What Can I Do About Swollen Eyes?
One day you are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, enjoying life and looking fresh as a daisy. The next day, you awake to eyes that are red, swollen, and puffy. This is no cause for alarm, and certainly nothing to cry about. In fact, crying is the last thing you should do, for it will only make your eyes more swollen.
Swollen eyes can be brought on by a host of causes. Stress, hormonal changes, crying, insomnia, and imbibing in a bit too much alcohol can all be contributing factors. A diet high in salt, or drinking too much water at bedtime, can result in the sort of fluid retention that leads to swollen eyes. Even factors as simple as irritating contact lenses, or a speck of migrant dust, can cause eyes to appear puffy and swollen.
Another reason for swollen eyes could be allergic conjunctivitis. This is a long-winded name for simple hay fever, and is usually brought on by an allergy, infection, a sluggish immune system, or general irritation. Eye drops containing antihistamines will normally cure allergic conjunctivitis in short order, but don’t be use them too often. The reason, is that excessive use of eye drops can lead to swollen eyes.
In the vast majority of cases, the best way to care for swollen eyes is to rely on tried and true home remedies. Washing your face with cold water will many times remove the irritant that is causing the swelling, and your eyes will return to normal within a few hours. A cold compress placed over closed eyes will take down inflammation, whereas a warm compress will help relieve any minor pain or discomfort. Also, topical creams containing Vitamin E or Aloe Vera extract may prove beneficial.
In almost every instance, given a bit of time and a bit of rest, swollen eyes will take care of themselves. If you are sensitive to the various airborne allergens especially prevalent during the spring months, it might be wise to try and remain indoors on days with an excessively high pollen count. One of the best recommendations is to get plenty of sleep, as burning the candle at both ends is a near certain invitation to swollen eyes.
In a few rare cases, swollen eyes can be a symptom of something more serious. If your eyes are burning, if dizziness comes on, or if swelling persists or worsens, then the time has come to visit a physician. This is a very unlikely scenario, but when it comes to your eyes, the best philosophy is one of better safe than sorry.
Written by Ron Marr
