Fluid-filled bags underneath the eyes may make your look more tired than usual. To reduce puffiness around eyes, you must find the underlying cause of the problem. In most cases, puffy eyes are not serious and do not require the care of a doctor, advises the Mayo Clinic.
Lack of Sleep
Inadequate sleep may cause bags underneath the eyes. While sleeping, particularly when lying flat on your back, fluid may accumulate underneath the eyes. To reduce puffy eyes due to lack of sleep, get more sleep each night.
Diet
High amounts of sodium or alcohol in the diet may cause puffiness underneath the eyes, says Marianne O’Donoghue, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center in Chicago.
Consuming caffeine or sodium may cause the body to retain fluids and store them underneath the eyes. To reduce puffy eyes due to diet, avoid salty snacks, canned soups and fast foods, and drink fewer alcoholic beverages per day.
Allergies
Puffy eyes may occur when the body is exposed to an allergen. Allergens cause histamines to be released in the body, causing swelling. If you are suffering from puffy eyes due to allergies, your eyes may also be puffy and itchy.
To reduce bags under the eyes due to this reason, take an antihistamine or avoid the cause of the allergies altogether. Get an allergy test to determine which environments and foods affect you.
Sleeping on the Back
Sleeping flat on your back may create fluid retention under the eyes, says the Mayo Clinic. After waking up in the morning, your eyes may look puffier than usual due to this fluid retention. To allow fluid to drain, prop your head up with a few pillows or a rolled-up blanket before going to sleep.
