Swelling of the eyes, essentially puffiness under the eye can result due to a variety of reasons. The most common ones are stress, lack of sleep, an insect bite or injury around the eye area leading to an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the under eye area. Sometimes exposure to certain substances also causes a swelling of the eye. If it is a one-off scenario, chances are it is either due to the lack of adequate sleep or an insect bite. If, however, the problem persists, it is advisable to see a medical practitioner as it might just be due to some eye infection in which case medical supervision is advised.
A common swelling of the eye though, can be treated using a number of home remedies. Cold water is one of the cheapest and most effective treatments for puff eyes. Either splash cold water over your eyes or gently press a cloth dipped in cold water over your eyelids. Ice can be used in a similar manner as long as the cubes are not placed directly on the skin around the eyes. The tannin content in tea too is a great healer. One can use used tea bags for this purpose. Gently hold the tea bags pressed to the affected eye for at least 15 minutes. Then rinse with cold water. The tannin in tea reduces the swelling and relieves your eye. It also helps tighten the skin around the eye area. Some people suggest the use of hot water instead of cold. This can be administered using a cotton swab soaked in hot water. This will clean your eyes and also relieve the swelling.
There are number of creams that you could use too. However caution is advised when choosing the right product. Avoid creams that are strong in chemical content and, since different skins react differently to different substances, find out which product is right for you. Your diet is also an important factor. Go for a diet that is low in saturated fats. Eat a lot of fruits and green vegetables. Carotene and vitamin A are extremely beneficial for your eyes and will greatly help reduce the swelling. Sweet potatoes and carrots are a couple of foods that are rich in these nutrients.
Completely avoid eye makeup like eyeliners and eye shadow since the chemicals present in them can only increase the redness and worsen the situation. Avoid rubbing or scratching the affected eye. Gently pat dry with a soft clean disposable towel after each wash.