Overview

Periorbital edema is the proper term for “puffy eyes.” It refers to swelling in the area around the eyes, known as the eye orbit. But what causes periorbital edema and how might it be treated?

What is periorbital edema?

Periorbital edema, also known as puffy eye or periorbital edema, is swelling of the tissue around the eye, called the eye socket. It is also referred to as periorbital puffiness. The tissue around the eyes looks puffy due to fluid buildup and inflammation. Most of the time, periorbital edema is not serious and is caused by poor sleep, poor diet or allergies. Sometimes, however, it can be due to a serious health condition, such as kidney disease or lupus.

What are the symptoms of periorbital edema?

Symptoms of periorbital edema may include mild to severe inflammation around the eye orbit. Double or blurred vision caused by eye puffiness. Redness around the eye, alongside swelling. Bulging of the eyeball. The white of the eye appeared inflamed. Excess tears being produced. The eye appears bruised. The eyelids being pushed back by inflammation. Being sensitive to light. Pain around the eye or pain when moving the eye. Itchiness around the eye.

What causes periorbital edema?

Mild puffiness around the eyes can be due to poor sleep, fluid retention related to a poor or high-salt diet, or drinking too much alcohol. Crying, especially long bouts of crying, can also cause mild swelling around the eyes. Aging can be a natural cause of mild periorbital edema.

Periorbital edema can be due to allergies. When allergies are the trigger, the eye puffiness (called angioedema), is likely to affect both eyes and lead to itching and redness. The allergy can be to pollen, animal dander or any substance that is irritating to you. 

Periorbital edema, along with pain, redness, fever, and tenderness, can be caused by an infection such as sinusitis, a dental infection, or an eye infection more severe than an orbital one, called orbital cellulitis. 

If left untreated, severe sinus attacks can cause secondary complications, including orbital cellulitis, orbital abscesses, meningitis, cavernous sinus thrombosis, and intracranial abscesses, all of which can lead to severe morbidity or death. Although preseptal and orbital cellulitis are less common causes of eyelid swelling than contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis, immediate recognition and treatment is key to preventing vision loss and other serious complications such as meningitis and cavernous sinus thrombosis.

What are the treatments for periorbital edema?

If periorbital edema is due to diet, following a low-salt, healthy diet and drinking plenty of water can help. If it is due to allergies or irritation, placing a cold compress on the eyes can relieve the irritation. Antihistamines can help quiet allergies as well. Creams with corticosteroids that address inflammation may be prescribed. Antibiotics can treat an infection. 

Takeaway

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.

If you notice that one or both eyes are swollen, contact an eye doctor for proper assessment and treatment. Most of the time, puffy eyes are usually only a temporary and minor problem that can be easily treated at home. But sometimes swelling of the eye can signal a serious condition that could affect your vision permanently if not treated, so it’s a good idea to set up an appointment just to be sure.

DISCLAIMER                

Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.