What do puffy eyes look like?

What does eye puffiness look like?

Under eye bags, drooping lids and wrinkles are different features, not three names for the same item on a cosmetic menu. Notice whether the change is beneath the eye, in the eyelid or in the position of the eyeball itself.24

What else should you look for?

Appearance alone cannot tell you the cause. Itching, redness and watering can accompany allergies. Discharge, pain and redness can accompany an infection. A lump can be a stye or chalazion, a blocked oil gland in the eyelid. Flaky or sticky lids can occur with several eyelid problems. Bruising or fluid building up around the eye can also make the area look swollen. These clues help describe the problem; they are not a diagnosis.13

What should you do about swelling?

• Ask a pharmacist about mild eyelid symptoms and whether you need an optician or doctor.
• If your eye is swollen, stop wearing contact lenses, eye makeup and lash extensions until it gets better.
• Avoid a known allergy trigger. A pharmacist or doctor can advise about allergy medicines.
• See an optometrist or doctor if swelling is not improving after a few days, lasts a long time or worries you.

There is no single recovery time for a puffy eye because treatment depends on the cause. Some eyelid lumps disappear after several days or weeks. Swelling following a nearby insect bite, injury or operation can settle after about a week. Do not use those timelines to delay care when warning symptoms are present.13

When does puffiness need urgent care?

Get urgent medical help for a swollen eyelid that is red, hot, painful, tender or blistered. Sudden eyelid drooping, difficulty opening or keeping the eye open, pain inside the eye, a very red eye, light sensitivity or changes in vision also need urgent assessment. Seek urgent help if eye symptoms come with a headache, nausea, fever or feeling generally unwell, or if you suspect an allergic reaction.3

What if the eye itself looks bigger?

An eyeball pushing forward is called proptosis, or bulging eyes. More of the white can show, and less of the upper eyelid can be visible, making the eye look unusually wide open. Get bulging checked by a doctor. Seek emergency care if it comes with vision changes, severe headache, nausea or severe eye pain, or if a child's eyes have just started bulging.45

What about persistent under eye bags?

For a cosmetic concern about persistent bags, an eye specialist can discuss procedures, including eyelid surgery to reduce lower eyelid bagginess. A cosmetic eye consultation includes an eye exam and a check of the eyelids, lashes and surrounding skin, so the mirror does not get the casting vote.2