Introduction

• Puffy eyes can happen to anyone at any time, from toddlers to senior citizens. They can be be caused by many factors, and if they persist, can take a toll on a person's self-esteem. Puffy eyes can be effectively managed, if not entirely prevented, by avoiding the common factors of puffy eyes.
  
  

Lack of Sleep

• When you skimp on vital sleep, your blood pressure can increase. This in turn can lead to swelling in various part of the party, including the skin around the eyes. Try saying "goodnight" a little earlier and making a habit of sleeping regular hours to decrease puffy eyes.
  
  

Tears

• While crying may be therapeutic for the soul, the physical act of crying and rubbing the eyes can cause irritation and swelling that leaves the eye area looking worse for the wear. Not only does washing your face with cool water help soothe the hurt and give you the feeling of a fresh day with a clean slate, it can also help speed up the flow of blood in the face, which will be helpful in reducing puffiness.
  
  

Allergic Reaction

• The same way that a bee sting can cause the affected area of the body to swell up while the body works to fight the poison in the stinger, the skin around the eyes, nose and lips is susceptible to allergens. If you know you suffer from allergies or sinus issues, your puffy eyes may be directly related to your body's attempts to fight off allergens. In such cases, a daily does of allergy medicine could make puffy eyes a thing of the past.
  
  

Heredity

• Your mom has puffy eyes, your grandma has puffy eyes and all of your aunts and great aunts have puffy eyes--this means you may have puffy eyes too. If your eye problems are hereditary, it will take a concentrated effort to fight the swelling. Make a habit of staying adequately hydrated. Use cold water to wash your face, and apply cool compresses to your eyes before applying makeup.
  
  

Excess Sodium

• Too much salt can wreak havoc on the body's water balance. A diet that contains too much sodium will usually lead to some form of fluid retention in the body. Some people see more pronounced swelling in places like their wrists, ankles, and even the waistline. But the eye area is just as susceptible to increased fluid retention. Flush the extra sodium with regular water intake and go easy on the salt at mealtimes.
  
  

Too Much Alcohol

• Alcohol can make the body retain unnecessary water just like salt. Cut back on the alcohol for a few days and you'll likely notice an improvement in the appearance of your eyes.