Puffy eyes are a usual symptom of an infection, allergy, inflammation or physical irritation. It might be due to excess fluid in the soft tissues that surround the eyes. The condition can also occur in conditions that affect the eye itself or associated with other generalized conditions such as hay fever or common cold.
Inflammation of the eyelids and eye surface are the usual causes of puffy eyes. Other usual causes include lack of sleep, crying or excessively rubbing the eyes. Depending on the cause, one or both eyes can be affected and can be accompanied by pain, redness, itchiness, excessive production of tears or other forms of drainage.
What are the accompanying symptoms?
Puffy eyes might be accompanied by other symptoms that vary depending on the underlying condition such as the following:
- Dry eyes
Eye injuries involving the tissues around or in the eyes or the adjacent bones can lead to puffy eyes. - Drainage from the eyes
- Sore, red eyes or bloodshot eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Increased light sensitivity
- Excessive production of tears
- Nodules or lumps on the eyelid
What are the causes of puffy eyes?
Puffy eyes arise from the accumulation of excess fluid in the soft tissues that surround the eye. Other causes of puffy eyes include the following:
- Allergic reactions from pollen, food, animal dander or medications.
- Even personal care products such as moisturizers, cosmetics, soap and shampoo can trigger reactions that leads to puffy eyes.
- Irritation after being exposed to environmental factors such as smoke, dust or smoke are also triggers.
- Infections that trigger inflamed eyelids or conjunctiva. The infections can affect one or both eyes and caused by bacteria or viruses.
- Eye injuries involving the tissues around or in the eyes or the adjacent bones.
- Grave’s disease and other forms of thyroid conditions