What causes puffy eyes. How can you reduce eye puffiness at home. When should you see a doctor for swollen eyes. What are the long-term effects of chronic eye puffiness.

Understanding Puffy Eyes: Causes and Symptoms

Puffy eyes, characterized by swelling around the eyes and eyelids, are a common cosmetic concern that can affect people of all ages. This condition occurs when fluid builds up in the delicate tissues surrounding the eyes, leading to a swollen or puffy appearance. While often harmless, puffy eyes can sometimes indicate underlying health issues that require attention.

What causes puffy eyes?

Several factors can contribute to the development of puffy eyes:

• Allergies
• Lack of sleep
• Excessive salt intake
• Dehydration
• Hormonal changes
• Aging
• Genetics
• Eye strain
• Sinus problems
• Certain medical conditions

Among these causes, allergies are a significant contributor to eye puffiness. But how exactly do allergies lead to swollen eyes?

The Connection Between Allergies and Puffy Eyes

Allergies can indeed cause puffy eyes, often referred to as allergic conjunctivitis when affecting the eyes specifically. When your body encounters an allergen, it releases histamines as part of its immune response. This reaction can lead to inflammation and fluid retention in the delicate tissues around the eyes, resulting in puffiness, redness, and itching.

Common allergens that can trigger puffy eyes:

• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Mold spores
• Certain foods
• Cosmetic products

Understanding the link between allergies and puffy eyes is crucial for effective management and treatment. But how can you differentiate between allergy-induced puffiness and other causes?

Identifying Allergy-Related Eye Puffiness

Recognizing the signs of allergy-induced eye puffiness can help you determine the best course of action for relief. Allergy-related puffy eyes often come with additional symptoms that set them apart from other causes.

Symptoms of allergy-related puffy eyes:

• Itching or burning sensation
• Redness in the whites of the eyes
• Watery eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Mucus discharge
• Swollen eyelids

If you experience these symptoms along with eye puffiness, particularly during allergy seasons or after exposure to known allergens, it’s likely that allergies are the culprit. However, it’s important to note that other conditions can present similar symptoms, so a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional is crucial.

Treating Puffy Eyes Caused by Allergies

When allergies are the root cause of your puffy eyes, several treatment options can provide relief and reduce swelling. The approach you take may depend on the severity of your symptoms and your overall health.

Over-the-counter remedies:

• Antihistamine eye drops
• Oral antihistamines
• Artificial tears
• Decongestant eye drops (use sparingly and as directed)

Prescription treatments:

• Stronger antihistamine eye drops
• Steroid eye drops (for short-term use under medical supervision)
• Mast cell stabilizer eye drops

It’s important to consult with an eye care professional or allergist before starting any new treatment regimen, especially if you have chronic or severe symptoms. They can provide personalized advice and ensure that the chosen treatment is safe and effective for your specific situation.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes for Puffy Eyes

In addition to medical treatments, several home remedies and lifestyle modifications can help alleviate puffy eyes caused by allergies or other factors. These natural approaches can be particularly helpful for mild cases or as complementary treatments alongside prescribed medications.

Effective home remedies for puffy eyes:

1. Cold compresses: Apply a clean, cold washcloth or chilled cucumber slices to your eyes for 10-15 minutes.
2. Tea bags: Use cooled green or black tea bags as compresses to reduce inflammation.
3. Elevate your head: Sleep with an extra pillow to prevent fluid accumulation around your eyes.
4. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and reduce fluid retention.
5. Reduce salt intake: Excessive sodium can lead to water retention and puffiness.
6. Get adequate sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
7. Gentle massage: Lightly massage the area around your eyes to promote lymphatic drainage.

While these remedies can provide relief, it’s essential to address the underlying cause of your puffy eyes for long-term management. If allergies are the primary trigger, taking steps to minimize exposure to allergens can make a significant difference.

Preventing Allergy-Induced Puffy Eyes

Prevention is often the best approach when dealing with allergy-related puffy eyes. By reducing your exposure to allergens and taking proactive measures, you can minimize the frequency and severity of symptoms.

Strategies to prevent allergy-induced eye puffiness:

• Use air purifiers with HEPA filters in your home
• Keep windows closed during high pollen days
• Wear wraparound sunglasses when outdoors to protect your eyes from allergens
• Wash your face and eyelids gently after being outdoors
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
• Regularly clean bedding and upholstery to reduce dust mites
• Consider hypoallergenic pillowcases and bedding
• Use a humidifier to keep indoor air moist, which can help trap airborne allergens

By incorporating these preventive measures into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing puffy eyes due to allergies. However, it’s important to remember that complete avoidance of allergens may not always be possible, and some individuals may require ongoing management strategies.

When to See a Doctor for Puffy Eyes

While puffy eyes are often a benign condition that can be managed at home, there are instances where medical attention is necessary. Recognizing the signs that warrant a visit to a healthcare professional is crucial for maintaining eye health and preventing potential complications.

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Severe pain or discomfort in or around the eyes
• Sudden vision changes or blurriness
• Persistent redness or inflammation that doesn’t improve with home remedies
• Discharge from the eyes, especially if it’s thick or discolored
• Swelling that affects only one eye or is significantly worse in one eye
• Puffiness accompanied by fever or other systemic symptoms
• Eye puffiness that lasts longer than a week despite home treatments

A healthcare provider, such as an ophthalmologist or allergist, can perform a thorough examination to determine the underlying cause of your puffy eyes and recommend appropriate treatment. They may conduct tests to rule out more serious conditions and provide personalized advice for managing your symptoms.

Long-Term Management of Chronic Eye Puffiness

For individuals who experience recurrent or chronic puffy eyes, particularly due to allergies or other ongoing factors, developing a long-term management plan is essential. This approach often involves a combination of medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring.

Components of a long-term management plan:

1. Allergy testing to identify specific triggers
2. Immunotherapy (allergy shots) for severe or persistent allergies
3. Regular eye exams to monitor eye health and catch any potential issues early
4. Consistent use of prescribed medications as directed by a healthcare provider
5. Adoption of allergen-avoidance strategies in daily life
6. Stress management techniques, as stress can exacerbate allergy symptoms
7. Nutritional counseling to address any dietary factors contributing to inflammation

Working closely with healthcare professionals to develop and adjust your management plan over time can lead to better control of symptoms and improved quality of life. It’s important to be patient and consistent with your treatment approach, as managing chronic eye puffiness often requires ongoing effort and may take time to see significant improvements.

The Impact of Puffy Eyes on Overall Health and Well-being

While often considered a cosmetic issue, chronic or recurrent puffy eyes can have a broader impact on an individual’s health and quality of life. Understanding these potential effects can motivate individuals to seek appropriate treatment and management strategies.

Potential consequences of untreated chronic eye puffiness:

• Increased risk of eye infections due to irritation and rubbing
• Temporary vision impairment from severe swelling
• Sleep disturbances due to discomfort
• Emotional and psychological effects, such as decreased self-esteem or social anxiety
• Reduced productivity at work or school due to discomfort and vision issues
• Potential long-term damage to the delicate skin around the eyes from chronic inflammation

Addressing puffy eyes promptly and effectively is not just about improving appearance; it’s about maintaining overall eye health and preventing potential complications. By taking a proactive approach to managing eye puffiness, particularly when caused by allergies, individuals can protect their vision, enhance their comfort, and improve their overall quality of life.

In conclusion, while puffy eyes caused by allergies or other factors can be frustrating and uncomfortable, there are numerous strategies available for prevention, treatment, and long-term management. By understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms, and implementing appropriate interventions, individuals can effectively address eye puffiness and maintain healthy, comfortable eyes. Remember, persistent or severe symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

What Causes Them and What To Do About It – Cleveland Clinic

Do your eyes look puffy or swollen? When fluid builds up in the thin layers of tissue surrounding your eyes, your eyes and eyelids can swell. But when is it cause for concern?

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Typically, eye swelling in your upper or lower eyelid is just an uncomfortable annoyance that will go away on its own within a day. But if the swelling lasts longer, it’s important to treat it because some problems can quickly damage your eyes.

“Any swelling that lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours should send you to an eye care professional because there are times it can be something severe that can blind you,” says ophthalmologist Annapurna Singh, MD.

There are several reasons why you might see swelling in your eyes or eyelids. They include:

Allergies – This is a common problem that is also the simplest to treat. These can be due to hay fever or a reaction to foods, chemicals or other irritants.

Conjunctivitis – Also known as pink eye, this infection is common during cold and flu season. It’s often caused by a virus, bacteria, allergens or other irritants.

Stye – An infection in an eyelash follicle or tear gland, styes appears as tender, red bumps at the edge of your eyelids.

Chalazion – Similar to a stye, a chalazion is a harmless, small bump that appears on your eyelid. Blocked oil glands cause chalazia.

Orbital cellulitis – This inflammation, which spreads from your sinuses, occurs more often in children than in adults. It causes redness and painful swelling of your eyelid and the skin surrounding your eyes.

Trauma-related injuries – When blunt force strikes, your eye compresses and retracts, causing blood to gather underneath the damaged area. This often causes swelling and discoloration.

Graves disease – Also known as thyroid eye disease, Graves disease is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of your eye. It relates to a thyroid problem.

Eye cancer – This is rarely the reason for swelling in or around your eyes. However, it is a symptom. Eye cancer, or an eye lymphoma, is also accompanied by blurred vision or loss of vision. You may also see floaters — spots or squiggles — slowly moving in your field of vision.

Most swelling around the eyes goes away within a few days. Here are a few tips to help reduce swelling in the meantime:

1. Wash or rinse. Try rinsing your eyes with water if swelling is associated with a discharge. Cool water is more soothing for allergies.
2. Try a cool compress. Lie down and place a water-soaked washcloth across your eyes.
3. Antihistamine eye drops for allergies. Use antihistamine eye drops — but only if you have allergies. When it comes to steroid drops, Dr. Singh warns not to use them inadvertently and only as prescribed. “Steroid eye drops can work very well when you have allergies; however, if it’s used for another condition, it could actually harm and blind you,” she says. “Always, check with your physician first.”
4. Remove contacts. If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately if your eyes or eyelids are swollen.

Signs of a more serious problem

Call your eye doctor right away if swelling lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours and you notice any of the following:

Long-term eye care

To ensure that your eyes remain healthy, regular eye exams are a good idea — whether or not you’ve experienced swelling in your eyes, Dr. Singh says.

“One of the reasons to have regular eye exams is to check for glaucoma, which can slowly damage the optic nerve – and for an early cataract, which clouds the lens in the eye and also affects your vision,” she says.

An eye exam can also reveal signs of systemic diseases, including:

• Diabetes.
• High blood pressure.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Carotid artery disease.
• Lymphoma.

If you are under the age of 40, Dr. Singh recommends seeing an eye doctor every four or five years. After age 40, see your eye doctor every two or three years. Anyone who is age 50 or older should visit their eye doctor once a year, she says

“If you follow these guidelines, your eye doctor can help to
discover conditions that you might otherwise miss,” she says.

Puffy Eyes: Overview and More

Puffy eyes, marked by fluid retention around the eyelid and under the eye, can result from a number of different factors. The reasons could be as simple as not getting enough sleep or eating too much salt. You can get rid of puffy eyes in many ways, from improving your sleep or applying a cold compress to using topical medications or undergoing cosmetic surgery.

The terms “puffy eyes” (sometimes known as “bags under the eyes”) and “swollen eyes” are used interchangeably at times, but they refer to two different conditions. Swollen eyes are caused by an inflammatory response to an allergen, infection or injury, while puffy eyes are soft and swollen eyelids that are due to water retention, lack of sleep, or genetic traits like age-related sagging or puffiness of the eyelids.

Srisakorn / Getty Images

Puffy Eyes Symptoms

You may experience puffy eyes after a late night, from eating certain foods, or from crying. Sometimes called periorbital edema or periorbital puffiness, puffy eyes are characterized by swelling under the eye, on the eyelid, or all the way around the orbit—the bony cavity that houses the eye.

Puffy eyes may also be accompanied by dark circles or bags under the eye and saggy or loose skin.

Causes

The cause of your puffy eyes might be obvious. If you’ve been crying, have allergies, or had feasted on salty snacks the night before, the reason for your puffy eyes may be clear-cut. But this condition can also be the result of other causes that are not so apparent.

Diet

A number of items in your diet can cause puffy eyes. These foods and drinks inflate the tissue around your eyes because they make your body retain water. The most common culprit is salt, or sodium. Foods and drinks that are high in sodium can cause fluid retention and swelling all over your body. Sodium can be hidden in a lot of what you eat, and you may not realize it—sodium doesn’t always make things taste salty.

If you have puffy eyes, make sure you are reading food and drink labels carefully. Try to keep your total daily sodium intake below 2,300 milligrams—about one teaspoon of table salt—or even less if you have certain health conditions.

Some foods and drinks that can hide sodium and make you retain water include:

• Processed or packaged foods
• Fast food
• Alcoholic drinks
• Carbonated beverages
• Sauces and seasonings
• Lunch meat
• Soups

The Food and Drug Administration offers guidance on how to locate sodium on food labels and how to reduce the sodium content of your foods. Some tips include:

• Cook food from scratch.
• Eat fewer processed foods.
• Rinse certain canned items, like beans to reduce the sodium content.
• Choose low-sodium versions of products, like low-sodium soy sauce.
• Limit portion sizes of salty foods.

Allergies

Allergies can also cause puffy eyes, including seasonal allergies and more serious allergic reactions. They can cause a fluid buildup around the eyes and sinuses. Allergies can be triggered by hay fever or a reaction to foods, chemicals, or other irritants or allergens.

Some common allergens include:

• Dust
• Mold
• Pet dander
• Pollen
• Tree nuts
• Wheat

Aside from allergens, you should also be cautious when using certain topical treatments like cosmetics, creams, or chemicals around your eyes. These substances can cause irritation or even injury to the eyes. Be sure to use protective eyewear when spraying chemicals or other irritants, and use caution with cosmetics and tools like eyelash curlers.

Genetics

You may have inherited a tendency toward puffy eyes and dark circles from your family. If there are several people in your family with puffy eyes, this could even be a sign of a genetic condition that causes puffy eyes.

Aging

As we age, many parts of our bodies lose muscle tone, firmness, and elasticity. Your eyes are no exception. The collagen in your skin, which gives skin its tightness and elasticity, decreases with age. This happens all over your body, but the delicate skin around your eyes may show collagen loss more prominently than other areas.

The muscles around your eyes age too, causing tissues in that area to sag. When tissues sag and become lax, the fat layers under those tissues may start to bulge and create a puffy appearance.

Sleep Issues

When you have trouble sleeping, you may notice puffy eyes the next morning. You may be irritated, have trouble concentrating, or have a lack of energy. One study found that the people around you can tell if you’re sleep deprived just by looking at your face, specifically at your eyes. Other noticeable signs of sleep deprivation noted in the study include:

• Drooping eyelids
• Redness
• Swelling around the eyes
• Dark circles under or around the eye

Lower Eyelid Fat Prolapse

Lower eyelid fat prolapse is the main cause of puffy lower eyelids. This condition occurs as connective tissue weakens as a result of aging or surgical trauma and the fat around the eye socket can come forward and appear in the lower eyelids.

Medical Conditions Causing Swollen Eyelids

As mentioned above, puffy eyes and swollen eyelids are different, and the latter could be a sign of an underlying condition, such as:

• Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)
• Chalazion (a clogged gland at the base of the eyelashes)
• Conjunctivitis (an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane lining the eyelids and whites of the eyes)
• Diabetic retinopathy (a complication from diabetes)
• Thyroid eye disease (such as Graves’ disease)
• Hereditary angioedema (a skin reaction affecting the deep layer of skin)
• Orbital cellulitis (an infection of the soft tissues and fat holding the eye in the socket)
• Ocular herpes (a condition caused by the herpes simplex virus affecting the cornea)
• Infections
• Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)
• Optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve)
• Sty (inflammation caused by a clogged gland or follicle at the edge of the eyelid)
• Traumatic injuries
• Uveitis (inflammation affecting the middle layer of tissue in the eye wall)
• Eye cancer
• Kidney failure
• Lymphedema of rosacea, or Morbihan syndrome (a late-stage complication of rosacea or acne)
• Filler migration (when cosmetic eye fillers, such as hyaluronic acid or fat, travel away from the injection site)

Complications

Persistent or worsening swollen eyelids can result in serious complications, including:

You should get a comprehensive eye exam if you have blurry vision, decreased vision, pain in your eye, floaters, or a sensation that something is stuck inside your eye. 

Diagnosis

Puffy eyes can usually be diagnosed through a physical exam. Your doctor may:

• Ask you about any creams or lotions you use around your eyes
• Ask about exposures to chemicals or other environmental pollutants
• Discuss workplace hazards
• Review your allergy history
• Take a complete health history
• Perform a physical examination

If your doctor believes you have swollen eyelids and not puffy eyes, they may perform additional tests to determine what is causing your symptoms.

If the swelling came from exposure to an allergen or pollutant or from a traumatic injury, a physical exam using standard eye examination tools may be sufficient. However, if the cause of your swollen eyelids is less obvious, your doctor may need to perform other tests, including:

• Blood work to check electrolytes and kidney or liver function
• Blood work to test for inflammatory conditions
• Imaging studies like a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Treatment

Puffy eyes are generally harmless and don’t require treatment, but there are ways you can minimize the swelling and improve the appearance of your eyes. Depending on the cause, you may be able to get rid of puffy eyes completely.

Home Remedies

There are a few strategies you can try at home to alleviate or eliminate puffiness under your eyes and the appearance of shadows, including:

• Using a cool compress: Wet a clean washcloth with cool water and place the damp washcloth around your eyes for a few minutes, applying very gentle pressure. Do this while sitting upright.
• Keeping your allergies under control: Avoid allergy triggers whenever you can. Also, talk to your doctor about allergy medications.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle changes can also help reduce puffiness around your eyes, such as:

• Making dietary changes: Avoid drinking fluids before bed and limit salt in your diet. This can help reduce fluid retention overnight that can lead to bags under your eyes.
• Quitting smoking: Smoking can contribute to faster collagen loss. This makes the delicate skin under your eyes even thinner, leading to more visible blood vessels.
• Getting enough sleep: Most experts recommend seven to nine hours of sleep daily. Also, sleep with your head slightly raised. This can help keep fluid from settling around your eyes while you are sleeping. Prop up the head of your bed a few inches, or simply add an extra pillow.

Medications

If your eye swelling is caused by allergies or irritation, you may want to try over-the-counter antihistamines. You may also want to see an allergist to find out exactly what you are allergic to. Some allergic reactions can be life-threatening, and you should seek immediate medical attention if you begin to have trouble breathing or swallowing.

Nonsurgical Cosmetic Treatments

Outside of cosmetics, there are a number of noninvasive options that may help with puffy eyes or bags, such as laser resurfacing. This treatment uses a laser, an intense beam of light, to remove surface layers of wrinkly skin in the under-eye area and stimulate new collagen growth, resulting in firmer skin. Results can last years, depending on your skin type and sun exposure. 

Injectable doxycycline, or tetracycline antibiotic, is thought to help with noninvasive lower eyelid fat prolapse.

Cosmetic Surgery

If you’ve tried all these fixes and it’s still not enough, surgical procedures may be an option. Every surgical procedure comes with its own set of risks. You should talk with your doctor about whether surgery is right for you.

