Puffy Eyes? How To Get Rid of Eye Bags

Do your eyes look puffy or swollen? When fluid builds up in the thin layers of tissue surrounding your eyes, your eyes and eyelids can swell. Typically known as “undereye bags” or “bags under your eyes,” it can look like you have dark circles under your eyes.

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But when is it cause for concern?

Typically, eye swelling in your upper or lower eyelid is just an uncomfortable annoyance that will go away on its own within a day. But if the swelling lasts longer, it’s important to treat it because some problems can quickly damage your eyes.

“Any swelling that lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours should send you to an eye care professional because there are times it can be something severe that can blind you,” says ophthalmologist Annapurna Singh, MD.

Dr. Singh and dermatology specialist Lauren Zamborsky, CNP, explain what may cause puffy eyes and how to get rid of eye bags.

What causes puffy eyes?

What causes bags under your eyes? There are a lot of possibilities: Didn’t get enough sleep last night? Feeling stressed? Are you dehydrated? These are all common reasons why your peepers are looking puffy.

Puffiness under your eyes also tends to happen more frequently as we age, as we tend to lose firmness in our skin and muscles around our eyes. If you’ve been crying, you might notice more puffiness than normal, too. And in some cases, your genetics may be causing the undereye bags that run in your family (thanks, Mom).

But there are several other reasons why you might see swelling in your eyes or eyelids, including:

Allergies: This is a common problem that’s also the simplest to treat. These can be due to hay fever or a reaction to foods, chemicals or other irritants.
Conjunctivitis: Also known as pink eye, this infection is common during cold and flu season. It’s often caused by a virus, bacteria, allergens or other irritants.
Stye: An infection in an eyelash follicle or tear gland, styes appear as tender, red bumps at the edge of your eyelids.
Chalazion: Similar to a stye, a chalazion is a harmless, small bump that appears on your eyelid. Blocked oil glands cause chalazia.
Orbital cellulitis: This inflammation, which spreads from your sinuses, occurs more often in children than in adults. It causes redness and painful swelling of your eyelid and the skin surrounding your eyes.
Trauma-related injuries: When blunt force strikes, your eye compresses and retracts, causing blood to gather underneath the damaged area. This often causes swelling and discoloration.
Graves’ disease: Also known as thyroid eye disease, Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of your eye. It relates to a thyroid problem.
Kidney failure: Also known as renal failure, this is when one or both of your kidneys can no longer function on their own. Dr. Singh says that this can also cause puffy eyes if your kidneys are leaking a lot of protein into your urine.

How to get rid of puffy eyes

If you’ve caught up on your sleep and still have eye bags or puffy eyes, Zamborsky and Dr. Singh offer the following home remedies to help temporarily shrink eye bags:

Rinse with cold water

Try rinsing your eyes with water if swelling is associated with a discharge. Cool water is more soothing for allergies.

Use a cool compress

Lie down and place a water-soaked washcloth across your eyes for a few minutes. You can also use an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel. Other cold items that may help tamp down puffiness? Slices of chilled cucumbers, chilled tea bags and even cold spoons.

Try antihistamine eye drops

Use antihistamine eye drops — but only if you have allergies. When it comes to steroid drops, Dr. Singh warns not to use them inadvertently and use them only as prescribed.

“Steroid eye drops can work very well when you have allergies; however, if it’s used for another condition, it could actually harm and blind you,” she warns. “Always, check with your physician first.”

Use a targeted eye cream

Some skin care products that are made for the eye area contain caffeine, retinol or other ingredients that reduce puffiness. So, what about using a hemorrhoid cream?

Most hemorrhoid creams contain a medication called hydrocortisone or phenylephrine. Hydrocortisone is a topical steroid that can decrease redness and swelling. Phenylephrine is a vasoconstrictor that can reduce swelling.

“These products may provide temporary relief, but I don’t recommend their use long term,” stresses Zamborsky. “For example, hydrocortisone, if used for extended periods of time, can lead to a thinning of the skin or discoloration of the skin. Phenylephrine can cause an allergic reaction on application and may interact with medications one may be already taking. Both products can also cause a burning sensation on application which can cause discomfort.”

Avoid irritating eye products

Eye products such as mascara, eyeshadow and eye creams may be made with fragrances and dyes that can often irritate your eyes and surrounding skin.

Remove your contacts

If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately if your eyes or eyelids are swollen.

Limit salt

Salt causes your body to retain water, which can lead to swelling. So, take a look at the foods you’re eating and try to limit high-salt foods.

Quit smoking

There are many reasons why smoking is bad for you. But when it comes to puffy eyes, smoking can result in collagen loss causing thinner skin around your eyes.

Focus on sleep

If you’ve been burning the midnight oil, it may seem puffy under your eyes the following morning. Aim to get a good night’s sleep — about seven to nine hours a night.

And to help fluid from building up while you sleep, it may help to sleep with your head slightly raised by adding another pillow.

Medical options to get rid of puffy eyes

There are some medical treatments that may help you reduce the look of puffy eyes and undereye bags:

Dermal fillers: This nonsurgical cosmetic procedure uses injections of different substances to smooth wrinkles, add volume and lighten dark circles.
Laser skin resurfacing: Lasers are used to stimulate collagen growth, which results in smoother and firmer skin.
Chemical peels: A chemical solution is used to remove layers of skin. This procedure can reduce fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin coloring.
Lower eyelift: Known as blepharoplasty, this surgical procedure typically involves removing excess skin, muscles and fatty tissue.

Do puffy eyes ever go away forever?

The short answer? No, especially if you’re using home remedies. These options temporarily reduce puffiness. But some medical treatments may eliminate undereye bags.

Bottom line?

It’s common to notice puffy eyes staring back at you in the mirror. And while this may happen due to lack of sleep, stress or dehydration, call an eye doctor right away if swelling lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours and you notice any of the following: