Swollen or puffy eyes from crying may occur due to fluid retention in the tissue around the eyes. The puffiness usually goes away by itself, but a person can take steps, such as applying a cool compress, to reduce the swelling.
The medical term for the skin around the eyes looking swollen or puffy is “periorbital puffiness.” The cause is commonly edema, the retention of fluid, which can occur due to crying or during sleep.
This article explains why crying, sleeping, or other factors can cause swollen, puffy eyes and lists tips for reducing the swelling.
The body makes three types of tears:
- Basal tears: Basal tears are constantly present in the eye. They lubricate, nourish, and protect the front of the eye.
- Reflex tears: Reflex tears wash away irritants such as smoke or foreign bodies.
- Emotional tears: The body creates this type as a response to emotion, triggering a person to cry.
Usually, once they have done their job, they flow into the back of the nose through the tear ducts — small drainage channels in the inside corners of each eye.
However, when we cry, the volume of tears overwhelms the drainage system, causing tears to spill out of the eyes and nose. As the body works to reabsorb the liquid, it retains some in the tissue under the eyes, making the area puffy.
Various health issues can also cause swelling around the eyes. Some examples
- a black eye from an injury
- a blocked tear duct
- pink eye
- allergies affecting the eye
- blepharitis, inflammation at the base of the eyelashes
- cellulitis, a bacterial infection deep within the skin
- retinoblastoma, a rare type of cancer that develops during childhood
- skin conditions
- Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome
Some
People can speak with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis if they believe a health condition is causing their eye swelling.
Sometimes puffiness can occur in the undereye area may occur due to changes in the skin, for example due to aging. In these cases, other conditions may worsen the changes, but the puffiness may not go away altogether.
People may wish to speak with a healthcare professional about cosmetic surgery if they experience this.
Research into reducing eye swelling after crying is limited. However, anecdotal evidence suggests the following remedies may be effective:
Tea bags
Green tea polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that
To try this remedy, a person can soak green tea bags in warm water for a few minutes. Put the tea bags in the fridge until they are cool.
When they are cool, close the eyes and place one tea bag on each for around five minutes or until the swelling goes down.
Hemorrhoid cream
Some people may claim that hemorrhoid cream may reduce the appearance of puffiness by tightening the skin. They may apply it to the skin after mixing the cream with moisturizer.
However, people should note that there are currently no studies that support these claims. People should also always check instructions before using creams and topical medications around the eye, particularly when there is a risk of getting it in the eye.
Eye cream
Eye creams can contain ingredients such as caffeine, which
Cucumber slices
Cucumbers have anti-inflammatory properties that
Learn more about cucumbers for the eyes.
Potatoes
Potatoes
To try this remedy, people can grate two tablespoons of raw potato, put the gratings into two empty tea bags, then place them on their closed eyelids.
Cool compress
Placing a cool washcloth, ice wrapped in a paper towel, or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel over the eyes for a few minutes may help reduce the accumulated fluid responsible for the puffiness.
Spoons
Similarly, people can try holding two clean metal teaspoons under cold running water for a few minutes, then placing the bottom of the spoons’ cups over their eyelids for 30 to 60 seconds. The cool temperature may help to relieve swelling.
Sleeping position
Sleeping with the head slightly elevated may also help to reduce puffy eyes, since gravity can encourage the fluid to travel away from the undereye area. People may wish to avoid sleeping face down.
Diet and lifestyle
The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests the following strategies that may also help reduce puffiness around the eyes:
- get enough sleep
- quit smoking, or do not start
- slightly raise the head during sleep
- limit salt
- limit drinks before sleeping
- avoid rubbing the eyes
Swelling or puffiness around the eyes after sleeping or crying is perfectly natural. It is harmless and usually goes away on its own.
Anyone with swollen eyes and other symptoms of a health issue in the area should contact a doctor for a proper diagnosis. Other symptoms that may indicate an underlying issue include:
- eye pain
- unusual discharge
- visual disturbances, such as blurry vision
How long do swollen eyelids last after crying?
Puffy or swollen eyelids after crying will typically go away with time. This process may take minutes or hours, depending on the extent of the swelling.
How long does it take for puffy eyes to go away without treatment?
The outlook for puffy eyes without treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the swelling. If swelling occurs due to crying or sleep, it may go away without treatment over a few hours.
However, if swelling occurs due to an infection, people may require treatment to relieve their symptoms.
Why might someone’s eyes hurt after crying?
Eye pain after crying could indicate an underlying health issue. People should speak with a healthcare professional if they experience eye pain to diagnose any underlying causes.
Crying and sleeping may cause swelling around the eyes due to fluid retention. In both situations, the body produces tears that do not fully drain, and the tissues around the eyes retain the excess fluid.
Swelling due to crying or during sleep is typically harmless and tends to go away on its own. However, people can take various steps, such as applying a cool compress, to reduce the puffiness.
Anyone who suspects a more serious health issue is causing swelling around the eyes should speak to a doctor.