Allergies are a common cause of temporary eye swelling. Lifestyle factors like smoking, excessive salt intake, and sleep habits also contribute to this condition. There are several ways to quickly eliminate eye swelling.
Allergy medication can provide relief. Allergy-related eye swelling can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to subside. The reduction time depends on whether the person is continuously exposed to the allergen. Allergies can cause inflammation, leading to swelling under the eyes. Taking antihistamines can help reduce allergy symptoms, including eye swelling. Antihistamine eye drops can also alleviate eye allergy symptoms.
Cold compresses can help. Cooler temperatures can help reduce inflammation, a primary cause of under-eye swelling. However, avoid prolonged application of cold compresses on swollen areas, including the eyes, as extended contact with ice can hinder the healing process.
Tea bags can soothe swollen eyes. Green tea contains caffeine, which can help reduce eye swelling. Chill the tea bags before applying them to the eyes for increased effectiveness. Green tea extract also has anti-inflammatory properties, benefiting those with eye conditions like dry eyes and allergies.
Reduce salt intake. Eye bags can form due to a high-salt diet, so limiting salt consumption can reduce under-eye swelling.
Get enough sleep. Eyes can appear more swollen in the morning after a late night or poor sleep. Improving sleep habits can prevent eye swelling. Some ways to improve sleep include reducing caffeine intake, exercising regularly, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, minimizing noise in the bedroom, and avoiding electronic devices right before bed.
Quit smoking. Smoking can contribute to the formation and appearance of eye bags. Smokers have a higher risk of experiencing eye swelling compared to non-smokers.
Seek medical treatment when necessary. Sometimes, the above treatments aren't enough to eliminate eye bags, such as those caused by aging. Some individuals are predisposed to puffy eyes, and in these cases, medical treatments might yield better results than natural remedies.
Occasionally, eye swelling can indicate an underlying medical condition like thyroid disease. Other conditions that can cause swelling and puffiness under the eyes include conjunctivitis (pink eye), styes, sinusitis, congestion due to allergies or colds, Graves' disease, cancer, periorbital cellulitis, and more. Most cases of eye swelling related to a medical condition disappear after treatment. If eye swelling is accompanied by pain in or around the eyes, decreased vision, or a gritty sensation in the eyes, consult a specialist promptly for timely treatment.
Bao Bao (Theo Very Well Health)
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