Swelling around the eyes is known as periorbital oedema. We refer to the region surrounding the eyes as the eye orbit or eye socket. This ailment is also known as puffy eyes or periorbital puffiness.
Periorbital edema may occur in one eye or both at once. Continue reading to discover the signs, symptoms, and treatment of periorbital oedema.
Knowledge of periorbital edema
Bags beneath the eyes, a normal aspect of ageing, are not the same as periorbital edema. Rather, it is a medical issue that is often transient.
There are several reasons why inflammation around the eyes and fluid accumulation could occur. The fluid accumulation gives the orbit of the eye its bloated appearance.
In certain individuals, periorbital edema may develop gradually and persist over time. In others, it could occur suddenly; in these cases, physicians classify it as acute.
Typical reasons for periorbital edema
Numerous things, such as underlying medical disorders, allergies, infections, and lifestyle choices, can result in periorbital oedema. Among the frequent reasons are:
- Hypersensitivity: Periorbital edema can result from allergic reactions to environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet hair, and specific foods. The body releases histamines in response to an allergen, which can widen blood vessels and allow fluid to seep into the surrounding tissues, leading to swelling.
- Infections: Periorbital edema can result from infections, especially those affecting the eyes and surrounding tissues. Conjunctivitis, pink eye, cellulitis, bacterial skin infections, and sinus infections are common diseases. These infections may result in swelling and fluid buildup in the periorbital area.
- Factors related to lifestyle: Periorbital edema can occur due to specific lifestyle choices. A high-sodium diet, sleep deprivation, and heavy alcohol use can cause fluid retention and puffiness around the eyes. Swelling can also result from continuous sobbing and eye strain from too much screen time.
- Health issues: Periorbital edema may result from several underlying medical problems. Several of these circumstances consist of the following:
- Thyroid disorders: Swelling around the eyes and fluid retention can be brought on by diseases, including Graves' disease and hypothyroidism.
- Kidney disease: Fluid accumulation can occur in the periorbital area and other sections of the body due to impaired kidney function.
- Heart disease: Edema and fluid retention, particularly in the face and eyes, are symptoms of congestive heart failure.
Trauma
Periorbital edema may arise from injuries or trauma to the face and eyes. Swelling around the eyes can be brought on by blunt force trauma, surgical procedures, and cosmetic surgeries, as the body's inflammatory reaction works to heal the injured tissues.
Dermatitis
Skin disorders affecting sensitive skin surrounding the eyes, such as contact and atopic dermatitis, can cause swelling and inflammation. These disorders can be caused by allergens, irritants, and even certain skincare products.
Periorbital edema symptoms
Periorbital swelling symptoms might include:
- inflammation surrounding the eyes
- hazy vision as a result of puffed eyes
- redness encircling the whole eye
- swelling of the eye's surrounding tissue
- enlargement of the pupil
- inflammation and redness in the eye's cornea
- Overly tearing, Itching or soreness
Depending on whether systemic issues are to blame, periorbital edema may present with additional symptoms. If periorbital edema indicates kidney illness or an autoimmune disease such as lupus, symptoms related to those disorders will also be present.
Periorbital edema diagnosis
A medical practitioner must perform a comprehensive examination to diagnose periorbital edema. While periorbital edema is a frequent condition, recognizing its cause can occasionally be difficult for medical professionals. It is advisable to visit an ophthalmologist, a physician specializing in treating the eye and vision.
- In addition to taking a medical history, your doctor will examine your eyes to see whether you have swelling in one or both of them and whether it is red, warm, itchy, or tender. To inspect the eye and eyelid, a slit lamp—a bright lamp—will be utilized. You'll get your temperature taken and your vision examined. It may be necessary to perform blood tests to look for illnesses linked to periorbital edema. Rarely if your doctor suspects a tumour, they might want to take a biopsy of your eye.
How to treat periorbital edema at home
Periorbital edema can be relieved at home using several home remedies in addition to medical care. These treatments can support further therapeutic modalities and offer momentary respite:
- Slices of cucumber: Cucumber slices applied to the eyes help relieve inflammation and lessen puffiness. Because of their high water content and cooling qualities, cucumbers can help lower oedema and constrict blood vessels.
- Tea bags: You can apply used tea bags—especially the caffeine-containing ones—over your eyes to help with swelling. While the tannins in tea have anti-inflammatory qualities, the caffeine helps to narrow blood vessels.
- Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera gel's calming and anti-inflammatory qualities can help lessen swelling and irritation. Relief may be obtained by dabbing a tiny bit of aloe vera gel over the afflicted area.
- Elevating the head: Raising the Head Sleeping with the head raised can help avoid fluid buildup around the eyes. Using an additional pillow or changing positions while sleeping can also be helpful.
- Drinking water: Drinking lots of water to stay hydrated can help avoid fluid retention and lower the chance of developing periorbital edema. Adequate hydration promotes general well-being and aids in preserving the body's fluid equilibrium.
- Light hand massage: Gently massaging the periorbital area can lessen fluid accumulation and enhance blood circulation. To encourage lymphatic drainage, move your fingers gently and circularly while keeping them clean.
How to avoid periorbital edema
Even while it might not be able to stop every instance of periorbital edema, taking the following precautions can help lower the risk and frequency of swelling:
- Management of allergies: Effective allergy management can help avoid allergic reactions and swelling. It can be achieved by avoiding known allergens, taking medication, and receiving immunotherapy.
- Optimal way of living: Eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can all help avoid fluid retention and swelling around the eyes.
- Eye health: Irritation and inflammation can be avoided by maintaining proper eye care and refraining from excessively touching or scratching your eyes. Using protective eyewear in circumstances with potential eye injuries might also be beneficial.
- Appropriate hydration: Consuming adequate water throughout the day can help maintain fluid balance and avoid puffiness caused by dehydration.
- Steer clear of too much salt and alcohol.
- One way to avoid fluid retention and swelling is to restrict alcohol consumption and reduce sodium intake.
- Frequent health examinations: Periorbital edema may be brought on by underlying medical disorders, which can be found and treated with routine medical exams. Complications from diseases, including renal disease, heart disease, and thyroid issues, can be avoided with early diagnosis and treatment.
When to get medical help
Periorbital edema can sometimes be treated at home with home care and lifestyle modifications, but in other cases, medical care is required. Consult a physician if:
There is considerable and ongoing edema.
- The area surrounding the eyes hurts, is red, or feels heated.
- It affects vision
- Fever or discharge are examples of infection-related symptoms.
- Additional worrisome symptoms are present in the edema.
Conclusion
People of all ages might be affected by the common ailment known as periorbital edema. For this ailment to be effectively managed and prevented, it is imperative to comprehend its causes, symptoms, and available treatments. While lifestyle modifications and natural therapies can help control many cases of periorbital edema, persistent or severe swelling should be treated by a physician. People can lessen their chance of developing periorbital edema and keep their eyes healthy and bright by treating the underlying reasons and taking preventative action.
We invite you to experience the warm and welcoming environment at Casey Optical Too, LLC. Our commitment to comprehensive eye care ensures that all your vision needs are met with expert care. You can schedule an appointment today and find out the difference between personalized, independent optical care in the heart of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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