5 reasons you might have puffy eyes.

5 reasons you might have puffy eyes & how to help

This is a common question, because even with the brightest of eyes, if they look puffy, you don’t feel at the top of your game.

Puffy eyes can be blamed on all sorts of things, but if you’re wondering how to ease your symptoms, there are a few things you can do.

Puffy eyes are usually temporary and often resulting from factors like allergies, lack of sleep, crying or fluid retention. (1)

But what causes puffy eyes?

1. Seasonal allergies

The skin around your eyes is very thin and sensitive so when it comes in contact with allergens like pollen in the air, your body tries to defend itself. (2)

It does this by releasing a chemical compound called Histamine, which can cause swelling or puffiness in different parts of your body but especially around your eyes. (3)

2. Lack of sleep

When your body is tired, your adrenal glands release cortisol which alters the salt balance in your body. (3)

This causes your body to retain more water than usual, so leading to swelling. (3)

3. Crying

When you cry, fluid collects under and around your eyes, which can lead to swelling and puffiness (4).

Plus, you usually rub or wipe your eyes during or after crying, which can increase the eye puffiness. (2)

This is a completely normal side effect of crying, (3) – so don’t let this stop you from releasing your emotions.

4. Poor contact lens care

Keeping your contact lenses in for too long, like overnight, may result in puffy eyes. (2)

A contact lens can act as a barrier, which prevents enough oxygen from reaching the eye – which can cause your cornea to swell or puff up. (2)

5. Drinking too much alcohol

Excessive alcohol intake causes lots of bodily issues, including bloating, vision changes, dry eyes and puffy eyes. (2)(3)

Lots of alcohol often leads to a lack of sleep too, which increases fluid retention in the eyes and contribute to puffy eyes. (2)

Whether it’s from seasonal allergies, a lack of sleep, crying, contact lens care or too much fun, you can ease puffy eyes with non-prescription eye drops, like Murine®®, and a cool compress.

Added content references –

https://www.leightons.co.uk/blogs/eye-symptoms/puffy-eye (1)

https://www.specsavers.co.uk/eye-health/puffy-eye (2)

https://www.optimax.co.uk/blog/7-causes-puffy-eyes-how-treat-them/#:~:text=Plenty%20of%20us%20have%20been,re%20struggling%20with%20seasonal%20allergies. (3)

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/swollen-eyes-from-crying (4)