Blepharoplasty is a procedure that lifts the lower eyelid. This is usually done on an outpatient basis, either under local or general anesthesia. The surgeon readjusts the fat in the lower eye area and tightens the muscle and skin to create a smooth appearance during this surgery.

A Word From Verywell

Puffy eyes can be caused by a number of factors from lack of sleep to too much sodium in your body to genetics. If you’ve tried home remedies and your puffy eyes won’t go away, you may want to see a doctor for a more thorough examination to make sure you don’t have swollen eyelids, which can be a sign of more serious medical conditions.

While annoying, puffy eyes are generally not life-threatening. They also don’t require treatment unless you want to improve the appearance of your eyes.

There are many options, including over-the-counter products, lifestyle changes, and surgical procedures, that can help you lift and firm up the tissue around your eyes. Talk to your doctor if your puffy eyes are an ongoing problem or if you have any changes to your vision.

8 Causes Of Puffy Eyes

Whether you had a late night at work or had a few too many glasses of wine the night before, eye puffiness isn’t the best look, especially when it lasts the whole next day. But while it’s definitely annoying, the good news is that a little swelling around your peepers generally isn’t reason to be alarmed, says Mike Swann, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Swann Dermatology in Springfield, Missouri. It’s incredibly common, dermatologists say, and sometimes having puffy eyes just has to do with your anatomy (much of which is genetic).

“The shape of the bony structure of your face, including the orbital rim, or the area that holds your eyeballs, determines how much the tissue inside that rim projects outside of the plane of the face,” says Zenovia Gabriel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and hormonal skincare expert. And for most people, the pillow of fat that cushions the eyeballs tends the stick out more over time, since the muscle that attaches it to the skull loosens with age, Dr. Gabriel explains. You end up seeing that layer of fat, aka the puffiness, more prominently.

These natural changes won’t come out of nowhere though, and if your eyes are suddenly way puffier than they’ve ever been, there may be something else to blame. Here are the common culprits, and what tips and products you can use to fight the puffiness.

1. You didn’t sleep well last night.

We know you know this already, but it bears repeating: A bad night’s sleep could make your eyes appear swollen in the morning, especially if you’re stressed. “When you’re under stress, you release cortisol from your adrenal glands, and that changes the salt balance in the body,” says Swann. Because your salt balance is off, you might retain water and swell.

2. It’s allergy season.

Puffy eyes are a common symptom associated with seasonal allergies. When you have an allergy, your body goes into full-on attack mode by releasing histamine into your system. In some cases, when histamine releases into the skin, it causes a hive-like reaction, especially around the eye area, says Swann.

3. It’s that time of the month.

Blame it on PMS! Similar to how the rest of your body bloats during your monthly cycle, your eyes can retain water as well because of higher levels of hormones, says Swann. Like belly bloat, eye swelling caused by your period generally goes away after a few days.

4. You were crying.

We know it’s a no-brainer, but here’s the science behind it: Puffiness from crying is a result of your eyes’ lacrimal glands working overtime to produce tears. “When this gland is churning out tears, the [tear] fluid is less salty and more watery,” says Swann. “Differences in salt concentration between these tears and the surrounding tissues causes some swelling of the eyelid.”

5. You overdid it at happy hour.

The eyes are vulnerable to many small changes in diet, says Swann. Alcohol, for example, could cause your body to get dehydrated and make your eyes dry, too. People who eat a lot of salty foods can also retain water in their eye area, which gives them a little puffiness.

6. You have a thyroid problem.

Most of the time, puffy eyes aren’t a big deal, but they can be a side effect of a bigger health issue. “Patients with some types of hyperthyroidism can get thickening of the fat around their eyes, causing puffy eyes,” says Swann. “Puffy eyelids can also be seen in lupus, dermatomyositis, and other connective tissue diseases.”

7. You’re stuffed up.

When you’re sick with a cold, your eyes will naturally look puffier. That’s because the cavities that drain fluid out of your face are blocked with sinus congestion, so the eyes have a puffy look to them, explains Dr. Gabriel. Chronic sinus congestion is a bit more complicated, and it’s best to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist to treat it.

8. You’re not moving enough.

“If you’re too sedentary, you can have fluid retention,” Dr. Gabriel says. If you’re sick or injured especially and laying down often, fluid can collect in your face. In this case, it’s a good idea to sleep as upright as possible so that fluid can drain. Also, Dr. Gabriel suggests moving around and exercising regularly to boost circulation and get fluid out of the face on those especially puffy days.

How can I get rid of eye puffiness?

Whether you naturally have puffy eyes, or you’re dealing with one of the issues above, here’s what you can do to reduce swelling around your eyes. (And check out the ahh-mazing products that can help lessen the appearance of eye puffiness at the bottom!)

• Cooling gel pads. Applying cold water or ice on a compress to your eyes could help deflate some of the puffiness. You could use a regular cold cloth, or you could experiment with cooling gel pads, Dr. Gabriel says.
• Caffeine eye creams. There’s really no miracle beauty solution to stop puffiness in its tracks, but you can apply a couple of products to help minimize wrinkling and hollowing of the undereye area. Dr. Gabriel recommends a Glytone red tea eye cream that contains caffeine, which is great for combatting dark circles.
• Tightening eye creams. Dr. Gabriel also suggests coupling the red tea cream with Lifeline Eye Firming Complex to fight that crepe-like look of the undereyes and wrinkles in the lower lids.
• Derma rollers. “Rollers are great for collagen stimulation, and reducing wrinkling and crepiness,” Dr. Gabriel says. The puffiness is a bit deeper under the skin, so it may not really get into that as much since it’s only mainly working on the top layer of skin. Just be careful not to roll too much, as too much trauma to the skin can create more puffiness, she says.
• Layering on a solid moisturizer. “Concealer often cakes into the creases of the undereyes—as a fix, go ahead and put a hyaluronic acid cream, now in a lot of over-the-counter eye creams, like Neutrogena Hydroboost eye cream, under your concealer,” Dr. Gabriel says. Make sure the hyaluronic acid cream goes on your lower eyelids before you apply concealer to prevent it from caking into the lines, she adds. Your under-eye area will have an overall smoother look that way.
• A good concealer. Obviously, a concealer isn’t going take away puffy eyes, but one that’s a little bit lighter than your skin tone can make a world of difference in reducing the appearance of puffiness. For a concealer that’s light in texture and has a nice highlighting look, Dr. Gabriel recommends YSL Beauty Touche Eclat High Cover Radiant Concealer.
• Cucumbers. Don’t knock the classic spa staple. It’s a great option if you don’t want to splurge of cooling undereye gel pads but want a similar remedy. “Cucumbers have a high water content and stay cold—there’s nothing in the molecule that decreases puffiness, but they act like a natural ice pack,” Dr. Gabriel says. They’re a perfect DIY eye mask that you’ll probably have in your fridge already and shouldn’t be too cold for your eyes.
• Minimizing sodium. If you’re feeling especially puffy due to something like allergies or hormonal water retention, Dr. Gabriel advises sticking with a low-salt diet for about a week to help you feel less swollen.
• Drinking less. The same goes for alcohol. Sipping on fewer cocktails will reduce dehydration and fluid retention.
• Taking anti-histamines. A daily anti-histamine should do the trick when it comes to helping with allergy-related puffiness; if allergy season is particularly brutal for you, it’s best to take allergy meds as a preventative measure.

Do I need to see a doctor for my puffy eyes?

Probably not, Dr. Gabriel says. Puffy eyes are generally going to be caused by anatomical factors, along with environmental factors, such as allergies, or extra fluid retention from PMS. Normally, they’re not going to be a red flag for a more serious condition.

However, Dr. Gabriel says, if you suspect your puffy eyes may be linked to a thyroid issue, or if you’re having pain behind your eyes, or an abnormally severe case of water retention, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Other than that, any puffiness you have around your eyes is totally normal, and nothing to be worried about or embarrassed of. If you do want de-puff and minimize the appearance of undereye bags, the products below can help you out.

6 Products To Hide Puffy Eyes

SEA Pack Your Bags Undereye Patches

Age-Defying Antioxidant Eye Cream

Glytone
glytone-usa. com

$58.00

Eye Firming Complex

Lifeline
lifelineskincare.com

$89.00

Massaging Jade Textured Facial Roller

Mount Lai
sephora.com

$34.00

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel Eye Cream

Neutrogena
target.com

$11.99

Touche Eclat High Cover Radiant Concealer [variation_tag_finish:Natural]

Yves Saint Laurent
sephora.com

$38.00

Mara Santilli
Mara is a freelance writer and editor specializing in culture, politics, wellness, and the intersection between them, whose print and digital work has appeared in Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, Airbnb Mag, Prevention, and more.

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How to Get Rid of Bags Under Your Eyes

Are you wondering why you have puffy eyes or how you can make under-eye bags disappear? Good news: Although they can be bothersome, bags under your eyes don’t usually impact vision or health. But if you want to reduce the puffiness around your eyes, there are temporary and long-lasting solutions.

What causes bags under the eyes?

There are several reasons people get puffy eyes, including:

• High-salt diet: Eating a lot of salty foods causes you to retain water and leads to swelling.
• Allergies: Congestion and inflammation from allergies can sometimes exacerbate under-eye puffiness.
• Medical conditions: Some health conditions such as thyroid problems can cause the eyes to become swollen.
• Genetics: Having under-eye bags can be a physical characteristic that runs in your family. 
• Natural aging process: Loss of firmness in the skin and muscles happens as you age.

Why under-eye bags form when you get older

“The most common cause of under-eye bags or puffiness is natural aging,” says Shaun Desai, M.D., a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Johns Hopkins Center for Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. “Older skin becomes too lax and tends to fall or wrinkle. The muscles and tissues around the eye can also weaken and contribute to the baggy look. This weakening allows the fat surrounding the eye to bulge out, creating that bubble-like appearance.” 

