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Puffy eyes (Periorbital puffiness)

Woken up with swollen eyes? Puffy eyes are common and usually not serious. Here’s what causes them and how to ease the swelling.

What are puffy eyes?

Puffy eyes happen when the skin around your eyes swells, often in the morning. It’s usually harmless and goes down on its own, but it can also be linked to allergies, infections or other eye conditions.

Puffy eyes explained

Wondering why your eyes are swollen in the morning?

  1. 1 of 3

    Skin under the eye

    The skin around your eyes is thin and delicate. It can swell more easily than other areas, especially after a night’s sleep or if you’ve been crying.

  2. 2 of 3

    Fluid retention

    Your body sometimes holds onto extra fluid, which can collect under the eyes while you sleep, causing puffiness. This is common if you sleep flat or don’t get enough rest.

  3. 3 of 3

    Fatty tissue

    As we get older, the fat that supports our eyes can shift and move into the lower eyelids. This creates puffiness or bags under the eyes, which might not go away with rest.

Types of puffy eyes

1. Temporary puffy eyes

These often show up first thing in the morning or after a trigger like crying, tiredness or allergies. They tend to go down with rest, hydration, or small lifestyle changes.

2. Persistent puffy eyes

If puffiness sticks around or is always there, it could be linked to changes in your body, your skin, or a health condition.

Causes of puffy eyes

Puffy eyes (sometimes called under‑eye bags or swelling under the eyes) can be short‑term or longer lasting. Temporary puffiness usually clears up on its own, while persistent swelling may need a closer look. Here’s how to tell the difference.

Fluid buildup

Lying flat, not blinking much, or having too much salt or alcohol can cause fluid to collect under the eyes, especially overnight. That’s why your eyes might be puffy in the morning.

Allergies

Hay fever, pet dander or dust can all cause puffiness around eyes. You may also notice itching, watering or redness.

Infections and inflammation

Conditions like conjunctivitis, styes, blepharitis or a chalazion can lead to swelling, pain or redness around the eyelids.

Crying

After a long cry, tear glands work overtime and can cause swelling under the eyes. This usually settles after a few hours.

Lack of sleep

Poor rest can slow fluid drainage and make puffiness more obvious. It may also make skin look paler, which makes puffiness stand out more.

Eye strain or tiredness

Poor sleep, too much screen time, or rubbing your eyes can all make puffiness worse.

Ageing

As you get older, skin and muscle tone change. Fatty tissue can move into the lower eyelids and cause permanent puffiness or bags.

Genetics

Some people are more likely to have puffiness under the eyes, especially if family members have it too. This often shows up from your 30s onwards.

Medical conditions

Long‑term puffiness can be caused by thyroid eye disease, kidney problems or sinus issues. It’s worth speaking to a doctor if puffiness appears suddenly or worsens.

Skin conditions

Issues like dermatitis or eczema around the eyes can cause puffiness, especially if the skin becomes inflamed or irritated.

Injury or trauma

Any knock to the eye can cause swelling, bruising or tenderness. If you’ve had an injury, always get it checked to rule out anything more serious.

Symptoms of eye puffiness

Most people will get puffy eyes now and then. But if your eyes are swollen, sore or red, you may also have other symptoms depending on the cause. These could point to an allergy, an infection, or a different condition entirely. Let’s look at some of the most common symptoms of eye puffiness.

Puffiness under eyes

Noticeable swelling below the eyes, especially after sleep or crying. It often makes your eyes look tired or bloated.

Eyes swollen in the morning

Waking up with puffier eyelids is common. It usually eases as you move around, but if it doesn’t, it may need checking.

Learn more about swollen eyes

Eye pain

Puffiness with pain may be a sign of something more serious.

Learn more about eye pain

Watery eyes

Tear build‑up can make puffiness worse.

Learn more about watery eyes

Red or irritated eyes

If the skin or white of your eye looks red too, it could be linked to irritation or infection.

Learn more about red, bloodshot eyes

Itchy or dry feeling

Could be linked to an allergy or dryness.

Learn more about itchy eyes and dry eye syndrome

Grittiness or stinging

Often a sign of irritation, infection, inflammation or dryness.

Learn more about blepharitis

Swelling that won’t go away

Could be a chalazion or stye. These may need treatment if they don’t improve.

Learn more about styes

How are puffy eyes tested and diagnosed?

Puffy eyes are usually checked during a routine eye test. Your optometrist will look at the skin around your eyes, ask about any symptoms you’ve noticed, and explore possible causes. Most of the time, no specialist tests are needed, but if the puffiness is ongoing or unusual, they may recommend extra checks.

We’ll start with a visual check, looking at the area around your eyes for signs of swelling, redness or irritation. If there’s visible puffiness, we’ll assess whether it’s mild or more advanced. You’ll also be asked about any discomfort, such as itchiness, pain, changes to your vision or light sensitivity. These details help us work out what might be going on.

We’ll then talk through your medical background, including any allergies or previous eye problems. This gives us a better idea of what could be causing the puffiness. If we think something else might be behind it, we may refer you for extra tests. These could include blood tests (to rule out thyroid or kidney problems), allergy tests, a skin biopsy (if a skin condition is suspected) or imaging scans like a CT or MRI to check deeper tissues.

