Causes and risk factors:
Puffiness under the eyes is more commonly seen as the age of the person advances. As the age advances the muscles supporting the eyes sags down, the fat around the eyes move below the eyes giving rise to swelling or puffiness under the eyes. Crying is another common reason causing bags under eyes. Fluid retention occurring during pregnancy or during menstruation can also contribute to the causation. Over sleeping, alcohol intake in excess and allergies are other common reasons. Puffiness under eyes can also be caused by certain diseases like nephritic syndrome, hypothyroidism, trichinosis etc.
Clinical presentations:
The patient presents with complaints of swelling or puffiness under eyes, one or both the eyes can be affected.the skin under the eyes become loose and sags down. In some cases fluid accumulation can be seen. Dark circles are seen under the eyes. Redness, itching although rare can also be complained by the patient. It can also be a matter of worry from cosmetic point of view.
Diagnosis and investigations:
Diagnosis is done on the basis of symptoms narrated by the patient and the examination carried out by the ophthalmologist. Generally no investigations are required in cases of bags under eyes. However if certain other symptoms also persist then some investigations can also be advised.
Treatment:
If the puffiness under the eyes is due to old age then no medical intervention is needed in that case. If there persist some underlying pathology, correction of the diseases is the first line of treatment. Medications can be advised by the ophthalmologist as per the diagnosis. In cases of allergy anti allergic medications are advised. Various cosmetic procedures are also available like the skin tightening procedures, chemical peels, cosmetic fillers etc.Along with this certain measure like good sleep and avoidance of smoking and alcohol needs to be done.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating bags under eyes. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms.