Ways to Get Rid of Eye Bags

There are different approaches to reducing under-eye puffiness, depending on the cause. At-home treatments can temporarily shrink lower lids that are sometimes swollen from fluid pooling in the undereye area.
But, says Desai, home remedies and over-the-counter products can only do so much, “To effectively get rid of under-eye bags that are prominent and permanent, medical treatment is oftentimes necessary.” 

At-home treatments for puffy eyes

If you occasionally wake up with puffy lids, these quick fixes may help. They work to reduce swelling until it naturally subsides over the course of the day.

• Cold compresses: Cooling the area lessens inflammation and swelling by reducing blood flow. You can place anything cold, such as an ice pack, frozen bag of vegetables, chilled cucumber slices or refrigerated spoons, over closed eyes for a few minutes.
• Hemorrhoid creams: Some people pat over-the-counter creams designed for hemorrhoid treatment under their eyes. Product ingredients such as phenylephrine narrow blood vessels to reduce swelling. But use these products with caution: They may cause irritation in this sensitive area. Also, it’s important to keep this medication from getting in your eyes. 
• Caffeine: Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it constricts blood vessels. Many cosmetics companies sell eye creams with caffeine to reduce under-eye puffiness. You can also try resting chilled tea bags (caffeinated black tea) on closed eyes.

Medical options for under-eye bags

If you’re fed up with under-eye bags, these medical treatments can improve and even eliminate them: 

Nonsurgical options
These noninvasive treatments smooth the under-eye area:

• Filler: This treatment places a filler material (usually hyaluronic acid, which is a jelly-like substance) where the under-eye area and cheek meet to create a smooth transition. The injection is performed in a doctor’s office under local anesthetic. Results last six to 12 months.  
• Laser resurfacing: This treatment uses a laser to remove surface layers of wrinkly skin in the under-eye area and stimulate new collagen growth, resulting in firmer skin. Results can last years, depending on your skin type and sun exposure. 
• Chemical peel: A chemical peel also treats wrinkly under-eye skin by removing superficial top layers. An in-office application of a chemical solution dissolves old skin cells to reveal tighter, brighter skin. Depending on your skin type and sun exposure, results can last a few years.

Surgical option
A lower eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) is an outpatient procedure where the surgeon readjusts the fat in the lower eye area and tightens the muscle and skin to create a smooth appearance. In most cases, a lower eyelid lift gets rid of under-eye bags for life — it’s rare for people to need future touch-ups.

However, says Desai, sometimes patients require multiple therapies to treat under-eye bags, such as combining laser resurfacing with filler or an eyelid lift.

How to Choose a Doctor

The eye area is a very delicate part of the face. Serious complications can arise if procedures are done improperly. It’s crucial to find a highly experienced, board-certified surgeon who specializes in treatment of the eyelid area. 

Swollen Eyelid | Causes, Treatment and Pictures

What are eyelids made of?

Your eyelids are there to protect your eyes and to keep the surface of the eye (particularly the cornea, which is the clear part of the eye over the iris and pupil) from drying out.

Each eyelid consists of thin skin (with some pads of fatty tissue), muscle and a lid-shaped piece of thick fibrous material called the tarsal plate. These tarsal plates contain Meibomian glands which produce oily material which helps keep the eye and eyelid lubricated. The inside of each eyelid is lined by an inner layer of conjunctiva, a smooth translucent membrane which covers the inner surface of the eyelids and the outer surface of the white of the eye. The conjunctiva then reflects back on to the eye, so there is NO GAP at the edge of your eyelid down which you can lose a contact lens!

Your upper eyelid includes all of the skin from the lid edge up to your eyebrow whilst your lower eyelid ends where the thicker skin of your cheek begins.

Anatomy of the eye

When you look at an object you see it because light reflects off the object and enters your eye….

Swollen eyelid causes

Inflammation (due to allergy, infection, or injury), infection and trauma can all cause swelling of the eyelids. In come cases swelling of the eyelid may be the only symptom, but in others the eyelid is also likely to be red, itchy, gritty or sore.

Chalazion

A chalazion causes a lump or localised swelling in the eyelid, although it can cause the whole of the eyelid to swell, particularly if it becomes inflamed or infected. A chalazion occurs when one of the Meibomian (or tarsal) glands in the eyelid becomes blocked, resulting in a small (2-8 mm) fluid-filled swelling (cyst). A chalazion is more common on the upper eyelid. It is not usually red, itchy or painful. Find out more about chalazion cysts.

Eye with upper eyelid chalazion

Stye

A stye is a common painful eyelid problem, where a small infection forms at the base of an eyelash, which becomes swollen and red, along with the surrounding edge of the eyelid. It looks like a pus-filled spot. However, the infection and inflammation often spread back into the lid to make the whole eyelid swollen. It is usually red, as well as swollen, and can sometimes feel slightly sore. Learn more about stye infections.

External stye

Eye with upper eyelid stye

Ectropion and entropion

An ectropion occurs when part or all of the lower eyelid turns outwards away from the eye. An entropion occurs where the lower eyelid turns in towards the eye, causing the eyelashes to rub against the front of the eye. The eyelids can occasionally become inflamed and a little swollen, although this is not usually dramatic, and they are not usually red or sore. Read more detail about ectropion and entropion.

Eye with ectropion

Eye with entropion

Blepharitis

Blepharitis means inflammation of the eyelids. It makes the eyes and eyelids feel sore and gritty. They are often puffy, pink-red, and a little swollen, particularly along the lid edges. Blepharitis can be a troublesome and recurring condition, sometimes associated with other skin conditions such as rosacea and seborrhoeic dermatitis. Find out more about blepharitis.

Blepharitis

Image: clubtable, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

By clubtable (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, which is the smooth, shiny, translucent membrane that covers the white of the eye (sclera) and the underside of the eyelids. It can be caused by allergies and sensitivities (for example, to products put on to the eye), or by infection.

The main symptoms of conjunctivitis are redness of the eye, and a feeling of grittiness and mild soreness. As conjunctivitis affects the underside of the eyelids, it can make the eyelids puffy and a little red, either because the infection spreads into the eyelid or because the eyelid becomes inflamed or reacts in an allergic manner due to the infection. See the separate leaflets called Allergic Conjunctivitis and Infective Conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis

Eyelid skin infection

Any infection in the skin of the eyelid will tend to cause marked swelling, with redness, itching and soreness. Infection can also spread to the eyelids from other parts of the face.

Infections of the skin include cellulitis, impetigo and erysipelas, which are different types of skin infection affecting different levels of the skin. You are more likely to develop a skin infection if the integrity of your skin is broken for some reason. This might include an insect bite, an injury, or another condition affecting the skin close to the eye, such as eczema, chickenpox or shingles.

Periorbital cellulitis

By Afrodriguezg (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons

Erysipelas

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is usually caused by bacterial or viral infection, although it may also be caused by allergy. Sinusitis affecting the sinuses just beneath the eyes can cause puffiness around the eyes, affecting the eyelids. The eyelids are not usually red, sore or itchy. See the separate leaflet called Sinusitis.

Sinuses

Allergic eyelid swelling

Allergies occur when your body reacts to a foreign substance (called an allergen) by producing chemicals which cause swelling, redness and itching. In the eyelid the swelling caused by allergic reaction can be quite dramatic, since the eyelid tissue is stretchy and also tends to be quite ‘reactive’ to allergic stimuli. Eyelids can react in an allergic manner to various triggers, including:

• Naturally occurring substances such as pollens, pet hair and organic dust.
• Chemicals such as shampoo, make-up, eye drops and contact lens solution.
• Infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria (which can therefore sometimes cause infection AND allergy at the same time).

Allergic eyelid swelling is often therefore quite dramatic. The eyelids can feel tight and may even be so swollen that you can’t open your eyes. Over time the extra fluid in the eyelids tends to drop downwards through the action of gravity to fill the area of the lower lid down to the top of the cheek, causing large ‘bags’ under the eyes.

Angio-oedema (sometimes called angio-neurotic oedema)

This is a skin reaction, usually an allergic one, that tends to cause marked skin swelling, sometimes with itching. Mostly, it affects the eyelids and face – less often, the lining of the windpipe (which can make breathing difficult) and the hands and feet.

Angio-oedema

By James Heilman, MD, Own work), via Wikimedia Commons

Angio-oedema is often allergic. Usually the allergy is to something you have eaten, to medication, to something injected into the skin (usually an insect sting), or to something you have touched such as latex. It can sometimes be non-allergic, and be triggered by extremes of temperature, or by infections. Rarely, it can be an inherited condition. See the separate leaflet called Angio-oedema.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, is a medical emergency. It is an extreme and generalised allergic reaction affecting most of your bodily systems. It can include dramatic eyelid swelling, which can be an early warning sign although it is not the most important symptom. Anaphylaxis can cause faintness, breathing difficulties and collapse, and anaphylaxis tends to come on quickly, the full effects sometimes developing over a few minutes and usually within an hour of symptoms beginning. Occasionally, anaphylactic reactions to food can come on more than an hour after eating the food, but this is not the usual pattern. If you have marked eyelid swelling but have no other obvious developing symptoms, you are unlikely to be developing anaphylaxis. See the separate leaflet called Anaphylaxis.

Eyelid irritation

The eyelids can become puffy, swollen and red just because they are irritated by grit, dust or bonfire or cigarette smoke, without a true allergic reaction. Your eyes will usually be red and watery too.

Eyelid sunburn

Sunburn of the eyelids happens easily, particularly if you fall asleep lying in the sun. The lids will be swollen, red and sore – but you are likely to have facial sunburn too, which will make the diagnosis obvious. Sunglasses help protect the eyelids against sunburn.

