how to treat swollen eyes - #23100
I am dealing with this annoying issue of swollen eyes lately and honestly, I don't know what to do. About a week ago, I woke up one morning, and my eyes were puffy like crazy! At first, I thought it was just allergies, since the pollen count had gone up, but it hasn't really gotten any better. It's been like this for several days now. I tried cooling them down with some cold compresses, but that didn't seem to help. I’ve also tried some over-the-counter allergy meds, but nada. I'm also not sure if I might be eating too much salty food or something, feel like my diet’s been off. I mean, I heard drinking more water helps, but I’m not sure if that really works for swollen eyes or if I need to do something specific to treat this. Like, can anyone recommend how to treat swollen eyes? I’ve tried cucumber slices, would love to know if there are any actual treatments or home remedies that really work. I’m just kinda frustrated cause it's affecting my work too, and I can’t even hide it with makeup. Anyone had similar experiences? How to treat swollen eyes effectively or at least reduce the puffiness? Really appreciate any advice!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
Firstly, considering that your swollen eyes haven’t improved with some typical interventions like cold compresses and antihistamines, it’s crucial to consider other possible causes. Persistent swelling after several days might suggest a different underlying issue beyond allergies, such as fluid retention, an eye infection, or even a reaction to a skincare product. Though you’ve already considered your diet, reducing your salt intake is still a good idea since excess sodium can contribute to fluid retention. Ensure you drink an adequate amount of water daily, the balance can help reduce puffiness overall. However, if dietary changes don’t resolve the issue, it’s important to focus on other potential causes.
For immediate relief, continue with cold compresses, and try using a chilled spoon or gel mask for more effective cooling. If your suspect skincare products, temporarily discontinue use to see if conditions improve. Also, keep your sleeping position in mind, sleeping with your head elevated can prevent fluid from pooling around your eyes. Remember the importance of monitoring sleep quality, sometimes lack of good sleep can contribute to eye puffiness as well.
If the swelling persists, worsens, or if you start experiencing other symptoms like eye pain, redness, or changes in vision, it’s time to get in touch with a healthcare professional. These could be signs of more serious eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis or blepharitis. Deeper evaluations from a doctor could help ascertain if there’s an underlying cause needing direct treatment. It’s always a good approach to see a doctor sooner rather than later if home remedies aren’t effective. This way you can ensure the best care for yourself and peace of mind regarding your eye health.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.