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Lack of sleep -

Lack of sleep could make your eyes appear swollen in the morning. Sleepless nights can weaken the muscles around your eyes. This can also lead to a loss of collagen under the eyes. This causes fluid to collect in the area, making the area beneath your eyes swell up.

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Allergies -

Allergies can, of course, also cause puffy eyes. Triggers release histamine into your system, which causes inflammation and under-eye swelling.

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Period -

Similar to period bloating during your monthly cycle, your eyes can retain water as well because of higher hormone levels. It generally goes away after a few days.

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Crying -

The salt in tears can cause fluid retention around the eyes when you cry. The more you cry, the worse the swelling can potentially be.

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Salty foods -

Extra sodium can make your body retain water. The excess water causes puffiness in the face and body, especially in the morning after a salty meal.

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Alcohol -

Just like salty foods, alcohol also has a high concentration of sodium, making the eyes appear puffy the next day after consumption.

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Thyroid issues -

Sometimes, puffy eyes can be a side effect of a bigger medical condition. People with some types of hyperthyroidism can experience thickening of the fat around their eyes.

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Stuffy nose -

Your eyes look naturally puffier when you've got a cold. That's because the cavities that drain fluid out of your face are blocked with sinus congestion.

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Normal aging -

Aging causes tissues and muscles to weaken around the eyes. What's more, the fat pads descend and bulge, causing puffy under eyes.

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Lack of movement -

If you're too sedentary, you could experience fluid retention. Also, if you're sick or injured and lying down often, fluid can collect in your face.

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Kidney or liver issues -

Although it's more likely that your diet or sleep schedule is causing your eyes to swell, kidney or liver issues could be an explanation for puffy under eyes.

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Genetics -

You could have inherited a tendency toward puffy eyes from one or both of your parents. If there are several people in your family with puffy eyes, this could be a sign of a genetic condition that causes the puffiness.

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Smoking -

Smoking cigarettes, shisha, or cigars can irritate your eyes. You may also have an allergic reaction if you're around secondhand smoke.

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Eye infection -

An eye infection can cause under-eye swelling in one or both eyes. It can be an infection in the eye or eyelid.

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How to treat and prevent puffy eyes -

Puffy eyes are generally harmless and don't require treatment. However, there are ways you can reduce the swelling.

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Cold compress -

Chill a spoon in the fridge and use the back of the spoon to massage the area gently.

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Tea bags -

Tea contains caffeine, which may help bring down swelling. Try soaking two tea bags in cold water. Place them over your closed eyes and relax for 15 to 20 minutes.

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Gel pads -

Experiment with cooling gel pads under your eye. Keep in the fridge and then pop them on your under eyes when needed.

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Facial massage -

Use your fingers or a cold facial roller to massage your face. Gently massage or tap around your eyes and sinuses to help drain away extra fluid.

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Moisturize -

Many moisturizing eye creams can help you reduce puffiness and restore a radiant appearance.

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Use concealer -

A concealer isn't going to take away the puffiness, but one that's a little bit lighter than your skin tone can reduce its appearance.

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Add extra pillows -

If you struggle with swollen eyes in the morning, increase the number of pillows you sleep with at night. This helps keep the head elevated throughout the sleep cycle. Of course, a full seven or eight hours of sleep helps!

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Move your body -

Moving around and exercising regularly can also promote circulation and move fluid out of the face, thus reducing puffy eyes.

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Diet -

Try limiting your total daily sodium intake to about one teaspoon of table salt, or less if you have certain health conditions.

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Minimize alcohol consumption -

If you choose to drink, and even consume salty foods at the same time, staying hydrated during and after can help minimize eye swelling later on.

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Take an antihistamine (in moderation) -

A daily antihistamine should do the trick when it comes to helping with allergy-related puffiness. Also, try to avoid allergens as much as possible to help prevent symptoms.

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Stop smoking -

Quit smoking of any kind and avoid secondhand smoke to help prevent eye puffiness and other possible symptoms.

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Avoid allergy triggers -

This includes checking local pollen levels and staying indoors when the counts are high. Vacuum and dust your home to limit your exposure to pet dander and dust mites.

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In serious cases, consider a medical procedure -

Blepharoplasty is the plastic surgery of choice to remove herniated fat pads under the eyes. There's also the option of fillers and chemical peels. However, talk to a professional to find out if these options apply to you.

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When to see a doctor -

If your eye puffiness remains despite a healthy diet, good sleep hygiene, and other remedies, experts recommend seeking medical attention. Otherwise, occasional eye puffiness is typically normal.

Sources: (Healthline) (Women's Health) (Verywell Health) 

See also: Triggers that are making your allergies worse

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