Fluid retention due to other medical conditions

Fluid can gather throughout the body if you are retaining fluid – a condition called oedema. Whilst fluid retention is often noticeable in the fingers, around the lips and lower face, around the feet and ankles, and in the lower part of the back, you may notice it first in your eyelids because of the effect this has on your facial appearance.

Fluid retention

By Klaus D Peter (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons

Fluid retention and tissue swelling of this type can occur because of generalised allergic reactions (see below) or because you are retaining fluid due to medication or to a medical condition such as heart failure or pre-eclampsia (a condition related to pregnancy).

Intravenous fluids given as part of medical treatment can sometimes cause facial and eyelid swelling, particularly if you have to be given a lot of fluids quickly (for example, because of dehydration). This is particularly likely if you are unwell and have been lying flat, so that the extra fluid has tended to gather in the face and eyelids and has not yet dispersed evenly. However, generalised swelling due to medical treatment is more often an allergic reaction than an ‘expected’ reaction of this sort.

Eyelid trauma and black eye

Any direct injury to the eyelid will tend to make it swell and bruise, and the swelling is often very much worse the next day. A black eye can be caused by direct injury to the eyelid, but commonly also results from a blow to the nose or forehead. A blow to the nose often results in black eyes on both sides – and cosmetic surgery to the nose or face can have the same result.

Black eye

By Pavel Ševela (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons

The looseness of the eyelid skin means that blood can easily pool in this area after injury – and where blood pools, swelling will follow. As the black eye heals, the swelling gradually decreases, and the bruise goes through several stages before fading. It can be several weeks after this until the swelling is completely gone. See the separate leaflet called Dealing With Eye Injuries.

Head trauma

A small but important addition to the information on black eye is that a significant head injury, causing a fracture of the base of the skull, can cause two swollen black eyes, sometimes called ‘raccoon eyes’. See the separate leaflet called Head Injuries.

“Raccoon eyes”

By Marion County Sheriff’s Office, via Wikimedia Commons

Facial, nose or eyelid surgery

Eyelid surgery, sometimes done to correct entropion or ectropion (see above), or for cosmetic reasons, is an example of intentional injury to the eyelids which causes bruising and swelling. The eyelids can be so swollen after eyelid procedures that you can’t see for several days. See the separate leaflet called Eyelid Surgery.

Eyelid swelling and bruising also tend to result from other surgery to the nose and lower face. This is because the blood – and the swelling – from these procedures tends to track behind the skin of the face to areas where it can pool easily, and this includes the eyelids. The bruising and swelling can be dramatic and can take several weeks to settle down completely. 

After crying

Most people will have noticed eyelid swelling after crying emotionally, particularly if this is prolonged. This occurs because the eyelids tend to absorb some of the extra tears, leading them to become temporarily swollen.

Chemical irritation and burns

Some chemicals can irritate the eyelids, causing them to swell. This can occur with some make-up products and soaps. Many people will be familiar with the eyelid irritation and swelling caused by chlorine in swimming pools. Tear gas, sometimes used to dispel crowds, causes swelling and inflammation of the eyelids, although sore and tearful eyes are the main symptoms of exposure.

Some chemicals can cause serious injury to the eyelids, beginning with swelling and pain. The causes include some everyday household chemicals such as oven cleaners, which contain strong alkali and which you might transfer to your eyelids by rubbing your eyes or because you get ‘blow-back’ from a spray device.

If you suspect a chemical injury to your eyelids or eyes you should wash them as thoroughly as you can. Run 20 litres of water over them directly from the tap, keeping running water on your open eye or eyes for 5-10 minutes, before seeking medical advice. See the separate leaflet called Dealing with Eye Injuries.

Puffy Eyes Causes and Treatments | Specsavers UK

Puffy eyes are caused by a build-up of fluid in and around the eyes, this can be due to a number of things, such as:

Allergies
The skin around the eyes is very thin, which makes it quite sensitive. When this skin comes into contact with allergens, like animal fur, dust mites, or pollen in the air, it can cause swelling or puffiness. It might help to take antihistamines if your puffy eyes are allergyrelated. It’s always best to check with your GP before taking any new medication.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
This common condition causes symptoms like eye redness, itchiness, puffiness and sometimes a discharge from the eye. If you think you have conjunctivitis you should see your GP who will likely prescribe eye drops to clear the infection.

Poor contact lens care
Puffy eyes can happen if you keep your contact lenses in for too long. A contact lens can act as a barrier on the eye, preventing enough oxygen reaching the eye. This can cause your cornea to swell or puff up. Sleeping in your lenses puts more stress on the eye which can increase the puffiness.

For tips on how to take care of your contact lenses, read more here.

Crying
The tears produced when you cry contain more water than the tears you produce when the eye is trying to clean itself out. The tissues in your eyes have a high salt content, so when the watery tears meet this tissue it causes swelling. Eye puffiness can also increase when you rub or wipe your eyes after crying. To reduce eye puffiness after crying try placing a cold flannel over the eyes for a few minutes.

Consuming too much salt
Salt causes your body to hold onto fluid, and that includes the tissues around the eyes as well. This causes the eyes to puff up. The amount of salt you can consume to cause puffy eyes will vary from person to person.

Drinking too much alcohol
Excessive alcohol intake causes many types of bodily issues, including bloating, and puffy eyes. Alcohol often causes lack of sleep as well, which contributes to puffy eyes, as a poor night’s sleep can cause fluid retention in the eyes.

Age
Some people are genetically prone to eye puffiness, and this tends to show between 30-40 years of age. As we age, the fat deposits that usually support the eye begin to sag which causes a puffing effect. Age-related or genetic puffy eyes aren’t usually any cause for concern.

Allergic Conjunctivitis – Allergy – Pediatric Allergy/Immunology – Golisano Children’s Hospital

Golisano Children’s Hospital / Pediatric Allergy/Immunology / Allergic Conjunctivitis

 

Allergic conjunctivitis (an allergic reaction affecting the eye) affects more than
7 in 10 people with allergies. Although not contagious, this type of eye problem can
cause discomfort and aggravation to sufferers.

Allergic conjunctivitis can be seasonal when caused by pollens at a certain time of
year, or year-round when caused by allergens, such as pets, feathers, perfumes, or
eye makeup.

Allergic conjunctivitis is usually, but not always, associated with other allergic
conditions, particularly hay fever and eczema.

Symptoms

Allergic conjunctivitis usually affects both eyes. The main symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis
include itchy eyes, increased tearing, red or pink eyes, and mild swelling of the
eyelids.

Sometimes an eye infection can develop in addition to the conjunctivitis. This happens
when bacteria on your fingers or hands enter your eyes after scratching or rubbing
them.

Self-care

Home treatment often can provide relief from allergy-related discomfort. Try the following:

• Avoid the outdoors in the midmorning and early evening, when pollen counts are highest.

• Use air conditioners instead of window fans because fans can draw in pollen and mold
  in from outdoors.

• When outdoors, wear sunglasses or other eye protection to limit the amount of pollen
  that can reach your eyes.

• To keep dust mites at a minimum, wash bedding, especially pillows, in hot water.

• Use a damp mop when cleaning the floor and a damp rag when dusting.

• Wash your hands after handling or petting an animal.

• If you have a pet that you’re allergic to, keep it out of your house, if possible,
  or at least, out of your bedroom.

• Clean humid places in your house—the bathroom, the kitchen, the basement—regularly
  to cut down on mold.

• Even if your eyes itch, don’t rub them.

• Wash off allergens. If you’ve been outside, use a wet washcloth to clean allergens
  off the eyelids and surrounding area. Artificial tears can help wash allergens from
  the eyes. Apply a cold washcloth to the itchy eyes. Wash your hair every night because
  it collects lots of pollen.

• Use antihistamine eye drops or vasoconstrictor eye drops. If your eyes are still itchy
  or bloodshot after you rinse them, apply over-the-counter eye drops. Don’t use the
  OTC eye drops for more than 2 to 3 days. Longer use can cause your eyes to become
  even more irritated.

• Apply a cold compress to puffy eyes.

• Try an oral antihistamine. If the previous measures aren’t effective, take an oral
  antihistamine. Check with your healthcare provider first, though, because some oral
  antihistamines can cause dry eyes and more irritation. Also, some of these medicines
  have unpleasant side effects, such as sleepiness, dizziness, or excitability.

Get help

If the problem persists after 2 days of self-care, contact your eye healthcare provider
as soon as possible. The healthcare provider may prescribe one of the following:

• Antihistamine eye drops. The relief that these eye drops offer may last only a few
  hours, however.

• Mast cell stabilizers. These are eye drops used as a preventive measure and are taken
  before you are exposed to an allergen.

• A combination of antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops.

• Corticosteroid eye drops. Because of side effects, these should only be used short-term
  and under the care of an ophthalmologist or other eye care professional.


Online Medical Reviewers:


• Griggs, Paul B., MD
• Kirsi Järvinen-Seppo, M.D., Ph.D.
• Taylor, Wanda, RN, Ph.D.







90,000 Swollen eyes, dark circles, reddened and inflamed eyes

There are many treatment options available, depending on the cause of the swelling. As a rule, if symptoms persist on their own, it is advisable to see an optometrist to determine the cause. The same goes for the recurrence of symptoms or situations where they suddenly appear and do not disappear afterwards.

There are many simple, tried and tested home remedies that can provide quick relief from severely swollen eyes.In most cases, applying cold can help. You can place a cold tea bag over puffy eyelids (green tea can help relieve swelling), or even use a cooling cucumber mask.


