Under-eye swelling that persists longer, is accompanied by pain and redness, may indicate an underlying health issue. Swellings that start suddenly, become prominent in one eye, or occur with symptoms such as visual changes or fever should be carefully evaluated. Infections, sinus problems, kidney disorders, or allergic conditions can lead to persistent swelling around the eyes. It is recommended to see an eye specialist if the swelling does not decrease within 24–48 hours, increases gradually, or occurs after trauma.
Under-eye swelling is a common condition that can be caused by daily life factors such as lack of sleep, stress, or fatigue. However, in some cases, under-eye swelling could also be a symptom of allergic reactions, infections, or various health issues. It is particularly important that sudden, unilateral, or persistent under-eye swelling is evaluated by a specialist.
What Causes Under-eye Swelling?
Fluid accumulation in the tissues around the eyes, infection, or circulatory problems can cause under-eye swelling. Lifestyle factors, allergic reactions, or certain health problems can also lead to swelling around the eyes. Some of the common factors that can cause under-eye swelling include:
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Fatigue: Can cause swelling by leading to fluid accumulation under the eyes.
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Allergies: Swelling can occur under the eyes due to reactions triggered by allergens such as pollen, house dust mites, or animal dander.
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Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses near the eye area can cause pressure and swelling.
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High Salt Diet and Low Water Consumption: Excessive consumption of salty foods can increase water retention in the body, leading to edema formation.
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Eye Infections: Conditions such as styes or conjunctivitis may present with pain, redness, and crusting accompanying the swelling.
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Kidney Disorders: Eye area edema noticeable in the mornings may be a sign of edema related to kidney issues.
What Causes Sudden Under-eye Swelling?
Sudden under-eye swelling can be caused by a variety of factors. These include excessive salt intake, allergic reactions, lack of sleep, dehydration, and certain health problems.
Excessive salt intake can lead to water retention in the body, causing swelling around the eyes. Allergic reactions can increase histamine levels in the body, causing fluid accumulation in the tissues as a result.
Lack of sleep and dehydration can cause temporary under-eye swelling. Insufficient sleep can lead to the dilation of blood vessels and make the skin around the eyes appear darker; dehydration may cause slight swelling due to fluid deficiency.
Health issues or side effects of medications can also lead to sudden under-eye swelling. For instance, conditions like kidney disease or thyroid problems can cause irregular fluid distribution in the body, which can lead to swelling around the under-eye areas. Similarly, some medications can cause under-eye swelling by disrupting the body's fluid balance.
If the swelling under the eyes develops rapidly and is accompanied by other symptoms, medical assistance may be necessary.
Why Does Swelling Occur Under One Eye?
Swelling under one eye can be caused by allergic reactions, eye infections, or facial injuries. Additionally, lack of sleep, excessive salt intake, and factors such as alcohol can also cause swelling under one eye.
Blockage in the tear duct can also cause swelling under one eye. This situation may arise in conjunction with crying, runny nose, and situations like a cold.
Noticing swelling under one eye in the morning may result from your sleeping position. Sleeping with your face pressed against the pillow may cause fluid around one eye to shift to the other side due to pressure.
If you experience persistent or severe swelling under one eye, it is important to consider that there may be an underlying serious health issue. Conditions like kidney disease or hyperthyroidism have been associated with unilateral under-eye swelling. Therefore, seeking professional medical assistance when encountering such a symptom is crucial.
Under-eye Swelling in Babies
The sensitive skin and thin blood vessels in babies can lead to slight swelling in the under-eye areas. However, these types of swellings are generally temporary and usually do not require special treatment. If the swelling becomes persistent or starts to affect your baby's vision, consult a healthcare professional.
Eye infections can also cause under-eye swelling in babies. If your baby's eyes are red and watery, it may be an indication of an infection.
Allergies can also cause under-eye swelling in babies. Allergens such as pollen, house dust mites, and pet hair can cause swelling around your baby's eyes. If allergic reactions are present, identifying and eliminating the source of the allergy is necessary.
