How long do puffy eyes last?

How long does each type last?

These times are not a reason to wait through worsening symptoms. Itching and watering can accompany allergies; discharge and redness can accompany infection. A localized eyelid lump can be a stye or a chalazion, a blocked oil gland. A pharmacist, optometrist or doctor can help identify the cause rather than treating every swollen eyelid as the same problem.356

What can you do for puffiness after crying?

1. 1Place a cool, damp washcloth across your closed eyes. For puffiness after crying, apply a cold compress for up to 10 minutes, removing it sooner if it feels uncomfortable. Wrap an ice pack in a towel rather than placing it directly against your skin.
2. 2Stay upright when practical. At bedtime, use extra pillows to raise your head, but do not sacrifice sleep to stay upright.
3. 3Leave new eye creams and serums out of the routine while the area is irritated. The skin around the eyes is thin and sensitive, and a new product can cause a reaction.
4. 4Give the swelling time to settle. Avoid rubbing your eyes; massage can irritate the delicate area and make swelling worse.

Cold spoons and a cool washcloth are both options for temporary puffiness, so the equipment list need not become a shopping list.17

Why does the puffiness keep coming back?

Fluid can collect under your eyes overnight. Raising your head with an extra pillow can help reduce that buildup. Rubbing and scratching can also make the area swell. Dark circles are a separate issue: they describe darker skin below the eyes, not swelling, although shadows from hollow areas can increase the appearance of puffiness.7

If puffiness comes with gritty eyes, crusts at the eyelash roots or lids that stick together in the morning, ask about blepharitis. If that is the cause, clean your eyelids twice daily, continuing even when symptoms clear. The cleaning sequence is a warm compress for 5 to 10 minutes, gentle eyelid massage for about 30 seconds, then wiping away flakes or crusts. Skip contacts and eye makeup while symptoms are present.4

Treatment depends on the cause. Allergy medicines can help allergy related swelling, while some infections need prescription treatment. Stop wearing contact lenses, eye makeup and lash extensions until a swollen eye improves. An eye cream is an optional cosmetic step, not a reason to give the bathroom shelf another permanent resident. Do not use hemorrhoid cream around your eyes, and use steroid eye drops only as prescribed.15

When should you get puffy eyes checked?

Arrange an eye care appointment if new swelling lasts longer than 24 to 48 hours, especially if it is not improving. Swelling under just one eye also warrants a call to a healthcare provider. Seek urgent care for vision changes, double vision, an unusually bulging eye, light sensitivity, eye pain, or a red, hot, tender eyelid. Fever, headache or nausea alongside swelling also needs prompt assessment. Chemicals or debris from drilling, cutting or grinding in the eye require immediate medical help.13567