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Apply a cold compress, use antihistamine eye drops and limit salt to help reduce puffiness
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 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:
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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:
Try rinsing your eyes with water if swelling is associated with a discharge. Cool water is more soothing for allergies.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately if your eyes or eyelids are swollen.
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.
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.
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.
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There are some medical treatments that may help you reduce the look of puffy eyes and undereye bags:
The short answer? No, especially if you’re using home remedies. These options temporarily reduce puffiness. But some medical treatments may eliminate undereye bags.
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:
“If you’re concerned about puffy eyes, don’t hesitate to talk to a healthcare professional,” advises Zamborsky.
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