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Under-Eye Swelling: Causes, Symptoms And Treatments
A variety of factors can cause under-eye swelling, including medical conditions, anatomy and diet-related swelling.
Medical ConditionsDermatitis, dermatomyositis, renal disease and Graves' disease are all examples of conditions that affect body tissues and result in under-eye swelling, according to Bartholomew. For example, renal disease, which affects the kidneys, can lead to swelling around the eyes due to the kidneys leaking large levels of protein into the urine, which results in eyelid edema (swelling).
Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder present in 1 in every 100 Americans that can lead to hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), causes eye problems for around 33% of those living with it . Graves' ophthalmopathy is when your immune system attacks the tissues and structures around the eyes, causing swelling and puffiness.
Allergies can also cause your eyes to swell as the protective covering of your eyelid, known as the conjunctiva, becomes swollen from an external irritant.
Infections"Infections such as periorbital cellulitis [a soft tissue and skin infection around the eye], blepharitis [inflamed eyelids] and conjunctivitis [eye infection caused by bacteria or a virus] are common reasons for under-eye swelling, as well as styes and chalazion (inflammation of the eyelid glands) " says Anthony Rossi, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and the founder of Dr. Rossi DERM MD skincare.
Fatty BagsFatty bags, known as orbital fat pads, are cushions that surround and support the eyeball in the socket, explains Maya K. Thosani, M.D., dermatologist, micrographic dermatologic surgeon and owner of Modern Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ. "When these grow or protrude, it can cause swelling and bags around the lower eyes".
Vascular CirclesDilated veins around the eyes, which cause vascular circles, may be the root of under-eye swelling. "When these veins dilate, it causes blue-tinged swelling and darker circles, which become more prominent as we age or lose volume in the face," says Dr. Thosani.
Structural ShadowsUnder-eye swelling may also be a feature of your facial anatomy. "While prominent shadowing can cause swollen eyes, there are also some conditions like exophthalmos (where your eyes move forward and appear to pop out) that create a look of swelling," says Dr. Thosani.
Under-Eye HollowsAging can cause volume loss in the upper portion of the face, says Dr. Thosani. "The tear trough [under-eye] hollows, resulting in the lower eye area looking fuller and swollen."
DietFactors like smoking, diets high in sodium, diets high in fat and excessive alcohol can cause eyelid edema, a swelling that results from vascular [the body's blood vessel network] congestion, explains Dr. Thosani.
What Causes A Swollen Eyelid And What To Do About It
A swollen eyelid can happen for many reasons. It can indicate an infection or other problem that requires medical attention. Treatment options depend on the cause.
Possible causes of swollen eyelids include:
In this article, learn more about these and some other causes of a swollen eyelid, and get some tips on how to treat and prevent each cause.
The following pictures may help identify some causes of a swollen eyelid. Below is more information about some different causes.
A stye (hordeolum) is an infection of a gland in the eyelid. It is like a small abscess.
Symptoms affect the rim of the eye, often by the root of an eyelash.
A person may notice:
A stye often needs no treatment. It will usually resolve on its own in 1–2 weeks.
Here are some tips for managing at home:
A doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
PreventionIt is not always possible to prevent a stye, but the following tips may help:
A chalazion forms a lump in the eyelid. It can look like a stye, but it is not an infection.
It happens when an oil gland in the eyelid gets clogged, and oil accumulates behind the blockage.
It feels like a hard lump. A person may also notice:
A person may have more than one chalazion, known as chalazia, and the bumps can grow quite large. They usually resolve on their own after several days or weeks.
People with blepharitis or rosacea may be more prone to chalazia.
TreatmentOptions include:
If the bump does not go away after a few days or there are other signs of an infection, such as a fever, a person should contact an eye doctor.
PreventionA person cannot always avoid chalazia, but they can try:
An allergic reaction to dust, pollen, and other common allergens can cause eye irritation and swelling.
Symptoms include:
Ways of managing symptoms include:
The best way to prevent a reaction is to avoid exposure to known allergens.
