3 cool ways to revive tired eyes

Eyes can look swollen from allergies, too much partying, too much computer time, too much (or too little) sleep, or loose under-eye skin caused by heredity or aging. Whatever the cause of puffed-up peepers, here's how to deflate them fast. Just head for the kitchen and . . .

Slice a cucumber. Dermatologists aren't sure what's behind the anti-inflammatory effects of cucumbers, but here's a possible explanation: The veggies contain a combo of mild natural acids that reduce water retention. Some beauty pros say cucumbers work best when they're cold, which makes sense: Because cukes are 90% water, chilled slices are like delicate mini ice packs.

Reach for the peas. Any bag of frozen food will do, but frozen baby peas have a way of fitting into the nooks and crannies around your eyes. Put a soft cloth around the plastic package to protect your skin from the frigid surface, then chill out for 5 to 15 minutes while the cold shrinks the swelling.

Make a milk bath. Milk is a natural soother if eyes are irritated as well as puffy. "Just don't use skim milk, since it doesn't contain fat, one of milk's most soothing components," says New York dermatologist Amy Wechsler, MD. Other ingredients in milk that calm swollen skin: protein, amino acids, lactic acid, and vitamins A and D. Pour milk into a bowl of ice so it gets really cold, saturate a clean washcloth, and apply to eyes for up to 15 minutes. Soak and reapply when the cloth loses its cool.

P.S. If puffy eyes are a chronic problem, eye-shaped packs filled with gel that freezes are a worthwhile investment . . . and they don't drip.

Got dry, irritated eyes? Get help here.

More On

Ke’Ara’s nighttime routine, living with thyroid eye disease

video

Ke’Ara’s nighttime routine, living with thyroid eye disease
Ke'Ara walks us through her evening rituals, tailored to alleviate discomfort and promote relaxation amidst the challenges of TED.
Top eye-health questions to ask your doctor

article

Top eye-health questions to ask your doctor
You'll get more out of your appointment if you come prepared.
7 foods for healthy eyes

slideshow

7 foods for healthy eyes
For brighter eyes and clearer vision, these foods can help.
Treating diabetic macular edema: anti-VEGF therapy

video

Treating diabetic macular edema: anti-VEGF therapy
Learn more about how DME is treated.
5 tips for making anti-VEGF injections easier

video

5 tips for making anti-VEGF injections easier
It can be intimidating to receive an injection in the eye. Try these tips to make the procedure easier.