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Periorbital Edema

Authors:
  • Tokyo Medical University Hospital

Abstract

Periorbital edema (Under-Eye Swelling ) is not the same as having bags under the eyes, which is a natural part of aging. Instead, it is a health condition and is normally temporary.
Periorbital Edema.
Author
Prof. Hayk S. Arakelyan. Full Professor in Medicine,
Doctor of Medical Sciences, Ph.D , Grand Ph.D .
Senior Expert of Interactive Clinical Pharmacology , Drug Safety,
Treatment Tactics, General Medicine and Clinical Research.
“Natural forces within us are
the true healers of disease.”
“Hippocrates”
Introduction.
Periorbital edema (Under-Eye Swelling ) is not the same as having bags under
the eyes, which is a natural part of aging. Instead, it is a health condition and is
normally temporary.
Periorbital Edema Causes.
Numerous different causes may lead to inflammation around the eyes, and they all
result in a fluid buildup. It is the fluid buildup that gives the eye orbit a swollen
appearance.For some people, periorbital edema may come on slowly. This type of
periorbital edema is described as chronic. For others, it may come on quickly
and it is then referred to as acute. in some cases, swelling beneath your eyes
may also be a sign of a minor or more serious health condition. Under-eye
“bags” might just run in your family. Aging and genetics can cause tissues around
the eyes to weaken. This leads to fat moving into the lower eyelids, making them
look swollen. The skin around your eyes is very thin and delicate.
If you do have a health issue, treating the underlying problem can help smooth
your eye area. Here are 10 causes of under-eye swelling and what you can do to
prevent and treat them.
1. Eating too much salt.
Too much salt or sodium in your diet is not good for your body or your appearance.
Extra sodium can make your body retain water. The excess water causes puffiness
in the face and body. This is especially common the morning after a salty meal.
The thin skin around your eyes is at higher risk of getting puffy. This leads to
under-eye swelling or the appearance of under-eye “bags.” Your body will
naturally get rid of the bloating and de-puff your eye area. This may take a few
hours or longer.Cut salt in your daily diet to help soothe under-eye swelling. Limit
or avoid processed and packaged foods that have added salts. Drink plenty of water
to help flush out the sodium. Eating foods high in potassium also helps counter the
salt. These include:
Bananas,Yogurt,Potatoes, dried apricots.
2. Crying.
Crying causes fluid to collect around your eyes, causing puffiness for a short time.
Under-eye swelling that happens once in a while will likely go away on its own.
3. Not enough sleep.
A research study found that not getting enough sleep can give you under-eye
swelling. It can also cause droopy eyelids, red eyes, and dark circles under the
eyes. Other signs are pale skin and a droopy mouth.
A lack of sleep can weaken the muscles around your eyes. It can also lead to a loss
of collagen — the elastic tissue — under the eyes. This causes fluid to collect in
the area, making the area beneath your eyes to swell up.
Under-eye swelling because of little sleep may last a few hours to 24 hours. Some
signs can become permanent if you regularly have poor sleep. Most adults
need seven to nine hours of sleep every night.
4. Allergies.
Allergies can cause fluid to build up in your sinuses and around your eyes. This
can lead to under-eye swelling. An allergic reaction can also make your eyes red,
itchy, and watery. Common eye allergies include:
Pollen, Dust,Mold, Smoke,Pollution,Dander, animal fur,
Chemicals,Perfume.
Allergies are a common cause of puffy eyes. This happens because protective cells
in your eyes, called mast cells, give off immune proteins called histamine to fight
allergens. This makes your eyes sensitive and watery. Your eyes will also tear up to
wash out the pollen or other allergen.
Eye infections.
An eye infection can cause under-eye swelling in one or both eyes. You can have
an infection in the eye or eyelid. The infection and swelling will usually happen in
one eye first, but can quickly spread to the other eye.
Avoid touching or rubbing your eye. An eye infection usually goes away within a
week. You may need antibiotic treatment.
Types of eye infections that can cause under-eye swelling include:
Pink eye. Also known as conjunctivitis, this infection may be caused by
bacteria, a virus, chemicals, and other irritants. Pink eye can happen at any age.
Stye. A stye is an infection in an eyelash follicle or a tear gland. It usually
begins as a tiny small bump along your lash line. A stye can lead to redness,
swelling, and pus in the eye or eyelid.
Chalazion. A chalazion is similar to a stye. It’s caused by a blocked oil gland in
your eyelid. A chalazion usually looks like a small bump on the eyelid. It can
lead to swelling if it gets infected.
Periorbital cellulitis. This infection or inflammation around your eye usually
spreads from the sinuses. It can also happen from a scratch or injury to the
eyelid, and often requires medical attention.
You can relieve swelling and tenderness around your eye with a damp, clean towel.
If you think you have an infection, see your doctor immediately. You may need
antibiotics or other treatments to soothe the pressure.
7. Blocked tear duct.
Your tear ducts drain away tears and natural water in the eye. If they’re blocked,
the fluid may collect around the eye. This can lead to under-eye swelling.
If you have any questions concerning “ Periorbital Edema.”, interactive clinical
pharmacology , or any other questions, please inform me .
Prof. Hayk S. Arakelyan
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