What Are the Treatments for Eye Swelling?

Swollen eyes can result from an injury, from an infection or from not getting enough sleep. The skin around your eyes is thin, and so any kind of assault, either through injury or illness, can show up around your eyes. If you wake up and can't seem to open your eyes due to swelling, you can remedy the situation by using natural home treatments. If you experience puss, bleeding, pain or swelling persistence, you should visit your physician for medical attention.

Cucumber Slice Treatment

• Cucumber slices are a typical spa-type eye treatment for swollen, tired eyes. Place one cold cucumber slice over each eye to soothe and cool swollen eyes. Cold cucumbers encourage constricted blood vessels to relax, however, the cucumber method takes some time to work.

  Cold cucumbers are a temporary cure for swollen eyes. So if you are suffering from anything more than puffy eyes due to a late evening, your swelling will return once you remove the cucumber slices.

Teabag Treatment

• Moisten two teabags in warm water and chill them in a refrigerator. Wrap each teabag in a tissue or paper towel so that the tea doesn't get into your eyes. Place them over your eyes for several minutes to reduce swelling. The compound tannin in tea has anti-inflammatory properties, which help with puffy eyes.

  Dr. Marianne O'Donoghue, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago, said that tannin will sting if you get it in your eyes. So be sure to keep your eyes closed tightly.

Eat Right and Drink Water

• Drink as much water as your body will hold to reduce swollen eyes. Water retention can be a major offender in creating puffy eyes, and the retention is eased by flooding your body with fluids throughout the day. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages and alcohol because they exacerbate swelling.

  Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as flax seeds and fatty fish. If you don't get enough omega-3 from your diet, consume up to 5,000 international units (IU) every day.

  Foods that encourage eye swelling include artificial sweeteners, foods with excessive amounts of sodium and processed foods. Eggplant, tomatoes and potatoes also can make eye swelling worse. Eliminate these foods from your diet if you experience swollen eyes.