What Causes Sunken Eyes? Origins and Solutions

Do you often suffer from sunken eyes? Do you feel like you look tired all the time, even if you've had a good night's sleep? If so, you're not alone.   

Sunken eyes are a common problem, and there are several potential causes, including your medical history.

If you're experiencing symptoms of sunken eyes, it's essential to see a doctor to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment. 

In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help improve the appearance of your eyes and make yourself look more awake. 

Let's take a look at the causes of sunken eyes and some tips for getting rid of them.

What do Sunken Eyes Look Like?

Sunken eyes can be a sign of many different problems, including dehydration, allergies, thyroid problems, and even cancer. 

Dark circles often characterize them under the eyes, puffy eyelids, sagging skin, and excessive tearing.

The appearance of sunken eyes can vary depending on the cause. If you're dehydrated, you may notice that the delicate skin around your eyes look dry and hollow. 

If you have allergies, your eyes may be watery and swollen. And if you have a thyroid problem, you may see changes in the size and shape of your eyes.

Sunken eyes are also known as "under eye hollows" or "tear-trough deformity." Many people will begin to notice sunken and dark eyes by the age of 35 or so as they get older.

What Causes Sunken Eyes?

There are many potential causes of sunken eyes. Here are some of the most common:

Dehydration

One of the most common causes of sunken eyes is dehydration. When dehydrated, your body doesn't have enough water to function properly. 

Consuming too much coffee, soda, or alcohol may cause diuretic effects, which can lead to dehydration.

In addition, if you live in a hot climate or exercise frequently, you may also be at risk for dehydration. 

Lack of Sleep

Not enough sleep can also make you develop sunken eyes as well as dark circles. When you don't get enough rest, your body produces less melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm. 

This can cause the delicate skin and blood vessels around your eyes to become puffy and swollen, and the dark circles under your eyes may become more noticeable and have a slightly unnatural appearance. 

Poor quality sleep can also lead to fatigue and a general feeling of tiredness, making your sunken eyes more prominent.

Age

As people get older, they often begin to experience sunken eyes. This is due to a number of factors, including the natural thinning of the skin that occurs on the lower eyelids as we age and a decrease in the production of collagen and elastin.

In addition, the fatty tissues that help support the eyes can begin to break down, leading to a sunken appearance. 

Poor Diet

A diet that is lacking in essential nutrients can also lead to sunken eyes. If you don't consume enough fruits and vegetables, you may be at risk for vitamin deficiencies.

In particular, a lack of vitamin C can lead to sunken eyes. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production, a protein that helps keep the skin firm and elastic. 

A diet that is high in salt can also lead to sunken eyes. When you consume too much salt, your body retains water, which can cause the tissues around your eyes to swell. 

Eye Injury

An injury to the eye can also lead to sunken eyes. This is usually due to bleeding under the skin, which can cause the area around the eye to appear hollow and dark. 

This could also happen if you suffer from fractures from the bones around your eyes, called the orbital bones. You may also have inflammation and swelling in the area. 

Underlying Medical Conditions

There are a number of underlying medical conditions that can cause sunken eyes. These include:

• Thyroid problems: An overactive or underactive thyroid can lead to changes in the size and shape of your eyes. 

• Cancer: Cancerous tumors can press on the orbital bones, leading to sunken eyes. 

• Allergies: Can cause the tissues around your eyes to swell, leading to a sunken appearance. 

• Infections: Infections such as sinus infections or conjunctivitis can cause the area around your eyes to appear sunken and dark. 

Excessive Sun Exposure

Excessive sun exposure can also lead to sunken eyes. The skin around your eyes is fragile and delicate, so it's more susceptible to sun damage.  

When the sun's UV rays damage the skin, it loses collagen and elastin. This can cause the skin around your eyes to become thin and fragile, leading to dark circles and a sunken appearance.  

Genetics

Some people may be born with sunken eyes due to genetics. This means that the appearance of their eyes is due to the structure of their bones and tissues and not any external factors.

