Puffy eyes are fairly common because there are so many causes of the ailment – stress, age, a lack of sleep and allergies can all lead to irritated eyes. In the middle of allergy season, when puffy eyes may be the most common, allergy sufferers can turn to a number of natural remedies:

♦ Tea bag compress: After using a black or green tea bag, squeeze water out of it and place it over your eyes for about 15 minutes. You will probably need to lie down for this to work properly.

♦ Exposure to cold: A cold compress also reduces swelling. Whether you apply a cold metal spoon or wet cotton balls to your eyelids, place your head in the freezer for a few seconds or splash cold water over your face, the effect of the cold will help reduce inflammation.

♦ Cucumber compress: Sliced cucumbers have natural healing powers that can reduce inflammation when they are placed over the eyes for 10 to 15 minute increments.

"Swelling of the eye refers to the presence of excess fluid in the connective tissues around the eye, most commonly the eyelid," according to MedicineNet.com. "A swollen eye can result from trauma, infections or other injuries to the eye area. Virtually any cause of inflammation to the eye area may manifest as eyelid swelling, although allergic reactions are likely the most common cause."

Of course, some of these techniques are inconvenient to do – who is willing to work around the office with cucumbers or tea bags in their eyes? For these individuals, eye drops are probably the best solution. Allergy sufferers should also keep their hands away from their face, to avoid transferring irritants they may have touched into their eyes. And as with many health conditions, a healthy diet and normal sleeping pattern can help prevent puffy eyes.

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