Important Note: Some people are allergic to flavored black tea bags. In this case, remove the tea bag immediately. Alternatively, place two teaspoons in the freezer for 5 minutes. Then put them on the puffy eyes with the concave inner side down.Besides the pleasant coolness, this method also helps to relieve swelling. Important: Do not put spoons in the freezer for too long so that they are not too cold. Spoons on your eyelids shouldn’t be uncomfortable. Otherwise, they must be removed from the eyes immediately. After that, you need to wait a while for the metal to heat up a little.

If you frequently suffer from puffy eyes, it is recommended to use a cooling eye mask (available from pharmacies, as well as health and beauty stores).The gel mask will provide a pleasant coolness, after which the sensitive skin around the eyes will be smoothed and cooled. If the swelling is caused by dry eyes, special eye drops can help distribute the tear film evenly and keep the eyes moist. This will ease the irritation. If the swelling is caused by an allergy, then antihistamines (available at pharmacies) will help to relieve acute symptoms. Special medications are used to treat allergies to relieve or prevent allergic reactions.Desensitization will help manage allergies (this approach is also known as specific immunotherapy. In this case, a very small dose of the substance that causes the allergy is administered to the person suffering from allergies. This procedure is repeated for 6 months to 3 years. Thus, the body gradually “gets used” to the allergen, ideally without defensive reactions.If swelling is associated with high blood pressure or heart or kidney disease, your doctor may choose the best treatment to combat the cause.

If the swelling is caused by neurodermatitis, your doctor may prescribe a cortisone cream for acute symptoms. Since some creams and ointments are not suitable for use on certain areas of the skin, it is imperative that you consult your doctor before treating the area around the eyes.

Swelling can also be caused by an eye infection. There are many treatment options for each type of swelling.

90,000 🧬 Seasonal allergies: causes, treatment, prevention

Pollinosis occurs in children from 3-4 years old.The head of the GMS Clinic pediatrics center, Nadezhda Magarina, spoke about the peculiarities of the disease and gave comments to the Healthy Children Internet portal.

Seasonal allergy is the body’s reaction to plants blooming and dusting. Scientifically, this disease is called “hay fever” or “seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis”, in the people it is also called “hay fever”.

The most common cause of seasonal allergies is tree pollen. This is explained by the fact that trees grow everywhere and generate dust over longer distances.The most common allergen among trees is birch pollen.

The first symptoms of an allergy in a child are easily confused with ARVI, especially if neither the child nor the parents had any allergies before, and they are not familiar with the symptoms of this disease.

The initial manifestations of pollen allergy are sneezing, nasal congestion, redness of the eyes, strong reactions in the form of attacks of bronchial asthma are possible.

How to distinguish allergies from SARS?

“In the spring, parents say that the child caught a cold because he was undressed early or because he met a sick friend, but in fact it is an allergic reaction, and it has already started.The sooner you start to compensate for the reaction, the better the result. It is necessary to control the allergic reaction so that your child does not sit at home and snot at night, ”said Nadezhda Magarina.

“To keep the allergic reaction under control, it is necessary to monitor the dusting of plants that are allergenic to the child and start taking antihistamines in advance,” continued Dr. Magarina. – The quantitative content of pollen in the air is studied at the state level.You can find out information about which plants are currently dusting on sites that post information on pollen monitoring, for example, Pollen CLUB. If you are planning a trip, for example, on vacation, then you can see the situation there. ”

Hereditary predisposition

If there are allergy sufferers in the maternal and paternal family, including the second generation, that is, grandfathers, grandmothers and other relatives, then the probability that the child will have an allergy is 70%.If only on the maternal or only on the paternal side, then the probability is 30%. It does not matter what kind of allergy the relatives had – to pollen, food allergy or cat allergy.

“It is not a specific allergy that is inherited, but an allergic reaction in principle. How it will be implemented depends on the life of each person. Even if there is even a small tendency to allergies, the appearance of a pronounced allergic reaction can be triggered by concomitant factors, such as: polluted air, taking several different medications during illness, eating food with dyes, for example, “chupa-chups”, as well as other factors …In this case, the allergy may not be realized at all, you may live your whole life and not know that you have an allergy, ”explained the pediatric allergist.

First period: from March to May. Caused by the flowering of trees and shrubs.

Second period: from June to July. Caused by dusting of cereals and meadow grasses.

Third period: from August to October. Caused by dusting of weeds and mold spores.

Major allergens

Trees and shrubs: birch, alder, hazel or hazel, oak, maple, poplar, ash, elm and others.

Birch is the most common cause of seasonal allergies. Has a very volatile pollen. The season for allergic reactions to birch begins before the snow has melted – in March, April or May, depending on how cold, long and snowy the winter is. In windy weather, pollen can spread over tens of kilometers. There are a lot of birches in our country, so it is practically impossible to exclude an allergen from life.

Alder is the second most common allergen.

The insidiousness of shrubs lies in the fact that they are difficult to identify until the leaves appear, for example, it is difficult to distinguish hazel from alder.

Cereals and meadow grasses: rye, wheat, timothy, fescue, bluegrass, wheatgrass, bonfire, buckwheat and others.

The insidiousness of allergenic herbs is that not many people know what these herbs look like.

Common lawn grass can also cause allergies.If the lawn is not cut in time, the grass will bloom and begin to dust. Lawns can get dusty several times a year. Juice from freshly cut grass, when it comes into contact with human skin, can also cause an allergic reaction, which is expressed in the form of hives.

Weeds: wormwood, quinoa, dandelion, ragweed, hemp, nettle, buttercup and others.

Dandelions are highly allergenic. They have heavy pollen, so for the reaction to start, you need close contact with the allergen, for example, putting a dandelion wreath on your head or burying your face in a flower.

Wormwood is quite allergenic. It grows along ditches and abandoned places.

Molds. They are found in rotten foliage, in potatoes, in damp rooms. “If a child has an allergic reaction to mold fungi, then the rustling of fallen leaves, which children love so much, will lead to a stuffy nose, cough, eyes will itch,” Nadezhda Magarina said.

Periods of exacerbation of the disease

Years become especially difficult for allergy sufferers when spring is delayed at first, and then there is a sharp warming.At the same time, different plants begin to dust, a large concentration of pollen in the air accumulates, which leads to stronger reactions and gives a greater monologic allergic memory, i.e., the likelihood that the allergy will recur next year increases significantly.

Cross allergy. It’s important to know!

Cross-allergy is the complication of an allergic reaction when eating certain foods that cross with allergies to plants and fungi-microorganisms.In everyday life, these products can be consumed in the usual quantities, however, when the period of dusting of allergenic plants begins, they should be excluded from the diet. Otherwise, a strong reaction may begin, up to Quincke’s edema, when the lips, tongue, larynx begin to swell, the face and neck, sometimes the ears swell, the person swells and begins to choke. Severe abdominal pain may begin, up to hospitalization. It is not easy to independently determine that this is a consequence of an allergic reaction.“The most typical example is a person who has a slight allergic reaction to birch, went to a picnic, where he eats, for example, meat, drinks with apple juice, eats fruits – apples, peaches, cherries, and then, in addition to coughing and snot, he has there are abdominal pains. More than once there were similar cases when patients with such abdominal pains were brought to us. In this case, it is necessary to use anti-allergic drugs and follow a diet, ”explained the allergist.

The list of foods that should be excluded from the diet during the allergenic period can be found here.

It is worth noting that cross-allergy is possible not only if a person is allergic to plants, but also with food allergies.

Allergic March

“One of the unpleasant moments of seasonal allergies is the so-called allergic march. Starting with redness of the eyes or sneezing, the allergic reaction quickly “march” through different systems of the body, and coughing, sleep disturbances, unexpected severe swelling can be added to the traditional symptoms, and an allergic reaction to other herbs and plants that begin to bloom at this moment is also possible. “, – said Nadezhda Magarina.

Prevention and Treatment

Systematic therapy – what to do when the allergy has already begun. It is necessary to remove the allergen or reduce contact with it. Start taking antihistamines, use drops in the nose and eyes, sprays in the throat. Such therapy will help relieve the severity and severity of the moment, but not solve the problem.

“It all depends on the specific cases of allergy manifestation. It is one thing when a child has only an allergy to birch, and even then it is not pronounced.And it is completely different when the reaction to everything, and the child does not just have a stuffy nose, and he sneezes, but he has conjunctivitis, asthma, and Quincke’s edema, and urticaria. In this case, medical drug activity will be completely different, up to the appointment of hormonal drugs, droppers, home or stationary regimen. There are people who have a very strong reaction, and they are forced to simply not go outside at a time when it is dry, windy and when warm weather is delayed at first, and then it warms up sharply, ”said the head of the GMS Clinic Pediatrics Center.

Immunotherapy – prevention with injections, drops or capsules containing an allergen. Even when the plants have not begun to dust, a small amount of an allergen, for example, birch, is introduced into the child’s body. Protective factors are formed in the body, and the child does not show an allergic reaction to this allergen. It is believed that three years of such therapy will save a person for 12 years from strong manifestations or, at least, from significant drug aggression.

“If a person does not have very many allergens, and he follows a diet at the right time and follows the recommendations of doctors, then soon he may completely forget what an allergy is, that you should always carry nose drops and antihistamines with you,” she noted. pediatrician-allergist Nadezhda Magarina.

Source: healthy-kids.ru

Conjunctivitis: symptoms and treatments

What is conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory disorder of the conjunctiva, the transparent mucous membrane that covers the surface of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelids.

The conjunctiva contains small blood vessels that appear as fine red lines on the sclera (the white of the eye), and when they become inflamed, red spots appear in the eye.

Conjunctivitis is usually a benign growth that does not affect vision, but can cause complications if not properly treated.

Why does it appear?

