Key takeaways
- Periorbital edema, or swelling around the eyes, is mainly caused by inflammation leading to fluid accumulation, which can be triggered by various factors like infections, allergies, or lifestyle habits.
- Diagnosing the underlying cause of periorbital edema involves a doctor assessing medical history, conducting physical exams, and potentially ordering blood tests, allergy tests, skin biopsies, or imaging scans.
- Treatment for periorbital edema varies depending on the cause but generally includes home remedies like a low-salt diet and cold compresses, alongside medical treatments such as corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medications, antihistamines, or antibiotics.
Periorbital edema refers to swelling around the eyes. The area around the eyes is called the eye socket or eye orbit. Sometimes people refer to this condition as periorbital puffiness or puffy eyes.
You can have periorbital edema in just one eye or both at the same time.
Read on to learn what periorbital edema can look like, its symptoms, and the treatment.
The main cause of periorbital edema is inflammation that causes fluid buildup around the eye. This condition can come on quickly (acutely) or over an extended period of time (chronically). Some common causes for periorbital edema include:
| mononucleosis | “Mono” is a viral disease that can cause periorbital edema in the early stages of infection. |
| irregular sleep | Too little or too much sleep can cause fluid retention. |
| high-salt diet | Consuming lots of salty foods can lead to fluid retention. |
| high alcohol consumption | Alcohol can cause dehydration, which can lead to fluid retention. |
| smoking | Smoking cigarettes can lead to hormonal imbalances causing fluid retention. |
| allergies | Allergic reactions can cause inflammation of the small blood vessels (capillaries) around the eyes. |
| aging | Getting older naturally causes the body to lose more water throughout the day, and this can cause fluid retention. |
| crying | Crying irritates the eyes, causing inflammation that can result in temporary periorbital edema. |
| thyroid disorders | Thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause fluid retention in the body, including around the eyes. |
| periorbital cellulitis | Periorbital cellulitis is a serious skin condition caused by infection and inflammation of the eyelid and the skin around the eyes. This can result in periorbital edema. This condition may require emergency treatment if symptoms last beyond two to three days. |
| nephrotic syndrome | This condition is caused by problems in the kidneys, which cause fluid retention. |
| conjunctivitis | Also called pink eye, this viral disease causes inflammation and redness of the eyes. |
| trauma to the eye | Any injury near the eye socket can cause inflammation and redness of the eye orbit, resulting in periorbital edema. |
A doctor will try to determine the underlying cause of the inflammation. They’ll ask you questions about your medical history and perform a physical exam. Depending on your symptoms, they
- blood tests that check specifically for infection and thyroid abnormalities
- allergy tests
- skin biopsy
- imaging tests like CT and MRI scans
Treatment of each case of periorbital edema depends on the cause. Generally, the following home treatments are recommended for periorbital edema:
- following a low-salt diet
- increasing water intake
- placing a cold compress on your eyes for a few minutes at a time
Some commonly prescribed medical treatments include:
- Antihistamines: These help stop allergic reactions.
- Adrenaline or epinephrine: These are used when emergency life-saving treatment is needed to address an anaphylactic reaction.
- Antibiotics: These treat infections that can cause periorbital edema.
Periorbital edema can be an uncomfortable condition that reduces your ability to perform everyday tasks. However, with time, medical treatment, and proper home care, you can fully recover from this condition.