Periorbital edema is the swelling of the tissues around the eyes due to the accumulation and accumulation of fluids. It is often not considered a disease in itself, but rather a sign of an underlying disorder. People with kidney, heart, and liver problems are at high risk of developing edema around the eyes and in other parts of the body, such as the legs and feet.
Fluid buildup around the eyes is often caused by various medical conditions. In congestive heart failure, for example, the heart's inability to pump blood effectively decreases the amount of blood supply to the kidneys. When smaller amounts of blood go to the kidneys, the cells in the kidneys are often affected. This frequently results in the inability of the kidneys to filter water properly, leading to accumulation of water in the tissues. Other conditions that lead to periorbital edema are kidney failure, nephrotic syndrome, and liver disease.
Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder in which patients have low levels of protein in their blood because they are losing it through urine. Children with nephrotic syndrome often have periorbital edema. However, not all children with periorbital edema have nephrotic syndrome. Other causes of periorbital edema in children include eye infections and allergy.
Puffiness around the eyes usually manifests itself upon waking, mainly due to the effect of gravity when lying down. It is often asymptomatic in nature, or usually shows no symptoms at all. However, some cases can become severe and interfere with the normal opening of the eyes and the reduction of the visual field. In such cases, the conjunctiva, or white portion of the eye, often becomes red or swollen. Inflammation of the eyes can cause scabbing, pain, and difficulty opening the eyes after sleeping.
A heart doctor, kidney doctor, or gastrointestinal doctor may manage patients with periorbital edema. Patients with periorbital edema often undergo a battery of tests to rule out the possibility of heart, liver, and kidney problems. Doctors often treat patients with periorbital edema by first addressing the underlying disease. They generally recommend reducing your intake of foods high in salt or sodium. Some patients are also given diuretics, a group of drugs that promote the excretion of water, to help the body get rid of excess fluids.