Under eye swelling is a normal part of the aging process that can be contributed to by several factors, such as heredity, sleep and fluid retention. The skin beneath the eyes is thin and fragile. As the body ages, the tissue and muscles beneath the eye weaken, leading to a puffy look of swelling. Although not completely avoidable, there are ways to treat under eye swelling as it occurs.
Cold Compress
A cold compress is one of the most accessible ways to treat under eye swelling. The Mayo Clinic recommends holding a damp cold washcloth beneath the eyes for a few minutes, holding the cloth with mild pressure. Commercial products are also available that have been specifically designed to apply a cold compress to the eyes.
Sleep Habits
The way you sleep can also affect the development and treatment of under eye swelling. Sleeping on your back can cause fluid to accumulate around the eyes. By propping your head up with a pillow you can help prevent fluids from pooling, relieving the look of puffy eyes.
Cosmetic Treatments
Common cosmetic treatments, such as chemical peels or laser resurfacing, can also help treat inflammation below the eyes. Chemical peels use specialized chemicals to remove the outer surface layer of skin, while laser surfacing using laser energy to remove the outer layer of skin. Both cosmetic treatments help smooth and tighten the skin, which can reduce the appearance of under eye swelling, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Surgery
Eye surgeries, such as blepharoplasty, are a last resort for treating serious inflammation beneath the eyes. Blepharoplasty is commonly used to remove excess tissue around the eye that is affecting a patient’s ability to see, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Blepharoplasty can also be used to remove sagging skin and excess fat that may be contributing to the look of swelling around the eyes.
