We have all experienced it, you wake up and there they are staring back at you, the dreaded "puffy" eyes. Usually nothing more than a temporary cosmetic nuisance, puffiness or swelling can be caused by a number of factors. The condition is most noticeable upon rising and can be caused by diet (too much salt), alcohol and tobacco use, allergies, oversleeping and/or lack of sleep, crying, and as a result of normal aging. Yes, it's just a part of getting older. As we age the skin around the eyes becomes thinner and may appear droopy or swollen.