A baggy and puffy eye is a common skin problem that occurs as people age. The explanation behind it is that ageing affects and weakens the tissue surrounding the eyes, including some muscles supporting the eyelids. But that’s not the only cause behind puffy eyes.
Some people may notice swelling under the eyes when they wake up in the morning, which could be a sign of sleep deprivation.
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Gunjan Verma, Dermatologist, Manipal Hospital in Dwarka, sheds light on the many causes of puffy eyes and shares natural remedies to get rid of them.
Also Read: Try These 5 Tips To Prevent Dark Circles
What Causes Puffy Eye?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) explains that the development of eye puffiness is primarily due to the ageing process. The health body suggests that the skin around the eyes loses elasticity, allowing fatty tissue that typically supports the eye to shift forward and accumulate beneath the lower eyelid.
Dr Verma adds other factors that can lead to bags under the eyes, which include:
- Excess salt intake
- Fluid retention (kidney disorder)
- Trauma
- Lack of sleep
Fluid Retention Or Sleep Deprivation: How To Differentiate?
Fluid retention in the body can occur due to various reasons, including a high-salt diet. Eating excessive salt can cause your body to retain water, which leads to swelling.
Additionally, insufficient sleep can cause both puffiness and dark eye circles. A study published in the journal Sleep found that people can accurately detect sleep deprivation by looking at someone's face. Researchers showed photos of people who were well-rested and those who were severely sleep-deprived to a group of observers. The observers consistently rated the sleep-deprived individuals as having more tired-looking features like puffy eyes, dark circles, pale skin, and drooping eyelids.
Discussing the difference between puffiness caused by sleep deprivation and fluid retention, Dr Verma says it can be determined by observing whether the puffiness goes away after getting sufficient rest.
"If it persists, it may be due to an underlying condition such as a kidney disorder, which would require proper medical management," he adds.
Also Read: Are There Any Permanent Solutions For Dark Circles? Read On
Natural Remedies To Get Rid Of Eye Bags
The AAO suggests that certain home remedies can reduce the puffiness of eye bags. These include:
- Use a cool compress on your eyes.
- Get enough sleep; most experts recommend 7-9 hours of sleep daily.
- Sleep with your head raised slightly.
- Avoid drinking fluids before bed.
- Limit salt in your diet.
- Quit smoking.
- Try to reduce your allergy symptoms.
- Avoid excessive eyelid rubbing.
- Avoid the things that cause your allergies whenever you can.
- Use cosmetics; use makeup concealer to cover shadows under your eyes.
How Diet Plays A Role?
Dr Verma says, “Eating foods high in potassium can help counter the effects of salt and prevent puffy eyes. Some examples of potassium-rich foods include bananas, yoghurt, coconut water, dry fruits, potatoes, and dried apricots.”
“However, it is important to consume these foods in moderation and with the advice of a doctor, as an excess of anything can be harmful. Additionally, reducing salt intake can also help prevent puffy eyes, and using a low-sodium salt is another good option,” the doctor adds.