine or alcohol, or if you aren’t getting adequate sleep. To reduce dark circles under the eyes due to fluid retention, avoid caffeine, alcohol and salty foods. Additionally, prop your head up with extra pillows to encourage under-eye drainage while you are sleeping.
Heredity
Bags underneath the eyes may be caused by loose, sagging skin and fat on the lower eyelid. If both of your parents have sagging skin under their eyes, you may be genetically disposed to have sagging skin underneath your eyes as you age. To eliminate bags underneath the eyes due to aging, get eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty. A cosmetic surgeon performs eyelid surgery by removing excess skin underneath the eyes, then sewing the lower eyelid so the skin is taut.
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.