We’ll also rule out other causes like blepharitis, periorbital oedema, or other eye conditions.

Once we’ve found the cause, we’ll talk you through the best way to treat it whether that’s a home remedy, allergy care or specialist support.

Book an eye test

Eye puffiness treatment – what you can do at home

Here’s how to get rid of puffy eyes depending on the cause:

Cold compress

A clean, cold flannel or reusable gel eye mask placed gently over your closed eyes for a few minutes can help reduce swelling. The cool temperature narrows blood vessels and helps shift fluid build‑up, especially if your eyes are puffy in the morning. Just make sure the compress is not too cold or directly in contact with ice.

Allergy relief

If your puffiness is caused by allergies, over‑the‑counter antihistamines can ease swelling, itching and watery eyes. You can also try allergy eye drops designed to calm irritation around the eyes. If you're not sure what's triggering your symptoms, speak to your pharmacist or optometrist. They’ll help you find the right option.

Learn more about itchy eyes

Better sleep

Lack of rest is a common cause of puffy eye bags. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night and try sleeping with your head slightly elevated to prevent fluid from collecting under the eyes. Staying well‑hydrated during the day and cutting back on alcohol or salty foods before bed can also make a noticeable difference.

Eye hygiene

If your puffiness is linked to a condition like blepharitis or a stye, it’s important to keep your eyelids clean. Use warm compresses to loosen any debris, then gently clean the lid margins using sterile wipes or diluted baby shampoo. Regular lid care can help prevent flare‑ups and ease swelling under eyes.

Eye puffiness treatment – medical options

If home remedies haven’t worked or the puffiness keeps returning, your optometrist can identify the cause and suggest the right treatment. This could include eye drops for inflammation or allergies, creams for infections like styes or blepharitis, or steroid treatment for more stubborn swelling. They may refer you for further tests and in rare cases for surgery.

Book an eye test
An eye care professional smiles while talking to two patients in an examination room with medical equipment and computer monitors.

When should I get help for puffy eyes?

If puffiness under your eyes doesn’t ease after a few days, keeps coming back, or comes with pain, redness, vision changes or discharge, it’s worth getting checked. Conditions like conjunctivitis, blepharitis, a stye or chalazion may need treatment. An optometrist can help you work out what’s going on and what to do next.

Considering surgery for puffy eyes?

Specsavers Australia doesn’t provide eye surgery, but we can help you understand your options. If you’re thinking about surgery, your optometrist can discuss what’s available and refer you to a specialist if needed.

In Australia, Medicare covers eye tests with optometrists, but surgery isn’t typically covered unless it's medically necessary. Private health insurance may help with costs depending on your plan.

Book an eye test

How to prevent puffy eyes

You might not be able to stop eye puffiness completely, especially if it’s caused by ageing or your family history. But these tips can help reduce how often it happens, ease swelling when it does show up, and lower your chances of developing long‑term under‑eye bags.

1. Sleep smart

Getting enough rest makes a big difference to how your eyes look and feel. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. Try sleeping with an extra pillow to raise your head slightly. This helps stop fluid from settling under your eyes while you sleep.

2. Stay hydrated

When your body’s dehydrated, it holds onto water and some of that fluid can collect around your eyes. Drinking enough water throughout the day keeps your skin hydrated and helps flush out excess salt, which can also reduce puffiness

3. Limit salt and alcohol

Eating salty foods or drinking alcohol can both cause your body to retain water. That fluid build‑up often shows up under the eyes as puffiness or swelling, especially overnight. Cutting back, particularly in the evening, can help reduce morning eye puffiness.

4. Avoid rubbing your eyes

Rubbing can irritate the skin, break tiny blood vessels and make swelling worse. If your eyes are itchy or sore, try using a cold compress or allergy eye drops instead of rubbing especially if you have hay fever or dry eyes.

5. Keep your eyes clean

Eyelid hygiene is important, especially if you get recurring eye issues. Gently clean your eyelids with a warm compress or sterile wipes to prevent conditions like blepharitis that can lead to long‑term puffiness.

6. Manage your allergies

If puffiness around the eyes is triggered by allergies, taking antihistamines can help. Try to avoid known triggers like pollen or dust, and use allergy eye drops during peak seasons if needed.

7. Use sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses outdoors can protect your eyes from bright sunlight, UV rays and wind all of which can make your eyes more sensitive and prone to swelling. Look for lenses with UV protection to help keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.

Puffy Eye ‑ FAQs

Did you know?

Eye tests are bulk billed to Medicare, so there are no out‑of‑pocket expenses for you*.

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Written with care and checked for accuracy

https://images.ctfassets.net/uuaxywrybmpn/6Q37Ia7ZYHSysKEVs11mHE/32418f94ae86edd93f1f99f3a90827b8/Kyla_Fang.jpeg

Kyla Fang

BVisSc, MOptom

Kyla Fang is an early career optometrist with three years of experience at Specsavers Launceston in Regional Tasmania. She earned her Bachelor of Vision Science and Master of Optometry at the University of Canberra in 2022.

Kyla enjoys all aspects of optometry, including primary care, myopia management, retinal disease, geriatric optometry, and collaborating with local ophthalmologists for glaucoma management. She has a particular passion for educating individuals about their eye health, helping them gain a better understanding of their vision and overall ocular well‑being.

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