Excessive crying in your baby can also cause under-eye swelling. Excessive crying can cause the blood vessels to dilate and lead to slight swelling around the eyes.
Under-eye swelling in babies is usually not a cause for concern, although understanding the cause of the symptom is important. If the under-eye swelling is persistent or other discomforting symptoms are present, consulting with a healthcare professional is recommended.
What Causes Under-eye Swelling in Children?
Swelling commonly observed in children can occur as a result of various allergic reactions or infectious diseases.
First of all, seasonal allergies (allergic rhinitis) may be present. With the increase of pollens during spring, it is likely that your child's nose may run continuously and they may feel the need to rub their eyes.
The habit of rubbing eyes can also cause swelling under the eyes. Children unconsciously or under stress rubbing their eyes may irritate the sensitive capillaries in that area, leading to swelling as a result.
Infections caused by viruses or bacteria can cause redness and swelling in the eye. In such cases, parents should pay attention to symptoms such as high fever and general fatigue.
One of the most common causes of swelling around the eyes in children is trauma. Blows received during sports activities or energetic games can cause edema and swelling around the eyes. In such cases, if the swelling becomes persistent or painful, assistance from a specialist doctor should be sought.
What Treatments Are Applied for Under-eye Swelling?
Treatment methods are determined based on the cause of the swelling.
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In Allergic Swellings
Medications called antihistamines are used. Antihistamines block the body's histamine response to alleviate allergy symptoms. Special eye drops may also be prescribed to alleviate discomfort and itching.
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In Cases of Infection
Eye infections can be bacterial or viral and are often treated with antibiotic drops. More serious infections may require systemic medication treatment.
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In Tear Duct Blockage
In this type of blockage, massage techniques are recommended to encourage the opening of the duct. Applying warm compresses can also help reduce swelling and discomfort. In advanced cases, a probing procedure may be needed.
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After Trauma
Eye injuries or trauma, cold applications are generally recommended to reduce swelling. Prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers can also be used to alleviate pain and discomfort.
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Chronic Cases
For long-term or recurrent eye swellings, a comprehensive evaluation may be necessary to identify underlying systemic problems such as kidney or thyroid diseases.
When Is Under-eye Swelling Dangerous?
Frequently Asked Questions
How does under-eye swelling go away?
Under-eye swelling may go away with regular sleep, adequate water intake, and the application of cold compresses to the eye area. However, if the swelling under the eyes persists for a long time, becomes prominent in one eye, or is accompanied by symptoms like pain and redness, it is advised to be evaluated by an eye specialist.
What could under-eye swelling indicate?
Under-eye swelling could result from simple causes such as fatigue, lack of sleep, excessive salt intake, or allergy, as well as more serious health issues such as infection, tear duct blockage, sinusitis, or kidney diseases. Particularly for unilateral, painful, red, or persistent swellings, it is essential to consult an eye doctor.
What should you do if there is swelling in one eye?
Unilateral under-eye swellings are generally related to a localized problem. They could be caused by a dental abscess, eyelid cysts (chalazion), styes, or inflammation in the lacrimal gland. In such cases, the shape, duration, and accompanying symptoms of the swelling should be evaluated by an eye doctor.
If under-eye swelling is caused by allergies, how does it go away?
In allergy-related under-eye swellings, it is first necessary to identify and eliminate the allergen. Applying cold compresses, avoiding rubbing the eyes, and using antihistamine medications or allergy-specific eye drops recommended by a doctor can also provide an effective solution.
Do under-eye swellings go away on their own?
Some mild cases, such as swellings due to lack of sleep, stress, fatigue, or temporary allergic reactions, may go away on their own with rest, adequate water consumption, and cold applications. However, recurrent, long-lasting, or painful swellings should definitely be evaluated by a specialist doctor.
Creation Date : 19.06.2025
Update Date : 09.03.2026
Author : Yeliz YİĞİT
Communication : +905303120237
