Under-eye hollows, or sunken eyes or enophthalmos, refer to depressions below the eyes. The resulting look has a tendency to make the subject look tired, old, or sick. Clinical causes of sunken eyes, symptoms, and diagnosis are presented in this blog. Sunken eyes treatment, preventive methods and adjustments to everyday life to assist in caring for healthier, brighter eyes are also covered.
What Are Under-Eye Hollows?
Sunken eyes are the look that results from lost fat or the soft tissue below the lower eyelid. Loss of volume may lead to shadows, thinning skin, and deep-set eyes. Under-eye hollowness may be a clinical feature of age-related periorbital atrophy of fat, loss of collagen, or tear trough deformity.
Common Sunken Eyes Causes:
1. Ageing
Collagen and elastin degenerate over time, resulting in volume loss and decreased skin thickness. The ageing process also diminishes the fat around the eyes, causing under-eye hollowness.
2. Genetics
Genetics steps in. Deep-set eyes or naturally occurring hollow tear troughs can be inherited. Some people are born with facial bones that predispose them to under-eye hollowness.
3. Lifestyle Habits
Smoking, alcohol, lack of sleep, and dehydration can worsen sunken eyes. These habits disrupt circulation and wound healing, hastening visible under-eye transformation.
4. Medical Illness
Certain medical illnesses, like dehydration, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and thyroid disease, can lead to under-eye hollowness. Medical illnesses can decrease tissue hydration and circulation, leading to a sunken-eyed appearance.
Identifying the Most Important Indicators of Sunken Eyes
Common signs that point to sunken eyes include:
- Hollowness under the eyes
- Dark discolouration or circles
- Sagging, thinning skin
- Wrinkles or fine lines
- Periorbital puffiness
If the signs are persistent, see a licensed healthcare professional to eliminate the underlying illness.
Diagnosis: How Experts Diagnose Under-Eye Hollows
Doctors typically evaluate under-eye hollowing by reviewing the patient’s health background and performing a physical assessment. For complicated situations, imaging or laboratory tests may be required to diagnose underlying causes of hollow eyes, e.g., endocrine disease or anaemia.
Treatment Options for Under-Eye Hollows
1. Dermal Fillers
Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are used to gently restore volume beneath the eyes, easing the look of hollows and dark circles. The treatment works quickly and involves little downtime.
2. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP utilises growth factors in your blood to cause collagen growth within your skin underneath your eyes. It improves the tone and flexibility of your skin with gradual improvement over several sessions.
3. Laser Resurfacing
Fractional Laser Therapy tightens and rejuvenates coloured eyes. It rearranges collagen and reduces pigmentation, supporting those seeking non-invasive sunken eyes treatment.
4. Fat Transfer
Fat is taken out of your own body and implanted under the eyes to re-establish volume naturally. The correction is more permanent compared to non-surgical options, but it comes with the need for an operative procedure.
5. Blepharoplasty
Surgical procedure for extreme cases. Surgery on the lower eyelid relocates or removes tissue. It corrects under-eye hollowness and sagging for dramatic results.
Preventing Sunken Eyes: Preventive Habits and Daily Regimen
1. Sun Protection
The area beneath your eyes has no natural protection. Daily sunscreen and dark-lens sunglasses serve as a shield against UV damage, one of the primary causes for collagen depletion and sunken eyes.
2. Hydration
Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water every day. Dehydration affects the appearance of the under-eye region. Hydrated skin benefits from a better ability to retain shape and volume, avoiding under-eye hollowness.
3. Sleep Hygiene
Get 7–9 hours of good sleep every night. Sleep allows the repairing process of skin. Proper rest prevents dark circles and puffiness that are typically observed in sunken eyes.
4. No Smoking
Smoking lowers the oxygen and nutrient supply to your skin, causing faster loss of collagen. Quitting smoking can completely improve the texture and tone of the skin, preventing sunken eyes.
