Periorbital puffiness, also known as "puffy eyes" or swelling around the eyes, refers
to the appearance of swelling in the tissues around the eyes, called the orbits.
It is almost exclusively caused by fluid buildup around the eyes, or periorbital edema.
Minor puffiness usually detectable below the eyes only is often called eye bags.
Such transient puffiness is distinct from the age related and gradual increase in the
size of the fat pad lying below the lower eyelids which can also be colloquially referred
to as eye bags.
Causes While some degree of puffiness may be normal
for a given individual, factors such as age and fatigue may make the swelling more prominent.
The periorbital tissues are most noticeably swollen immediately after waking, perhaps
due to the gravitational redistribution of fluid in the horizontal position.
Eye puffiness may also be caused by: Mononucleosis - With supra-orbital oedema,
the eyes become puffy and swollen.
This may occur in the early stages of infection.
Oversleeping/sleep deprivation - Interrupted sleep cycles are common causes of eye puffiness.
Fluid retention - Many conditions can lead to the retention of fluid, particularly in
the subcutaneous tissues.
These conditions can cause swelling around the eyes to be more prominent.
Diet - Excess salt encourages fluid retention and may lead to puffy eyes.
Alcohol and tobacco use - Alcohol and tobacco contain toxins that may lead to stress, fatigue,
and hormonal changes; all of which may lead to fluid retention and swelling around the
eyes.
Allergies - Allergic reactions can lead to leaks in the subcutaneous capillary beds which
can cause swelling in the face, including around the eyes.
Skin disorders - Eye puffiness can be a side effect of certain skin disorders, such as
dermatitis, if the affected area becomes very sensitive, leading to swelling.
Normal aging - As a person grows older, the skin around the eyes becomes thinner and may
swell or droop.
Further a gradual and generally permanent increase in the size of the suborbicularis
oculi fat pad along with the thinning and weakening of the overlying musculature contributes
to the apparent distention of the lower eyelids.
Crying - The salt in tears may cause fluid retention in the eye area.
Hypothyroidism - Facial puffiness and periorbital swelling occur due to infiltration with the
mucopolysaccharides hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate, pulling fluid into the interstitial
space by osmosis.
Periorbital cellulitis - An inflammation and infection of the eyelid and portions of skin
around the eye.
Chagas disease - Also known as American trypanosomiasis.
Young patients, often in an acute phase of the disease, manifest Romaña's sign: unilateral,
painless, periorbital edema.
Nephrotic syndrome - Puffiness around the eyes is the first site to get swollen
Trichinosis - Periorbital edema, fever and muscle pain are the main symptoms that ensue
from eating raw, infected pork.
Tear glands - Puffiness around the eyes can also be due to the improper functioning of
the tear glands.
Superior vena cava obstruction.
Cavernous sinus syndrome polyneuropathy.
Risks Puffy eyes are usually only a temporary cosmetic
worry, but occasionally, individuals become concerned about the cosmetic effect of periorbital
swelling and seek surgical correction.
Severe and persistent puffiness may be a sign of other serious medical conditions.
Remedies For someone predisposed to eye puffiness,
changes to diet and lifestyle may be required to reduce the possibility of swelling.
A cold compress near the eye can act as a short-term remedy as cold temperature constricts
blood vessels, preventing the flow of fluid into tissues and diminishing puffiness in
the process.
Live Yeast Cell Derivative may be effective; Prevention
Elevating the head while sleeping can prevent the gravitational redistribution of fluid
that is associated with eye swelling.
A low-carb diet can prevent eye puffiness by preventing water retention.
Eating foods rich in vitamins, especially A, C and E, helps to reduce eye puffiness
and to maintain clear, moist skin.
See also Periorbital dark circles
References ^ Plast Reconstr Surg. 1995 Jan;95(1):37-42.The
suborbicularis oculi fat pads: an anatomic and clinical study.
Aiache AE, Ramirez OH.
^ The Look You Like; Paul Lazar, M.D.
^ Plast Reconstr Surg. 1995 Jan;95(1):37-42.The suborbicularis oculi fat pads: an anatomic
and clinical study.
Aiache AE, Ramirez OH.
^ The Merck Manual, 18th Edition, Merck Research Laboratories, 2006.
^ Markell and Voge's Medical Parasitology, John and Petri, Ninth Edition
^ Carroll GG.
Multiple Cranial Neuropathies.
Semin Neurol. 2009;29(1):53-65.
http:www.medscape.com588522_9 ^ The Doctor's Beauty Hotline; Fredric Haberman,
D.D.
^ http:www.google.comUS5643587?dq=live+yeast+cell+derivative&hl=en&sa=X&ei=sAPGUNbYH4vIswaMtICQBQ&ved=0CEkQ6AEwBg Composition and method for under-eye skin
lightening USPTO Patent number: 5643587 ^ Nourishing your skin from within