Common eye problems > Dark circles under the eyes

There is not too much discussion going on about the dark circles under the eyes and if there is a mention of it, it is mostly in connection with the tips how to perfectly hide them with the help of make-up. Generally, we are satisfied with the explanation that we did not sleep long enough and thus we erase the problem from the world. But we need to realize that the circles or swellings under the eyes can signalize also something more serious.

Where and how do they form?

Dark circles under the eyes can be a sign of tiredness, lack of sleep, fatigue, stress, lack of fresh air, effect of sun lights, excessive exertion of the eyes and improper regimen. On the other hand it can also be a more serious illness, for example the one connected with heart, kidneys, thyroid gland or metabolic illnesses. When the condition lingers it is necessary to visit a doctor.

The color of the circles under the eyes can be important clue for a doctor as for where he should look for the cause. “For example, in case of the heart illnesses, the blood flow is slowed down by capillaries and the skin turns blue. If, on the other hand, capillaries are expanded the skin is red.” Sometimes the circles are only the sign of short-term change in an organism, for example during menstruation or pregnancy.

Why do the dark circles under the eyes form and the eyes swell?

It is a slow microcirculation in the soft skin under the eyes that is responsible for the dark circles under the eyes. Its thickness is only 0.1 millimeter and the hypodermic tissue is sparse and thus it easily receives a fluid. When the capillaries expand during tiredness in order to bring more blood to the eyes, the blood being under the thin skin appears to be blue or grey-blue area. This dark-blue shade is in reality blood which circulates through capillaries situated right under the skin surface. This means that changes in perfusion will swiftly express themselves in the form of unsightly eye swellings. It is the same during inflammation of the eyelashes, the eye and its surroundings, sinusitis and lachrymal organs. The same holds for allergies, insect bites, urticaria, illnesses of kidneys, heart and thyroid gland, mainly when its function is decreased the swellings are very common and can close the macular hole. The swellings usually disappear after the elimination of the cause.

The formation of swellings can be also inherited. Some people have troubles with such a type of swellings which will disappear spontaneously in one or two hours after they wake up. The possible cause can be that the eyelashes which protect the eye from being hurt, from dirt and dazzling also spread the tear film across the eye surface by their movement and this movement of the eyelid also supports a suction of excessive tears into the lachrymal ducts. But we do not blink during nights and thus the muscular pump, which transfers the fluid from the capillaries, is not working and thus the blood flow is slowed down and the sparse hypodermic tissue easily absorbs the fluid and the mild swelling forms. After we wake up, the accumulated fluid is washed away by regular blinking and the swelling will disappear. Naturally, we do not have in mind those swellings which are a symptom of the illness.

How to get rid of them?

There are many ways to remove dark circles under the eyes. If the problem lingers for a long period of time it is necessary to unconditionally visit your doctor. If it is only a momentary problem you should think about some modifications in your regime, sufficient amount of a quality sleep and appropriate fluid and vitamin intake. As far as stress is concerned it is difficult to avoid it because we are exposed to it on a daily basis. But when a person has a regular regime he can put up with it in a better way.

Different types of allergens in creams and cosmetic or decorative preparations form the separate category in the subject of circles and swellings. “Sometimes we might not know about our allergy and mostly we realize it only after we use the preparation when the allergic reaction has been already formed together with the swelling. In case we experienced such a negative experience it is important to visit a specialist – allergologist immediately. Nowadays, there are so many preparations and eye creams on offer in drug stores, pharmacies or beauty salons. It is important that they contain retinol.”