If that's the case, then the only way to correct the sunken appearance is through surgery or targeted cosmetic treatments. 

Smoking

Smoking can also lead to sunken eyes. When you smoke, the nicotine in cigarettes constricts the blood vessels around your eyes. 

This decreases the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the tissues around your eyes, which can cause them to become thin and fragile. 

As a result, your under eye skin may begin to sag and appear sunken.

Can Sunken Eyes Cause Further Complications?

Yes, sunken eyes can cause further complications. If the underlying causes are not treated, they may lead to more severe health problems.

For example, a lack of vitamin C can lead to scurvy, an illness that causes extreme fatigue, weakness, and bruising. If you have an infection around your eyes or sinus infection, your blood circulation can be compromised, and it could spread to the rest of your body.

If you're having trouble getting enough sleep, you could also develop dark shadows aside from hollow eyes.

It's essential to see a doctor if you think you may have sunken eyes so that they can determine the underlying cause and provide you with the appropriate treatment.

Sunken eyes or tear trough hollows can signify a serious health condition, so it's essential to see a doctor if you think you may have them. 

They can help determine the underlying cause and provide you with the appropriate treatment. 

What Home Treatments are Effective for Sunken Eyes?

You can do a few things at home to get rid of sunken eyes.

First, make sure that you're getting enough sleep. Sleep allows your body to repair and rejuvenate itself, so it's important to get at least eight hours per night. 

Drink plenty of water each day. Dehydration can cause the tissues around your eyes to swell, which will make them appear more sunken.

You can also try using cold compress on your eyes. This will help reduce sinus infection as well as inflammation and swelling in the area. 

If your sunken eyes are caused by excessive sun exposure, then you should make sure to wear sunscreen whenever you're outside. 

The best way to prevent sun damage is to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. 

Sunscreen should be applied every two hours or after swimming or sweating. 

You could also try using cucumber slices or tea bags on your eyes. Both of these contain properties that can help to reduce puffiness and inflammation. 

What Professional Treatments Could be Used for Sunken Eyes?

If home remedies don't help improve the appearance of your sunken eyes, then you may need to seek out professional treatment. 

A few different treatments can be used to get rid of sunken eyes.

Cosmetic Surgeries

One option is cosmetic surgery. If the underlying cause of your sunken eyes is genetics, then surgery may be the only way to correct their appearance. 

Surgery can also be used to correct the appearance of sunken eyes caused by smoking, sun damage, or age. 

A few different types of surgery can be used, so it's important to talk to your doctor about which option is best for treating sunken eyes. 

Botox Injections

Another option is Botox injections. Botox is a type of medication injected into the muscles around your eyes. 

It works by paralyzing these muscles, which causes the sensitive skin around your eyes to relax and stretch out. 

This can help improve the appearance of sunken eyes. 

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are another option that can improve the appearance of sunken eyes. Dermal fillers are a type of cosmetic filler that is injected into the skin. 

They work by filling in any lines or wrinkles in the area, which helps to make it look smoother and more youthful. 

Dermal fillers can also be used to improve the appearance of sunken eyes. 

Fat Grafting

Fat grafting is a type of surgery used to improve sunken eyes' appearance. It involves removing fat from another part of your body and transplanting it into your eye socket.

This can help improve the appearance of thin skin and sunken eyes by adding volume to the area. 

When Should You See a Doctor?

Sometimes, a proper diagnosis from a doctor is the best way to find a solution for your sunken eyes. 

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, see your doctor right away:

• Swelling or puffiness around your eyes 

• Changes in the appearance of your eyes 

• Difficulty opening your eyes 

• Pain or pressure around your eyes 

• Reddishness or inflammation around your eyes 

• These symptoms could be signs of an underlying condition that must be immediately treated. 

Conclusion

Sunken eyes can be a cosmetic concern for many people. It can lead to low self-esteem and make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. 

However, there are a few things that you can do at home to help improve their appearance. 

If home remedies don't help improve the appearance of your sunken eyes, then you may need to seek out professional treatment.