There are many types of conjunctivitis, as well as the reasons for their occurrence:

• Infectious conjunctivitis accounts for about one third of all types of conjunctivitis and is caused by bacteria or viruses.
• Allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the eye is exposed to a substance to which a person has an allergic reaction (allergen), causing inflammation of the blood vessels in the conjunctiva.The most common causes of allergic conjunctivitis include dust mites, pollen and other substances secreted by trees, flowers and plants, as well as fungi and epithelium (peeling of the skin) of animals. Other factors include dry weather or the use of soft contact lenses.
• Conjunctivitis due to irritation, is caused by inflammation of the edge of the eyelids (blepharitis), usually due to the use of cosmetics or as a result of contact with irritants in the environment (solvents, paints, chlorine in swimming pools, etc.)).

How to prevent the appearance of conjunctivitis?

It is best to avoid contact with the allergen. If this is not possible or the appropriate measures have not been taken, any of the symptoms described above may appear, therefore it is recommended to immediately consult an ophthalmologist.

In case of infectious conjunctivitis, appropriate measures must be taken to avoid infection:

• Do not use any objects that have come into contact with the infected eye in one way or another (pillow cases, sheets, towels, eyeliner, etc.)etc.).
• Wash hands immediately after coming into contact with people with conjunctivitis.
• Do not take children with conjunctivitis to school.
• Flush eyes twice a day.
• Do not use contact lenses or makeup.

What is allergy – “AllergoStop”

Statistics states: 20% of people in the world are susceptible to allergic diseases. The disease is caused by substances called allergens.They irritate the skin, mucous membranes, and the respiratory tract. Some irritants are so dangerous that they can lead to hospitalization and death (Quincke’s edema).

Deterioration of the ecological situation, low-quality products, hazardous chemical reagents contribute to the fact that the number of sick people is increasing every year. Science studies the mechanisms of pathology, selects anti-allergens, and facilitates the process. A sick person can learn to prevent and reduce the negative effects of allergens on their body.

How to learn to recognize allergies – its characteristic signs

Some people have a genetic predisposition. The prerequisites are formed in the immune system of the fetus.

Allergy is dangerous due to its similarity with other pathologies. The onset of the disease can be easily confused with sinusitis, acute respiratory viral infections, skin and other diseases. It manifests itself in the form of a rash, nasal discharge. It can be relatively short, from a few minutes to a couple of days, or last for weeks.

Signs of allergies:

• Frequent, sometimes continuous sneezing.
• Unpleasant pain in the eyes, increased lacrimation.
• Wheezing, coughing, sore throat, signs of suffocation.
• Coryza without symptoms of a cold.
• Increased nausea, vomiting.
• Stool disorder, diarrhea.
• Skin rashes in the form of bright pinpoint spots or small rash resembling a nettle burn.
• Slight puffiness, swelling of the lips and other parts of the body.
• Aches, joint pains.

When the initial symptoms appear, you should be tested for allergies – take tests.

Exposure to allergens

Doctors select an effective treatment after identifying irritants.

All pathogens are divided into two main groups: exoallergens are formed inside the body; endoallergens act from the outside. External pathogens especially actively affect a person.

Allergens can be:

• Food products, chemical additives, dyes, preservatives.
• Dead cells of the epidermis – dandruff and hairs of domestic animals.
• Pollen during flowering of vegetation.
• Chemicals – cosmetics, household cleaners, laundry detergents.
• Infectious agents: ticks, fungi, viruses, worms, other parasites.

Attentive people can identify for themselves what affects them and causes negative symptoms.

Self-identification of allergy pathogens

You should be attentive to your body.Notice what caused the allergic reaction. If irritation appears after eating, it can be triggered by the food. A skin rash is often caused by perfumery and cosmetic preparations. Acute attacks of allergies in spring are caused by the flowering of nature.

To identify the pathogen, you have to be patient:

• Record observations in the diary for 2-3 weeks.
• Record what is unusual eaten and drunk.
• Compare the products after which unpleasant symptoms appear.
• Monitor changes in habitat changes (in which room or outside the symptoms are increasing).
• Note the duration, intensity, characteristic features of the body’s reaction.

Observation results must be shown to the doctor. He will prescribe the appropriate treatment. It is better to immediately go to the clinic and undergo a diagnostic examination. The specialized institution “AllergoStop” has all the necessary equipment.

Diagnostic Methods

It is not always possible to independently recognize what exactly is the cause of the disease.It is better to visit an allergist in a timely manner, without waiting for serious consequences. The specialist will prescribe the proper procedures and select the optimal course of treatment. Allergy is an extremely unpleasant disease that is best treated correctly and in a timely manner.

Diagnostic methods for adults

Skin tests are a simple and inexpensive method. The allergen is applied to the skin or injected under the skin. The patient’s response is checked.

Variants of the application of the pathogen:

• scarification – with the application of an allergen solution with a scarifier (scratches),
• application – the suspected allergen is applied, or an impregnated cloth,
• injection – intradermal injection.

In case of severe symptoms, the test is considered positive.

Blood test. The task is to identify the presence of IgE antibodies in the patient. Excess of their normalized number indicates a tendency to allergic reactions. The validation examines the effects of individual products. The diagnosis is lengthy, stretching for 1-2 weeks. A blood test is done if skin tests cannot be used.

Provocative tests are the most effective method. With a 100% reliability, it allows you to identify the cause of allergic manifestations.The patient is given certain foods and allergens that can cause a negative reaction.

Types of provocative tests:

• conjunctival – the antigen is instilled into the eye,
• endonasal – the pathogen is introduced into the nose,
• inhalation – substances are inhaled internally,
• cold (heat) – affect the skin temperature.

Some tests are done in the clinic under the continuous supervision of health professionals. If the allergen provokes tearing, sneezing and other reactions, then this substance is dangerous for humans.

Resume

Allergy is an insidious disease. Its manifestations cannot be ignored. Doctors who know the consequences of this ailment recommend performing tests at the first sign – passing all the recommended samples. And be sure to complete the course of treatment.

Take a full examination at the AllergoStop clinic. Qualified specialists will make the correct diagnosis. Knowing “your” allergens and knowing how to act on them, it is easier to prevent relapses, it is easier to endure dangerous periods of regular outbreaks of allergic reactions.

Eye drops for cats

Eye drops for cats

Cats need not only our affection and love: the owners must pay attention to the health of the animals. For our four-legged friends, many preventive and medicinal products have been developed, basic information about which loving owners should know. This applies in particular to eye drops.

Prevention of vision problems in cats

Cats are famous for their excellent eyesight in the dark.Of course, visual acuity depends on the health of the eyes. Unfortunately, cats often suffer from eye diseases that can lead not only to deterioration, but also to complete loss of vision. To avoid such dire consequences, first of all, you need to use special drops for prophylactic purposes. Lotions based on medicinal plants such as chamomile, St. John’s wort, sage, calendula, and green tea are best suited. You can use special rinsing solutions such as Beaphar Oftal or Ophto-lavas.These are sterile fluids that animals should use to clean their eyes twice a week.

Eye diseases in cats

The spectrum of ophthalmic problems in cats is quite wide:

– conjunctivitis – inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye, which can be caused by an infection or an allergic reaction. Symptoms of the disease are as follows: lacrimation and mucus secretion, swelling of the mucous membrane, swelling of the eyelids;

– blepharitis – inflammation of the eyelids.Symptoms of the disease are thickening of the edges of the eyelids, rejection of skin cells, suppuration;

– keratitis – inflammation of the cornea caused by inflammation, mechanical, chemical or thermal damage. With this disease, the eye becomes less shiny, becomes cloudy;

– iritis (and iridocyclitis / uveitis) – inflammation of the iris (and ciliary body). Its causes can be infections of various nature, fungal diseases, ascariasis, intoxication of the body. The disease can be identified by the following signs: painful reaction to light, yellow iris, pupil constriction, mucus and pus;

– glaucoma – enlargement of the eye due to increased pressure in the eyeball.With this disease, the retina and the papilla of the optic nerve can atrophy;

– cataract – clouding of the lens. It is a disease of older or diabetic cats.

In addition to these diseases, cats often suffer from trauma, erosion, ulcers of the eye tissues.

Preparations for the treatment of eye diseases in cats

How to treat ophthalmic diseases in pets and how to preserve the cat’s eyesight? The following medicines can be used:

– Lacrican.These drops contain antiseptic, menthol and anesthesin. The medicine is used for diseases such as conjunctivitis and blepharitis of all varieties. Drops envelop and moisturize the eyes, have analgesic and antimicrobial effects.

– Interpan – a drug in the form of a gel. It is based on vitamin B2, collagen, hypromellose, glycosaminoglycans that protect the cornea. The drug relieves swelling and inflammation, lubricates, softens and regenerates eye tissue, eliminates discomfort.The viscous consistency of the solution allows the drug to stay in contact with the eye for longer, which makes the effect of the drug longer. Interpan is used for diseases of the cornea of ​​various nature, as well as for conjunctivitis.

– Anandin – drops based on glucoaminopropylacridone. The drug has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and regenerative effects. It is used to treat conjunctivitis. The peculiarity of Anandin is that it is not only eye drops, but also intranasal drops, which makes it possible to use them for rhinitis.Maxidin drops have a similar effect.

– Bars – drops used to treat keratitis, conjunctivitis, blepharitis. The drug has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. It contains furacilin, which is effective against a large number of bacteria, and novocaine, an anesthetic.

– Decta-2 is a combined preparation based on dexamethasone, vitamins A and B2. It is used to treat a wide range of ophthalmic diseases.The peculiarity of these drops is that they do not cause irritation or other unpleasant sensations.

– IRIS – antibacterial eye drops. Used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The effectiveness of the drug is due to the main component – gentamicin sulfate, which has a strong bactericidal effect.

– Ciprovet is an aqueous solution of ciprofloxacin and auxiliary components. These drops are more effective than others for infectious eye diseases, including chronic conjunctivitis, septic iridocyclitis, etc.The effect of this drug is very strong, so it is not recommended to use it for animals less than a week old. May cause permanent irritation.

