Causes and Prevention of Eye Swelling

Some wake up with swollen eyes without having late-night snacks. To determine the cause, identify the onset, duration, and whether one or both eyes are affected.

Drinking water temporarily increases body fluid levels, causing temporary eye swelling, but this is not a significant health issues. Also, consuming water and salt together may lead to recurring swelling, so it's recommended to avoid excessive salt intake.

Professor Ji-Eun Kim from Korea University Guro Hospital's Nephrology Department stated, "Excessive salt intake is the primary cause," emphasizing, "Even if you don't eat late-night snacks, it's important to check whether you're not consuming too much salt during regular meals."

Cosmetics, allergic contact dermatitis, rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis can also lead to eye swelling. Identifying allergens and avoiding contact is crucial. Lack of sleep can dilate blood vessels around the eyes, leading to swelling. Swelling in one eye with redness or pain might indicate an inflammatory condition.

Lifestyle habits can contribute as well. Professor Ju-Hyang Lee from Ajou University Hospital's Ophthalmology Department explained, "Vigorous eye rubbing rarely causes eye swelling. However, harsh makeup removal or residual makeup can lead to contact dermatitis, leading to subsequent swelling."

Infections like styes, sinusitis, or conjunctivitis can cause eye swelling, particularly with eyelid inflammation or styes, leading to blocked glands and subsequent swelling. Professor Lee recommends, "Regular use of warm compresses aids in effectively draining sebum for recurrent eyelid inflammation."

Eye swelling may accompany glomerulonephritis, which commonly causes leg or systemic swelling. The observation of swelling beyond the eyes should raise concern.

Professor Ji-Eun Kim emphasized, "Maintaining a low-sodium diet, managing weight, regular exercise, abstaining from smoking and alcohol are essential for preventing proteinuria, hematuria, and edema."