Dark, Under Eye Circles – Why You Have Them

Dark, Under Eye Circles – Why You Have Them

Have you noticed that you can never get rid of the under-eye circles? Getting older makes these dark circles get worse, and it can be frustrating if you can’t find a solution to get rid of the bags. Most people attribute these eye problems to a lack of sleep. But, the truth is that other factors also influence the development of undereye circles.

Causes of Under Eye Circles

The skin located around your eyes is thinner compared to the skin on the rest of your body. As a result, it is easier to see the blood vessels that are located under the skin. If something irritates the eyes, then it could increase the visibility of these blood vessels and cause the skin to look darker than normal.

Here are a few other reasons why you might develop dark circles under your eyes:

• Genetics: Unfortunately, heredity is something that you can’t change. Some people have genes that amplify the appearance of dark circles.
• Age: Most people notice that under eye bags get worse with age. Not only do wrinkles start to form, but the skin continues to thin with time.
• Allergies: An allergic reaction causes histamines to be released in the body. As a result, blood vessels dilate. This response could make the blood vessels more visible, which in turn makes your dark circles appear to be worse.
• Pigmentation. Some health issues, such as medication use or Periorbital Hyperpigmentation changes the amount of melanin that is produced in the skin. When this condition impacts the skin near the eyes, it can cause a contrast in under eye skin color compared to the rest of the face.
• Sun Exposure: UV rays can increase the melanin production, causing the skin color to get darker. Prevent dark skin around the eyes by wearing sunglasses with UV protection when you are outside.
• Eczema: If the skin is itchy or sensitive, it might be hard not to itch your eyes. The rubbing motion can increase inflammation and swelling. In severe cases, the blood vessels might break, resulting in the development of dark undereye circles.

Preventing Under eye Circles

Have you seen pictures of people with facial masks and cucumbers over their eyes? The reason the cucumbers are used is because the cool temperature that helps to reduce inflammation in the skin around the eyes. Dark circles can be minimized by treating the area with a cold compress to reduce the swelling and decrease the dilation of the blood vessels.

If you suffer from allergy problems, then consider talking to your doctor about medications to reduce the symptoms. Decreasing the itchy, watery eyes can have a side-effect to reduce undereye circles at the same time. Don’t forget to get a good night’s sleep!

Sometimes, there are individual concerns that need to be addressed. If you are worried about the appearance or function of your eyes, then we invite you to schedule an appointment with our team at Village Eyecare. Our Chicago optometrists work in four offices in the Chicago area, offering convenient solutions for your family. Call today!