People with a seasonal allergy can:
A person with a known allergy should carry an autoinjector in case of a severe reaction. Severe swelling and breathing problems may be signs of anaphylaxis, a life threatening condition that needs emergency medical care.
A person may have "bags under the eyes" for many reasons, including genetic factors. However, a lack of sleep and fatigue can make them appear more pronounced.
TreatmentApplying a cold compress while sitting upright may help relieve symptoms.
PreventionThe following tips may help prevent puffy eyes after sleeping:
Water retention overnight can also affect the eyelids. It can make them look swollen and puffy in the morning, particularly after not sleeping well.
Peripheral edema happens when the body is unable to remove fluid from parts of the body, such as the hands, feet, and eyelids. Periorbital edema is when fluid collects around the eyes.
It can be a sign of many health conditions, such as:
Anyone who is concerned about fluid retention in the eyelids or elsewhere should seek medical advice.
TreatmentTreatment will depend on the cause but may include diuretics, which are medications that help the body remove fluid.
PreventionIt is not always possible to prevent fluid retention, but here are some ways of reducing the risk of heart disease and other conditions that can cause it:
Crying can lead to puffiness around the eyes.
The eyes produce tears:
If the person produces a lot of tears, the lacrimal drainage system, which usually absorbs them, may be unable to cope. This can lead to puffiness.
TreatmentA cool compress may help soothe discomfort after crying.
PreventionIf a person finds they are crying more than usual or if crying or sadness is affecting their daily life, they may wish to seek medical advice.
Counseling can help manage depression, grief, anxiety, and other emotional factors that can lead to crying.
Learn home remedies for puffy eyes from crying
Makeup and skin care products can cause irritation, swelling, and puffiness in the eyelids for many reasons, for instance, if:
Artificial tears can help soothe discomfort if swelling occurs when using cosmetics.
A person should seek medical advice if symptoms continue or worsen.
PreventionTo prevent inflammation due to cosmetics, a person should:
What is toxic makeup?
Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection that occurs in the bony eye socket, known as the orbit. The most common cause is a bacterial infection of the nasal and sinus passages, or rhinosinusitis. But, it can result from surgery, an immune problem, and other causes.
It can lead to:
It is essential to seek medical help as soon as symptoms appear. Complications include abscesses, vision loss, and a spread of infection to other areas.
TreatmentA doctor will prescribe antibiotics, possibly for 2–3 weeks or longer.
If an abscess develops and causes severe symptoms, a person may need surgery.
PreventionPeople can reduce the risk of severe bacterial infections and their complications by:
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. It can impact the skin, the eyes, and other organs.
Eye symptoms include:
Treatment for eye problems related to Graves' disease will depend on the severity.
They include:
Factors that may increase the risk of Graves' disease are:
Quitting smoking may help reduce the risk.
There are many types of herpes virus, and some can cause infections in the eye. Ocular herpes simplex can lead to various eye infections with a range of symptoms.
These can affect the eyelids and other parts of the eye and include:
An initial infection often occurs in children under 5 years of age, but the virus remains in the body, and symptoms can recur later.
TreatmentA doctor will take an eye swab to check for the herpes virus.
They may prescribe:
The herpes simplex virus is very common, and infection is hard to prevent. Adults can help protect newborns by avoiding kissing them on the mouth.
Some people may need long-term antiretroviral drugs to manage the virus and help prevent a recurrence.
Blepharitis is an inflammation of the margins of the eyelids. It can result from a bacterial or viral infection or exposure to an allergen. Some people experience it only once, but it is usually a long-term condition in which symptoms improve and then flare up again.
Blepharitis can affect the eyelids in the following ways:
A person should do the following two to four times per day during a flare to keep the eyelids clean:
A doctor may also recommend:
It is not always possible to avoid blepharitis.
Options include:
When a tear duct is blocked, the eye cannot fully drain tears. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 20% of newborns have a blocked tear duct, but it usually resolves in 4–6 months. In adults, it may stem from an infection, tumor, injury, or other cause.
Symptoms include:
Often, a blocked duct will open without intervention.
