I Spy With My Puffy Eye…

The eyelids are very sensitive and can easily become irritated, red and puffy, but don’t despair; it is easier to get rid of puffy eyes than you may realize especially minor puffiness. Minor puffiness is the kind that you notice when you wake up, but is then reduced or eliminated by mid-morning as gravity drains the fluid that has accumulated throughout the night. Here you will find some simple techniques to relieve the swelling so you can get on with your life.
Symptoms of Puffy or Swollen Eyes:

* Puffiness or swelling of the upper and lower eyelids, usually in the morning.
* Occasionally accompanied by itching and/or redness.
* Not able to open or close the eyes.

1. Common Causes of Puffy Eyes:

* Dehydration. When the body gets dehydrated it begins storing up water, which can cause puffy eyes.
* Diet. Drinking alcohol or eating salty foods before going to sleep. Alcohol can cause puffy eyes because it lowers anti-diuretic hormones (ADH) in the body, but the levels will normalize and the puffiness will usually subside at about the same time your hangover subsides.
* Insufficient sleep.
* Allergies. If your puffy eyes are accompanied by redness and itching, the cause may be associated with an allergy. Possible contributing factors include feather pillows, linen fabric, face-creams, dust, pollen, or food.
* Aging. As you get older the skin begins to loose elasticity, causing swollen eyes.
* Hormonal changes. The days just before and during menstruation cause hormone levels to fluctuate, this can result in water retention around the eyelids.
* High blood pressure, which pushes fluids into the tissue around the eyes, can result in swelling.
* Eyelid dermatitis, a rash on the skin which just affects the eyelids, that is usually caused by an allergic reaction to make-up or skin-care products.
* Possible diseases.
o Blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelid
o Orbital cellulitis, an infection of the orbital tissue
o Chalazions, small tumors on the eyelid that are benign
o Kidney infections
o Thyroid problems
* Drugs. Drugs such as lithium that cause the thyroid to become less productive can also result in swollen eyes.
* Heredity.

2. Preventing Puffy Eyes:

* Stay hydrated!!! If you are thirsty, you are dehydrated. When properly hydrated, your urine will be nearly clear. (Note that some drugs and foods can alter the color of your urine.)
* Lower your salt intake. The body can only store salt in fluid suspension - which will gather in the skin around your eyes. (Bonus: Lowering your salt consumption can improve your overall health.)
* Never sleep wearing eye make-up. Regardless of how tired you may be, always use an eye make-up remover and continue until the cotton ball or pad shows no signs of make-up. Use a cotton pad rather than a tissue because it is less irritating. Removing eye make-up will prevent it from entering the eyelid and causing irritation.

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