Women's Accessories
MrLonelyWalker/iStock/Getty Images

Most people have experienced swollen eyelids and puffy eyes. The condition is embarrassing, makes people appear tired and sometimes causes difficulty in opening the eyes. These eye issues may be the result of several factors, including lack of sleep, allergies, illness or a diet high in salt and dehydration. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of swollen eyes and puffy eyelids.

daisy on a meadow
Dmitry Bruskov/iStock/Getty Images

Check for possible allergic reactions. Swollen eyes could be the result of allergies to weather conditions. According to TheBeautyCareTips.com website, “Puffy swollen eyes can also be initiated by an allergic reaction to food, dust or pollen, or due to an allergic skin rash elsewhere on your face.” Limit exposure to dust and pollen. Look at food labels for ingredients that cause allergy flare-ups. Stop using new skin care products when you notice any eye irritation. TheBeautyCareTips.com website notes, “The greater the number of times of allergy and swelling, the looser and more puffy your lids get.” Get rid of these eye problems by eliminating all factors that lead to swollen eyes and puffy eyelids.

Close-up of a young couple sleeping
Jacob Wackerhausen/iStock/Getty Images

Sleep on your back and keep your chin up. People who sleep on their stomach with their chin down are at risk of body fluids spreading to their eyes while they are sleeping. Put two or three pillows under your head. In addition, remove eye makeup before bed, as makeup may irritate eyes during sleep. Lastly, get more sleep. EyeCareSource.com cites that lack of sleep can cause swollen eyes and puffy eyelids.

SkinCare. girl's face close up
Anton Maltsev/iStock/Getty Images

Gently tap puffy eyelids. The BestInCosmetics.com website notes that fluids get trapped in the tissues under the eyes. EyeCareSource.com recommends gently tapping puffy eyelids, as it helps release and drain built-up fluid.

salt shaker
Jiri Hera/iStock/Getty Images

Limit salt intake. Too much salt causes water retention, resulting in both swelling of the thin layer of skin around the eyes and puffy eyelids. By limiting salt intake, swollen eyes and puffy eyelids may disappear for good.

young dark-haired woman drinking water
Eduard Titov/iStock/Getty Images

Drink Water. Water can help reduce swollen eyes and puffy eyelids. As stated on the BestInCosmetics.com website, "When a person is dehydrated the body starts storing water as a defense system and this will add to puffy eyes, so drink around 8-10 glass of water daily to get rid of puffy eyes."

Cotton Balls
xenicx/iStock/Getty Images

Dip a cloth or cotton ball in ice water. Apply it to your closed eyes for five to ten minutes.

optometry: pretty young female patient having her eyes examined
ViktorCap/iStock/Getty Images

Seek medical attention. This is extremely important if you feel the condition is severe or your vision has become impaired. Swollen eyes and puffy eyelids can usually be treated at home; however, it could be the result of other medical conditions, such as a hormonal imbalance, thyroid problem or severe allergic reaction. If the problem persists, your doctor may perform a blepharoplasty, which is a minor cosmetic surgery. “In this procedure, a very thin excision is placed right below the lower eyelid and excess eyelid skin is removed so that the skin gets stretched and the pouches disappear,” notes TheBeautyCareTips.com website.