Eye puffiness is another term for swelling around the eyes and eyelids. It overlaps with puffy eyes and swollen lids.
Contributing Factors
Allergy, crying, fatigue, high salt intake, and hormonal changes commonly cause temporary puffiness. Chronic conditions such as thyroid eye disease, chronic sinusitis, and eyelid dermatochalasis can create more persistent swelling.
- Allergic puffiness often comes with itching, redness, and watering
- Thyroid-related puffiness may be accompanied by eye prominence and lid retraction
- Systemic fluid imbalance can make puffiness worse in the morning
- Ageing alters eyelid support structures, allowing fat to protrude
Evaluation and Care
An assessment helps differentiate simple lifestyle-related puffiness from disease-related swelling. Treatment is tailored, from antihistamines and nasal sprays to endocrine or oculoplastic management.
- Cold compresses and adequate rest ease many benign cases
- Persistent or unilateral puffiness warrants medical review
- Smoking cessation benefits patients with thyroid eye disease
- Patients should mention any associated systemic symptoms such as weight change or breathlessness
