MY BLOG: Eye puffiness is something that I am sure we have all been prone to at some time or another. Puffiness of the eyes is caused by a fluid build-up (oedema) in the tissues around your eyes; this part of your eyes is called the orbits.

The following are some “quick tips” to temporarily boost drainage of fluid away from under your eyes.

1. Recycle your used tea bags!

Use cold, refrigerated used tea bags, yes that’s right don’t thrown those PG Tips away after you’ve had a cuppa! The coolness reduces circulation, but the tea actually has a slightly astringent (tissue-shrinking) effect on the puffiness as well.

2. Keep 2 Spoons in the freezer!

Bizarre as it sounds; it actually works! Putting 2 metal tablespoons in the fridge so they’re nice and cool, and use them daily by placing the backs against your eyes. Be sure not to place very frozen items against your skin as this could cause skin damage.

3. Are you getting enough sleep?

Sounds a bit of an obvious one, but if you have puffy eyes all day, it could be that you’re simply not getting enough sleep, or the quality of the sleep you are getting is poor. Puffiness under the eyes is a common symptom of poor sleep.

A useful tip is to try to keep your head elevated when you sleep. It’s not unusual to have puffy eyes when you wake up. A possible explanation for this may be that as you are lying flat for several hours in a horizontal position the fluid that was resting under your eyes is suddenly being pulled down by gravity. Usually this subsides after a few hours.

4. Diet and Lifestyle

Watch those ready made meals with high salt levels. A high intake of salt may increase your fluid retention, in which case reducing the salt in your diet may produce good results (this is not only for your eyes, but this should also be applied to your health in general).

Opt for healthy snacks such as fruit, bananas and raisins, which help to alleviate fluid retention.

Natural diuretics such as cabbage or cranberry juice will help you “evacuate” some excess fluid.

Cut down on the caffeine, as it can interfere with sleep and cause puffiness.

Exercise to improve circulation; this will help your body move fluid through your body, and eliminate any excess fluid through the natural lymphatic system.

5. Underlying medical issues?

Sometimes the swelling of your eyes (or indeed any other kind of fluid retention) can be the side effect of a medical condition, which is temporary, or must be treated individually. Consult your GP for further advice and treatment,