5. Use Gentle Skincare
Steer clear of harsh cleansers. Use eye creams with peptides, caffeine, or vitamin C. They increase circulation and collagen formation, vital in avoiding hollowness under the eyes.
Lifestyle Adjustments to Adapt to Healthier Skin Under the Eyes
1. Reducing Stress
Walking, creative activities, and meditation decrease stress and enhance healthy skin. Stress hormones like cortisol break down skin collagen over time and can contribute to sunken eyes causes.
2. Cold Compress
Cold spoons or chilled pieces of cucumber will minimise puffiness. Cold narrows blood vessels and soothes swelling.
3. Makeup Tips
Apply peach or orange colour correctors with a light concealer to illuminate eye shadows. Well-blended healthy flesh prevents caking and blends with the natural contours.
4. Facial Exercises
Strengthen the orbicularis oculi muscle and increase circulation by performing daily exercises. The exercises will minimise the sagging and tightening of skin below the eyes in the long term, rendering sunken eyes less conspicuous.
When to See Your Doctor
Consult a doctor if:
- Sudden sunken eyes appear
- They are induced by fatigue or vision change
- They are induced by swelling, pain, or colour change
Your doctor will check you for anaemia, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalance — all causes of sunken eyes.
Breathe New Life into Your Under-Eye Glow and Confidence
From natural ageing to genetic predispositions and health conditions, numerous factors can be causes of puffy or sunken eyes. While normally harmless, they can affect the appearance and how you feel. Simple daily habits like adequate water intake, skin protection from the sun, and proper sleeping habits can contribute immensely towards maintaining a healthy under-eye area.
If sunken eyes are persistent or worsening, a visit to a specialist physician for a specialised consultation and plan is necessary. The first step toward healthier, brighter eyes is qualified care.
Call our specialists and regain your under-eye health and confidence.
FAQs: All About Sunken Eyes
Why are my eyes sunken?
Under eye hollows can be caused by various factors, including age, genetics, lifestyle choices, and certain medical conditions. Loss of volume and thinning of the skin in the under-eye area contribute to the sunken appearance.
How do you restore sunken eyes?
Restoring sunken eyes often involves treatments such as dermal fillers, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, laser resurfacing, fat transfer, or surgery. The most suitable option depends on the individual’s needs and the underlying cause of the hollows.
What deficiency causes sunken eyes?
Nutritional deficiencies, particularly vitamin K and vitamin C deficiencies, can contribute to the development of under eye hollows. Ensuring a balanced diet that includes foods rich in these vitamins may help improve the appearance of the under-eye area.
You can also read about Nutrients for Eye health
Are sunken eyes reversible?
While it may not be possible to completely reverse under eye hollows, various treatments can significantly improve their appearance. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment option for your specific case.
Can drinking water fix sunken eyes?
While adequate hydration is important for overall skin health, drinking water alone cannot fix under eye hollows. However, staying hydrated can help improve the appearance of the skin and minimize the prominence of under eye hollows.
Which food is best for sunken eyes?
Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can support skin health and reduce the appearance of under eye hollows. Some examples include green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, berries, nuts, and fish.
Here is the list of Top 10 Foods to Keep Your Eyes Healthy
Are sunken eyes permanent?
No. Depending on the cause, treatments such as fillers, skin regimens, or treating medical conditions can diminish or eliminate their appearance.
Is it possible to treat sunken eyes naturally?
Yes. Drinking water, sleeping well, and using antioxidant eye creams can work. Natural treatments may take time and have subtle effects, though.
What vitamin deficiency causes sunken eyes?
Vitamin C, K, and B12 deficiency is usually associated with dark circles and under-eye hollowness.
Is surgery the only solution for severe sunken eyes?
No. Though results are always permanent, not always is surgery required, since most people get fillers or PRP with marvellous results.
Can sunken eyes result from dehydration overnight?
Yes. Inadequate fluid consumption, particularly after alcohol intake and/or illness, can cause fleeting under-eye hollowness as well as dark circles.
