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Puffy Eyes 
Puffy eyes—those swollen bags that haunt us with our first look in the mirror every morning, more and more as we age. They seem to “snap back” less each day, and the bags often become larger and more pronounced with time. The thin and delicate skin tissue below the eyes and the weakening muscle tissue deteriorates with years of tears, fat accumulation, and settling of fluids, especially as we sleep. Lack of sleep, alcohol, smoking, allergies, fluid retention, eyestrain—all of these factors and more take their toll on the fragile tissue. It begins to stretch, sag, and fill with fluids and fat. Although they are seldom medically significant, they make us look old and tired, affecting our quality of life. Home remedies, creams, and surgery are all possible courses to consider in treating puffy eyes.
The place to begin is with the home remedies. Wash your face with ice cold water to reduce morning swelling. Cold cucumber slices on the eyes or two moist and chilled tea bags have anti-inflammatory properties as well. Avoiding house dust or pet dander, which you may be allergic to without knowing it, will also reduce puffiness. Lowering your salt and sodium intake will make it easier for your body to rid itself of fluids, which can accumulate under the eyes. Artificial sweeteners can have the same effect too. Be sure to get enough sleep and drink water constantly. Protect your eyes against the elements of sun and wind with sunglasses or goggles, and avoid swimming underwater, especially in a chlorinated pool. Hemorrhoid cream, which shrinks and tightens tissue, can be used from time to time for a special occasion for cosmetic benefit. These common sense lifestyle techniques might make more difference than you think.
Creams and gels are available for a number of different conditions of the area around the eyes. Crow’s feet and wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles, baggy eyes, and puffy eyes all require different treatments. Whereas you will want moisturizing products and serums for dryness and signs of aging, you may prefer skin-firming gels for puffy eyes. Moisturizers may actually relax the tissue and make the puffiness appear to increase. Eye wash and eye drop products can relieve irritation from the elements and allergies, which also contribute to puffy eyes. Anti-inflammatory products may also be beneficial, keeping in mind that quick-drying gels are preferable to lotions and creams.
Surgery is more appropriate for baggy eyes than for puffy eyes. Often, these conditions occur together in aging people, and we tend to see them as one thing. However, baggy eyes are a function of fat accumulation and protrusion, as well as the excess moisture that the fat may trap and absorb, making it bulge further. Puffy eyes are simply fluid and swelling. Consequently, younger people with puffy eyes generally will not benefit from surgery, as fatty deposits are less likely to be the issue, unless genetics are involved. Lower eyelid surgery is done, when possible, through the inside of the eyelid to avoid visible scars. A small opening is made and the fat is removed in one piece. The procedure is done in the doctor’s office with local anesthesia and possible light sedation. Post-surgical downtime is minimal.
Extra care is required when self-treating around your eyes. When choosing from an array of options, it is usually wise to choose the least radical option that will deliver the results you need.
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