Eye bags – minor periorbital puffiness usually detectable below the eyes only.Periorbitaledema.
Periorbital puffiness, also known aspuffy eyes, orswelling around the eyes, is the appearance of swelling in the tissues around theeyes, called theorbits. It is almost exclusively caused by fluid buildup around the eyes, orperiorbitaledema. Minor puffiness usually detectable below the eyes only is often calledeye bags. Such transient puffiness is distinct from the age related and gradual increase in the size of the fat pad lying below the lower eyelids (suborbicularis oculi fat) which can also be colloquially referred to aseye bags.[1] Puffiness under the lower eyelid to upper cheeks are referred to asfestoons orMalar mounds.[2]
While some degree of puffiness may be normal for a given individual, factors such as age and fatigue may make the swelling more prominent. The periorbital tissues are most noticeably swollen immediately after waking, perhaps due to the gravitational redistribution of fluid in the horizontal position.
Eye puffiness may also be caused by:
Normalaging – As a person grows older, the skin around the eyes becomes thinner and may swell or droop.[3] Further a gradual and generally permanent increase in the size of the suborbicularis oculi fat pad along with the thinning and weakening of the overlying musculature contributes to the apparent distention of the lower eyelids.[4]
Crying – Thesalt intears may cause fluid retention in the eye area.
Periorbital cellulitis – An inflammation and infection of the eyelid and portions of skin around the eye.
Blepharochalasis – An immune-mediated inflammation of the eyelid that is characterized by exacerbations and remissions of eyelid edema which results in a stretching and subsequent atrophy of the eyelid tissue, leading to the formation of redundant folds over the lid margins. It typically affects only the upper eyelids, and may be unilateral as well as bilateral.
Chagas disease – Also known as American trypanosomiasis. Young patients, often in an acute phase of the disease, manifestRomaña's sign: unilateral, painless, periorbital edema.[6]
Fluid retention – Many conditions (includingpregnancy and hormonal variations withmenstruation) can lead to the retention of fluid, particularly in thesubcutaneous tissues. These conditions can cause swelling around the eyes to be more prominent. (This cause can by partly alleviated by raising the head of one's bed.)[citation needed]
Diet – Too much dietary sodium encourages fluid retention and may lead to puffy eyes.[citation needed]
Alcohol andtobacco use – Alcohol and tobacco may lead to stress, fatigue, and hormonal changes; all of which may lead to fluid retention and swelling around the eyes.[citation needed]
Allergies – Allergic reactions can lead to leaks in the subcutaneouscapillary beds which can cause swelling in the face, including around the eyes.[citation needed]
Skin disorders – Eye puffiness can be a side effect of certain skin disorders, such asdermatitis, if the affected area becomes very sensitive, leading to swelling.[citation needed]
Puffy eyes are usually only a temporarycosmetic worry, but occasionally, individuals become concerned about the cosmetic effect of periorbital swelling and seeksurgical correction. Severe and persistent puffiness may be a sign of other serious medical conditions.
For someone predisposed to eye puffiness, changes to diet andlifestyle (under the supervision of aphysician) may be required to reduce the possibility of swelling.
A cold compress near the eye can act as a short-term remedy as cold temperature constrictsblood vessels, preventing the flow of fluid into tissues and diminishing puffiness in the process.[9]