For a newborn, a doctor may teach a caregiver how to do a special massage to encourage the duct to open.
If the duct does not open, a brief duct probing procedure may be necessary to restore drainage.
PreventionIt is not possible to prevent a blocked tear duct. However, if symptoms worsen or there are signs of an infection, such as a fever, they should seek medical help.
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. This is the clear, thin tissue that lines the eyelid and eyeball.
Possible causes include:
A person may notice:
Conjunctivitis usually resolves in 1–2 weeks but may take longer. Some people have chronic conjunctivitis, which lasts longer than 4 weeks.
Tips for managing pink eye at home include:
The person should see a doctor if:
The doctor may prescribe:
Here are some tips for preventing conjunctivitis and other eye infections:
Here are some questions people often ask about a swollen eyelid.
When should a person see a doctor for a swollen eyelid?People should see a doctor if they have a fever or signs of an infection, if there is pain when shifting eye gaze, if symptoms are severe or worsening, if symptoms persist longer than 48-72 hours, or if their vision has changed.
How do you treat a swollen eyelid?The treatment will depend on the cause. A doctor can advise on a suitable approach.
Is a warm or cold compress better?In some cases, such as after crying or having an allergic reaction, a cool compress wrapped in a cloth may help reduce swelling. Other conditions, such as a chalazion, may benefit from a warm compress.
A swollen eyelid can happen for many reasons, ranging from tiredness to an infection. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or could indicate an infection, the person should seek medical help.
Some eye conditions can lead to severe complications, including vision loss.
If a person is unsure, they should never hesitate to seek medical consultation to protect their health.
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What Causes Puffy Eyes—And How Do I Get Rid Of Them?
You might have eaten too much sodium or not gotten enough sleep if you woke up with a swollen under-eye. Several other causes of puffy eyes include allergies, an eye injury, and pink eye. Puffiness usually goes away with home remedies and lifestyle changes like applying a cold compress, getting enough sleep, and reducing sodium intake.
Puffy eyes happen when fluid builds up in the areas around or near your eyes. You might also notice dark circles under your eyes, itching, or redness. Read on to learn about puffy eyes, including possible causes and how to get rid of them.
Marina Demeshko/Getty Images
Puffy eyes are usually a symptom of certain behaviors, such as a lack of sleep, or health conditions. The hallmark sign of puffy eyes is temporary swelling of the tissues around or under your eyes. You might have other symptoms with puffy eyes, including: Burning Changes in your skin color Dark shadows under your eyes Fat pockets near your eyes Itchy, red eyes Loose skin Sensitivity to light Teary eyes The underlying cause of eye puffiness has to do with fluid build-up. Fluid might collect around your eyes and the surrounding skin tissue. Any swelling there is easy to see and hard to hide because that tissue is among the thinnest in your body. Underlying health conditions that might cause puffy eyes include: Allergies: An allergen, such as dust, mold, and pollen, might irritate your eye. Your eyelids and conjunctiva (the thin membrane that protects your eye) may become itchy, red, and swollen. Blepharitis: This is inflammation of the eyelid, sometimes caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. In addition to swelling, you might notice debris build-up on your bottom eyelashes. Conjunctivitis (pink eye): This is inflammation of the inside of your eyelid and outer eye layer, typically caused by a virus. Chronic kidney disease (CKD): Your eyes might be puffy if your kidneys eliminate excess protein into your urine, an early sign of kidney damage. Endophthalmitis: This is an infection of your eye's fluids and tissues. Endophthalmitis is a medical emergency that may cause blindness if untreated. Eye injury: Blood and fluids collect around your eyes after an injury to or near the area. As a result, bruising and swelling may occur. Eyelid bumps: These include chalazia and styes, which are blocked or inflamed oil glands. Graves' eye disease: This is a common sign of an overactive thyroid, the butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. Swelling causes your eyes to bulge out. Orbital cellulitis: This infection affects the fat and muscles around and near your eyes. Retinoblastoma: This is cancer of the eyes. People with retinoblastoma might look like their eyes are looking in opposite directions. Anyone can develop puffy eyes. Some might be more