Eyebags

Mild swelling or puffiness under the eyes is one of the aesthetic concerns that are common as you age. The tissues around the eyes, including some of the muscles that support your eyelids become weak and start to sag as you advance in age. Fat or adipose tissues that help support the eyes, and by gravity, can move to the lower eyelids, causing them to appear swollen. The lower part of the eyelid (lower orbit) is also a space or dependent portion where fluids can gather and build up, adding to the swelling.

Symptoms

Bags under the eyes are also referred to as lower lid swelling. They show or demonstrate as swelling, dark discoloration, and saggy or loose skin located in the lower eyelids.

Factors that can worsen age-related lower lid swelling

Smoking; lack of sleep; allergies; too much salt intake; too much artificial sweeteners; dehydration; heredity – under-eye bags can run in families.

When do you need to see a doctor?

You need a doctor’s visit if your lower lid swelling becomes severe. See your doctor if there is pain or itchy sensation or difficulty in blinking. When it is associated with redness of the eyes and when it is accompanied with puffiness of the upper eyelids or the surrounding area of the eyes, the condition may be clinical. After examination, your doctor will rule out possible clinical causes, such as allergy, infection, thyroid condition, and renal disease. Your personal physician may refer you to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) or to a specialist in plastic surgery of the eyes (oculoplastic surgeon). Surgery for hereditary or age-related under-eye bags is called blepharoplasty.

Home remedies for lower lid swelling

Reduce your salt intake; get more sleep; drink plenty of water; avoid smoking; avoid environmental irritants and take doctor-prescribed allergy medicine; apply dermatologist-prescribed anti-inflammatory creams; apply cold compress (cold water, cucumbers, ice tea bags) or ice packs on the lower part of the eyes