Dr Mohammed Fahad Khan, Consultant – Nephrology & Transplant Physician, Old Airport Road, explains it, “Swelling under the eyes, especially in the morning, is something many people notice. Often, it’s harmless, which could be caused by lack of sleep, allergies, or excess salt intake. But if this puffiness persists despite good sleep, it could be an early warning sign of kidney disease.
It’s important to note that the kidneys play a crucial role in removing excess fluid and maintaining protein balance of the body. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, the body may start retaining fluid. At the same time, loss of protein in the urine, what we call proteinuria, reduces the oncotic pressure in the blood vessels leading to fluid leakage into the tissues. One of the most common sites is under the eyes, what we call periorbital edema.”
In simple terms, when kidneys struggle, fluid and proteins don’t stay where they should. The result shows up as swelling, often first under the eyes.