likely to have puffy eyes than others, especially due to genetics and older age. Of note: The type of puffiness and swelling you might notice in the morning differs from bags under the eyes. Puffy eyes are usually temporary. In contrast, baggy eyes are a permanent result of several factors, like aging. Still, bags under the eyes might increase the risk of puffy eyes. Several other factors might increase your risk of puffy eyes, such as: Aging: The tissues around your eyes weaken as you age. As a result, your skin sags, allowing fat and fluids to build up in the area. Fat build-up results in baggy eyes, whereas fluid build-up may cause puffy, swollen eyes. Genetics: You might be more likely to have weak skin around your eyes if it runs in your family. High-sodium diet: Eating a lot of salty foods causes your body to retain fluid that may build up around your eyes. Lack of sleep: You might have dark circles under your eyes and swollen eyelids if you do not sleep enough. Smoking: Tobacco might trigger an allergic reaction that affects your eyes. Treatment depends on the cause of your eyelid swelling. A healthcare provider will likely consider your health history and other symptoms to figure out the cause. For example, some people have headaches or a temperature intolerance. A healthcare provider may complete a physical exam to get more information about the following: Swelling color and location Tenderness or warmth Vision changes (i.E., double or less sharp vision) A healthcare provider will advise at-home treatments or surgical or non-surgical procedures to treat the underlying cause. There are a few options that help reduce eye puffiness. Home Remedies Home remedies for eye puffiness include: Cold compresses: Applying a cool compress—like a cold washcloth, cool tea bag, or cucumber slices—to your eyes for a few minutes might de-puff your eyelids. Concealer: This can reduce the appearance of dark circles under your eyes that make them look puffy. Eyelid treatments: Look for an eye cream containing anti-inflammatory ingredients, like caffeine or chamomile. Lifestyle Changes Lifestyle changes that may reduce the appearance of swollen eyes include: Avoid exposure to allergens when possible. Avoid or quit smoking. Do not rub your eyelids too much. Get enough sleep, and sleep with your head raised. Limit your sodium intake. Reduce your fluid intake before bedtime. Medications You might require over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications if an underlying health condition causes your puffy eyes. Medication will depend on the cause but may include antibiotics for bacterial infections (i.E., bacterial pink eye or a stye), eye drops, gels, and ointments. There are different types of eye drops. For example, antihistamines and decongestant eye drops help alleviate allergies. Some eye drops reduce the number of mast cells (white blood cells), which cause swelling. Skin Treatments You might consider chemical peels, fillers, or laser resurfacing to help reduce the appearance of puffy eyes. Those treatments work by tightening your skin, which helps get rid of pockets where fluid can build up. Chemical peels and laser resurfacing work by removing old skin cells. The new skin cells that grow in their place help smoothen your skin. A healthcare provider injects fillers into areas of your skin to restore its fullness. Consult an ophthalmologist, who specializes in eye health, to decide whether one of those therapies is right for you. Surgery Blepharoplasty (an eyelid surgery) might reduce puffy eyes. An eye surgeon will make a small cut inside your lower eyelid or under your eyelashes. They can remove or reposition extra skin or fat to lessen pockets where fluid can build up. The eye surgeon will then use small stitches to close the cuts. An ophthalmologist can help figure out if a blepharoplasty is appropriate for your case. Eye puffiness generally does not raise concerns. Seek care from an ophthalmologist if your puffiness or swelling sticks around for a while or if your eyes are itchy, painful, or red. These symptoms may point to a possible eye disorder or infection that immediately requires medical attention. See a healthcare provider if you have symptoms like: Double vision Eyes that appear to be bulging Fever Loss of sharp vision Problems with eye movement A build-up of fluid might cause puffy eyes. Several factors, such as a lack of sleep and excess sodium intake, may increase your risk of having puffy eyes. Treatment depends on what's causing your puffy eyes but might include at-home remedies, lifestyle changes, skin treatments, and surgery. Check in with a healthcare provider about options that may be helpful for your case. Seek medical care right away if you have other symptoms, such as fever or vision changes.
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