– Diamond Eyes – a preparation containing chlorhexidine bigluconate, taurine and succinic acid. These components determine the bactericidal and regenerative effect of drops, and slow down the development of cataracts.

Almost all drugs can be used as prophylactic drugs according to the recommendations given in the instructions for the drugs.Remember that the “Preventing than curing” rule also applies to animal diseases. In chapter . by adding a product to the cart or ordering by phone 8 (812) 984-34-07, 8 (960) 273-10-00.

Pain and itching in the eyes – causes and treatment

Eyes – the most important organ through which we learn about the world around us up to 90% of information. But unfortunately, it often happens that we experience discomfort – our eyes can hurt, get tired, itch, watery.In today’s world there are plenty of “enemies” for sight – which are, for example, some flickering screens of all kinds of electronic devices.

Where does the pain and itching of the eyes come from? What will the specialist do to find out the cause of their occurrence? What health problems can these or those symptoms indicate? Let’s figure it out in more detail.

Causes of eye pain

The most common situation is the occurrence of pain , pain in the eyes due to the presence of an irritant.

Such stimuli can be:

• too frequent and prolonged work at the computer
• work in poor light conditions
• exposure to ultraviolet radiation
• other factors, including screens of various devices and 3d glasses in the cinema.

Pain in the eyes during prolonged work at the computer

Everyone knows about the need to “unload” the eyes when working at the computer . Meanwhile, even observing all the precautionary rules, we are not immune from unpleasant consequences.A computer is both exposure to harmful radiation (electromagnetic, ultraviolet), and screen flickering, and its graininess, and glare, and many other stress factors for the eyes.

Office workers and others who spend many hours every day in front of the monitor are most likely to experience pressing pain in the eyes and a feeling of heaviness. They usually testify to the so-called visual fatigue . If discomfort often recurs, be sure to see a doctor – your eye health is at risk.

If discomfort is combined with a feeling of dry eye (dry eye syndrome), be sure to get examined by our ophthalmologist – most likely, you need to additionally moisturize your eyes with the help of special drops and wear glasses to work at the computer. Such glasses come in several varieties, it is best to choose the one that suits you best together with your doctor.

Eye pain due to poor lighting

In the case when you are often faced with working in poor light conditions , most likely you will experience similar problems: heaviness in the eyes, pain, feeling of “sand in the eyes”.All these are symptoms of the same visual fatigue. This is due to the fact that in the wrong light, the eyes have to strain extra to recognize the image.

Pain in the eyes due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation

It is difficult to imagine anything as harmful to our eyes as ultraviolet radiation . The main source of UV rays is the sun (which is why wearing sunglasses is not a fashionable whim, but one of the rules of “ophthalmic safety”), but there are other sources of radiation that can cause irreparable damage to eyesight.

For example welding . Even in childhood, they explain to us that it is impossible to look at her, but even adults often do not remember this right away. At the same time, unprotected contact of sight with welding is fraught with serious burns and, if continued long enough, even complete blindness.

If, after all, it so happened that you could not protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation and now you are reminded of this by symptoms such as ripples in the eyes, shaking of the image in combination with pain – immediately contact an ophthalmologist for urgent help.

Pain in the eyes when visiting 3D cinemas

The now common 3D glasses in cinemas also do not benefit your vision. In addition to the fact that they are reusable and can be a source of infections (including eye infections), the mechanism itself, due to which the effect of a volumetric image occurs, presupposes “multidirectional” work of the left and right eyes, which is undoubtedly harmful (especially if in such an abnormal vision works for 2-2.5 hours).Pain in the eyes can be the result of visiting the 3d room in the cinema.

Increased pressure can cause pain in the eyes

It also happens that a person lives in a mode that is quite sparing for sight, without abusing either reading, or working in the twilight, or even a computer, but pain in the eyes still occurs. The cause of throbbing, severe pain in the eyes can be vascular dysfunction .

Often eye pain is a companion of high blood pressure .The pressure can also build up locally, causing pain. Increased intraocular pressure is the main symptom of a dangerous disease – glaucoma, which requires constant medical supervision. As a rule, with increased intraocular pressure or blood pressure, pain in the eye is accompanied by flickering of “flies”, spots, headache. If you notice such conditions, do not hesitate to see a doctor.

Causes of itchy eyes

Itchy eyes due to allergies

A separate problem that usually has its own specific causes is itchy eyes .For the most part, it is associated with allergic reactions – due to the fact that the mucous membrane reacts violently to an irritant.

In this case eyes begin to watery, swell and itch . If such symptoms appear, be sure to consult an allergist-immunologist – he will prescribe antihistamines that will help relieve unpleasant symptoms. And of course, limit contact with a possible allergen (pollen, cat hair), this will help to avoid a recurrence of the reaction.If you do not know the allergen, and in general you are not sure if it is an allergy, all the more hurry up to see a doctor. In our center, you can take tests that confirm allergies, and allergy tests, which will allow you to calculate a substance that is intolerable to you.

Infection can cause itchy eyes

Often itchy eyes have an infectious cause. For example, this is one of the typical manifestations of conjunctivitis , an inflammatory eye disease. With conjunctivitis, as a rule, the eyes turn red and swell.The presence of secretions is also possible. This is a serious illness that requires adherence to a special regimen (for example, it is recommended to use only a personal towel so as not to infect others) and the use of antibacterial drugs (prescribed by a doctor).

Mites can cause itchy eyes

Another cause of itchy eyes can be demodicosis . This disease is caused by microscopic demodex mites living on the eyelashes. Normally, they do not interfere with a person and are not felt in any way, but with a decrease in immunity, they can be activated, causing a burning sensation in the eyes, peeling of the skin of the face and eyelids, the development of pustules, etc.

The ophthalmologist of our clinic can determine the cause of demodicosis – often, for this, a detailed examination and a study of the freshly removed eyelash for the presence of parasites is sufficient. The disease is unpleasant, but fortunately, it can be effectively cured with special drugs.

Itching due to unsuitable contact lenses

It may happen that your eyes become swollen and itchy due to the fact that you have chosen unsuitable contact lenses . In this case, again, advises you not to delay visiting a specialist.

Conclusion

Whatever the reason for the discomfort in the eyes, do not ignore them. Examination on special devices in our family clinic in St. Petersburg will help to assess the condition of the eyes, the presence of a threat of problems with the retina, cornea and lens. Examination with an ophthalmoscope, slit lamp, ultrasound of the eye will accurately diagnose many ophthalmic disorders.

Take care of your eyes, and the specialists of our center will help you with this!

See also : Inflammatory eye diseases, Fitting glasses and MCL (soft contact lenses).

Watery eyes in the cold – causes and solutions to the problem

Increased tearing is common in many people. Such a problem can be caused by a natural reaction or be the result of serious disturbances in the functioning of the organ of vision.

Causes of lacrimation

Various factors can provoke increased tearing:

• natural defense reaction of the body;

90 130 cold conjunctivitis;

• sun allergy;
• Excessive sensitivity of the cornea to weather changes;
• age-related changes;
• dry eye syndrome;
• weakening of the conduction of the nasolacrimal canal;
• penetration of a foreign body into the eye;
• vitamin deficiency.

The body’s natural defense reaction

Tears are formed to protect the eye from the adverse effects of cold and wind. Do not worry if there are few tears and they stop coming out after the annoying factor is eliminated.

Cold conjunctivitis

In strong wind and frost, histamine is released. As a result, the blood vessels expand, the area around the eyes turns red, itching and swelling occur, and tearing increases.To prevent unpleasant symptoms, when leaving the house, antihistamine drops should be instilled into the eyes and nose. An excellent remedy is tea compresses.

Sun allergy

The sun’s rays are easily reflected off the white snow, causing pain in the eyes and watery eyes. People with gray and blue irises are especially affected. Therefore, it is recommended to wear sunglasses with light lenses.

Excessive sensitivity of the cornea to weather changes

This pathology is most often congenital.To protect your eyes, it is recommended to wear sunglasses; vasoconstrictor nasal drops will help to facilitate breathing.

Age changes

In old age, the lumen of the nasolacrimal canal narrows and the tone of the eyelids decreases. As a result, the eyelids do not touch the cornea and sag over the eyes, which is why tears begin to stand out under the influence of cold air. Special exercises will help strengthen the muscles of the eyelids.

Dry eye syndrome

Most often it manifests itself with a lack of lacrimal fluid.The situation is aggravated in winter, when the total volume of automobile emissions increases. An “artificial tear” will have a protective effect.

Weakening of the conduction of the nasolacrimal canal

As a result of blockage or spasm of the lacrimal canals, tears are released outward, provoking profuse lacrimation. Most often, the problem occurs with rhinitis, flu, sore throat, acute respiratory infections, ARVI.

Only an ophthalmologist can detect violations by performing diagnostic lavage of the lacrimal-nasal passages.If the diagnosis is confirmed, he will refer you to physiotherapy procedures, and in advanced cases, he will recommend an operation.

Penetration of a foreign body into the eyes

In strong winds, sand, street dust, debris and tears can get into your eyes.

Vitamin deficiency

Excessive tearing can occur with a lack of potassium and vitamin B2, which is often the case in winter. Abuse of salt, coffee, strong tea, frequent use of diuretics and sleeping pills, physical overstrain can also provoke a potassium deficiency.Vitamin deficiency, in addition to tearing, is accompanied by photophobia, constant fatigue, and drowsiness.

To saturate the body with vitamin B2 and potassium, you should increase the intake of cottage cheese, liver, mushrooms, beans, potatoes, spinach, nuts.

If your eyes are watery in the cold, make an appointment with an ophthalmologist at the Medinvest eye clinic.