Overview

Typically, swelling of the upper or lower eyelid is just a nagging discomfort that goes away on its own during the day. But if the swelling persists for longer, it's important to treat it because some problems can quickly damage your eyes. When you wake up in the morning, your eyes look a little puffy, which is normal, but severe eye puffiness is not.

What is a swollen eyelid?

Swelling of the eye, also referred to as periorbital puffiness, refers to the presence of excess fluid (edema) in the connective tissues around the eye, most commonly the eyelids. Swelling under the eye often results in swelling, which can partially block the eye. This can cause painful redness and swelling of the eyelids and the skin around the eyes.

What causes a swollen eye?

Eye swelling can have a variety of causes, from mild conditions like allergies or blocked tear ducts to more serious conditions like organ failure. 

The most common cause of eyelid swelling is an allergy, either from direct contact with an allergen (such as getting animal hair in the eye) or a systemic allergic reaction (such as a food allergy or hay fever).

Allergens such as pollen and pet dander can irritate the eyes and cause allergic reactions. In addition to nasal congestion, allergies can cause breast tissue to swell, which can appear as puffiness under the eyes.

Because the tissue surrounding our eyes is thin and sensitive, even the slightest sun damage can cause the tissues to swell, causing swelling. In other cases, it may be due to our diet, as eating large amounts of food high in sodium (salt) or even alcohol can cause fluid retention in the tissues of the eye. 

Insect bites, such as mosquito bites, that occur near the eye can cause swelling. Spread of an eye infection to other places, such as the nasal passages or sinuses, can also cause eyelid swelling. 

Swollen under-eye is a fairly common eye condition caused by inflammation or excess fluid in the connective tissue around the eye ,also Sinusitis that affects the sinuses under the eyes can cause swelling around the eyes, affecting the eyelids. 

As we age, swelling of the eyes may be partially caused by the fact that the fatty tissue that normally protects the eye in the bony socket of the skull begins to move forward and fill the space under the eye. The normal fat that helps support the eyes can then migrate to the lower eyelids, making the eyelids look puffy. Over time, excess fluid in the eyelids tends to flow down under gravity, filling the lower eyelid area to the top of the cheek, causing large bags under the eyes.

If you stay up past your usual bedtime, chances are you'll be yawning more. When you yawn, the act encourages your eyes to water, which creates swelling and puffiness both at night and in the morning when you wake up," claims Rouleau. "

The nicotine in tobacco disrupts your natural sleep patterns, which can cause fluids to collect beneath your eyes. Smoking also produces substances that break down the elasticity of the skin and the collagen that helps keep skin firm.

If someone accidentally gets in your eyes if you leave them on for too long, makeup can sometimes cause dreaded “bags” under the eyes. If you don't remove your makeup before bed, it can irritate the tissues under your eyes, causing them to swell.

How to treat swollen eyes? 

Remove any makeup and gently wash your face with the appropriate soap for your skin. Consider eye creams for overnight use, and get the proper amount of sleep for your age. Your entire body may feel better as a result.

Maintaining healthy habits like drinking water, quitting tobacco, reducing alcohol use, taking care of your skin and avoiding unnecessary exposure to the sun can make a noticeable difference in swelling  of under-eye bags.

Try eye massage to reduce eye swelling and counteract the effects of time. which can relax the under eye area and Constrict dilated blood vessels under the skin below your eyes.

Takeaway

It's normal for eyes to look a little swollen when you wake up in the morning, but severe eye swelling is not. it’s a good idea to schedule an exam with your eye doctor to determine whether you have puffy eyes or swollen eyelids and the most effective treatment for it.

DISCLAIMER              

Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.