Swollen, Puffy Eyes: From Crying, Sleeping, And More

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Medical News TodaySubscribeWhat to know about swollen, puffy eyes

Medically reviewed by Leela Raju, MD — Written by Amanda Barrell — Updated on July 25, 2024

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Summary

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.

Why does crying cause swollen eyes?

A close up image of a freckly person wearing an undereye mask to soothe swollen, puffy eyes.-2 — Westend61/Getty Images

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.

Other causes of swollen eyes

Various health issues can also cause swelling around the eyes. Some examples include:

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 older research suggests swollen eyes are also a potential effect of fatigue and sleep deprivation.

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.

Tips for reducing the swelling

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 may benefit certain skin conditions. These properties may help with inflamed or swollen eyes.

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 may help to reduce eye puffiness by reducing fluid retention. These creams may also contain other anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and peptides.

Cucumber slices

Cucumbers have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce irritation and soothe swollen eyes. A person might try placing a slice of cold cucumber over each eye for 30 minutes.

Learn more about cucumbers for the eyes.

Potatoes

Potatoes contain certain compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. These compounds may help with swelling, although more research is necessary.

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

When to see a doctor

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

Frequently asked questions

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.

Summary

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.

Dermatology
Dry Eye
Eye Health / Blindness
Sleep / Sleep Disorders / Insomnia

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Boyd K. (2023). How to get rid of bags under the eyes.https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/bags-under-eyes
Eyelid problems. (2023).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/eyelid-problems/
Hamie H, et al. (2024). A review of the efficacy of popular eye cream ingredients.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11175953/
Mukamal R. (2023). Facts about tears.https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/facts-about-tears
Nash RJ, et al. (2020). Iminosugar idoBR1 isolated from cucumber Cucumis sativus reduces inflammatory activity.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7346245/
Ortiz-Perez S, et al. (2023). Blepharochalasis syndrome.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560620/
Retinoblastoma. (n.d.).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/retinoblastoma/
Sotto AD, et al. (2022). Efficacy and safety of oral green tea preparations in skin ailments: A systematic review of clinical studies.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9370301/
Sundelin T, et al. (2013). Cues of fatigue: Effects of sleep deprivation on facial appearance.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738045/
Tiarasanti F, et al. (2024). The effects of potato (Solanum tuberosum L. vs. Granola; Solanaceae) peel extract gel on gingival wound healing in Wistar rats.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10826550/

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Medically reviewed by Leela Raju, MD — Written by Amanda Barrell — Updated on July 25, 2024

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