Sunken eyes: Causes, How They Look and Treatments

The two most common concerns many women have are dark circles and wrinkles. Eye puffiness is sometimes linked to dark circles and wrinkles and is not especially appealing to women. Sunken eyes are another condition that exists.  One of your body's most delicate parts is your under-eye area. Dark shadows behind your eyes or on your lower eyelids and a hollow-looking region are signs of sunken eyes. They may appear to have thin skin. Aging, lack of sleep, dehydration, and trauma are potential reasons. Medication and natural treatments could be helpful, depending on the cause. This article will look into sunken eyes' causes, symptoms, and treatments, so continue reading to know more.

Also Read: Dark Circles Under Eyes: 8 Causes and Prevention

What Are Sunken Eyes?

The skin behind your eyes might be sunken, black, and hollow. It is typically brought on by aging and is generally of no concern. However, it can also happen to young individuals. Your lower eyelid develops hollows under the eye, making darker eyes appear.  Sunken eyes are caused by aging, but other variables might also be at play. Therefore, it can also affect younger individuals. Sunken eyes can occur for several reasons in various people, so their appearance and severity might change. Some people may have slightly sunken eyes, while others may have more obvious ones.

Also Read: Eye Sight Problem: Eye Glasses or Surgery?

Causes of Sunken Eyes

Here are a few possible causes of sunken eyes:

1. Aging

Sunken under eyes are the main reason for hollowness in aging because the orbital fatty tissues around the eyes shrink as you age, leaving the skin surrounding your eyes seeming thin. Sunken eyes can develop for several causes, one of which is aging. According to AnnaMarie Houlis, it is due to the tear trough deformity that means the lower eyelids part gets more prominent. 

2. Insufficient sleep

Nowadays, getting enough sleep is a widespread problem. Your eyes are immediately impacted by sleep deprivation. Not getting enough sleep can damage the skin's structure, resulting in sunken eyes, jowls, and other issues.

Also Read: The Impact of Sleep Disorders on Mental Health and Well-being

3. Dehydration

Sunken eyes may be caused by malnutrition and extreme dehydration. Sunken eyes dehydration is a key contributor to the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sunken eyes, as well as one of the main causes of most common skin disorders.

4. Harmful UV rays

The skin's integrity is compromised by too much exposure to the sun's damaging UV rays, which also cause the skin to sag and appear reddish. Without sunscreen and eyewear, we run the risk of developing sunken eyes.

5. Weight loss

Usually, the face is the first part of the body to lose weight. When weight loss is severe enough, the skin might become translucent, and the blood vessels behind the eyes can become conspicuous, giving the impression of sunken eyes.

6. Genetics

It's conceivable that a person's genetics or DNA contributed to their sunken eyes. The placement of the eyes in the sockets is mostly determined by genetics as an illustration of the impact of DNA.

7. Smoking

Smoking results in the breakdown of collagen and skin suppleness. These losses may result in sagging facial skin and sunken-looking eyes.

8. Allergies

Allergies can make the eyes sag and develop dark circles beneath them. These symptoms result from nasal blockages, possibly related to allergies or inflammation in the small blood vessels below the eyes.

Also Read: How to Deal With Seasonal Allergies & Itchy Eyes

9. Sinus

Another cause of sunken eyes is inflamed sinuses. Consult a doctor if you have nasal pressure or congestion, or signs of a sinus infection.

Also Read: Is a Sinus Infection Contagious?

What Does The Sunken Eye Look Like?

The following signs frequently accompany sunken eyes:

• dark under-eye circles 
• Double vision (if an eye fracture is the cause).
• Dry eyes.
• upper eyelids that are drawn back or that seem drooping.
• An imbalance in how you set up your eyes.
• Eyes that seem drained.

Sunken eyes can be caused by how the eyes are positioned on the face. Age, race, and sex all affect the normal location of the eyes. Because of this, sunken eyes do not usually signify a health issue requiring treatment unless you want a cosmetic modification.

Also Read: Blurring Vision in One Eye - 15 Causes And it's Treatments To Consider

How To Fix Sunken Eyes?

Are you worried about "how to get rid of sunken eyes?" Treatment is not usually necessary for sunken eyes. But if you do not like the appearance of your sunken eyes, you may make a few adjustments to improve them. This includes:

Changes in lifestyle and home treatments

• Maintain a regular sleep pattern and obtain enough sleep to wake up feeling rested.
• Invest in good sunscreen and moisturizer.
• Apply almond oil to your skin, which, according to 2022 research, may help your complexion and skin tone.
• Tea bags should be placed near your eyes; tea is high in flavonoids and antioxidants and helps blood flow.
• To reduce inflammation and increase moisture, apply two cold cucumber slices to your eyes for 10 to 20 minutes.
• Use cool compresses.
• When you go outside, use UV protection, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and caps.
• Make sure you're getting enough water.
• Limit your caffeine intake.
• Eat leafy foods that are dark green.
• Give up smoking.

Also Read: 13 Healthy Eyesight Tips

Medical treatments

Major and minor surgical therapies are available for patients with sunken eyes due to aging. No operation is without hazards, so be cautious and informed if you're thinking about having one.

• Derma fillers- Hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring material, is injected into the tissue under the eye as part of a dermal filler procedure. It normally doesn't hurt and only takes a few minutes to inject a filler. You'll need to have the treatment repeated once yearly because it doesn't last forever.
• Cosmetic surgery- Sunken eyes might look less prominent after cosmetic procedures, including brow lifts, rhinoplasty (eyelid surgery), and facelifts. These procedures need a longer period of recovery and are more intrusive. They can, however, provide a longer-term fix for sunken eyes.

Also Read: Things you Need to Know Before Getting a lip Filler

Conclusion

Darker skin just behind your lower eyelids is called "sunken eyes." Due to this, your eyes appear to be sunk back into the eye orbit. Age, injury to the eye's surrounding tissue, and sleep deprivation are common reasons for sunken eyes. Treatment is not usually necessary for sunken eyes. You may take steps at home by resting and drinking enough water. If the appearance of sunken eyes concerns you, you can also have cosmetic procedures like dermal fillers. Surgery can be necessary if trauma causes sunken eyes as part of the therapy. Although sunken eyes are not always a major problem, many individuals desire to discover a cure to help them seem better. Consult a doctor if you need to figure out why your eyes are red.

Also Read: 15 Troublesome Common Eye Diseases