Sunken Eyes: Causes, Treatment, and Pictures

Sunken Eye – What is it?

Sunken eyes, also known as enophthalmos, may develop due to changes in your eye socket or the structure of your eyes, as well as facial fractures. The reason affects both prognosis and treatment. The word "enophthalmos" describes the condition of sunken eyes. "En" stands for "in," while "ophthalmos" is the word for eye. Exophthalmos, or proptosis, or protruding eyes, is the reverse of enophthalmos.

Enophthalmos, or sunken eyes, is acquired (occurring after birth) or congenital (occurring at birth). There are several causes of enophthalmos. These include dehydration, illnesses such as Horner's syndrome, and severe eye injuries such as those sustained in car crashes or other collisions or during physical combat (traumatic enophthalmos). Enophthalmos is brought on by congenital disorders such as silent sinus syndrome. Enophthalmos (senile enophthalmos) is brought on by ageing.  Enophthalmos often occurs after collisions involving automobiles, trucks, and motorbikes and during violent altercations that cause orbital fractures.

What Do Sunken Eyes (Enophthalmos) Look Like?

Enophthalmos describes the deepening and hollowing of the eye sockets. More people refer to it as sunken eyes. The posterior displacement of the globe in an anteroposterior plane within the orbit. is the scientific definition of enophthalmos. This results in hollow-looking eyes.  For instance, shadows or dark circles could be around the lower eyelid and under the eyes. Even if a person has gotten enough sleep and is in good condition, this might make a person seem unwell or exhausted.

Due to deformities in the tear ducts, sunken eyes are a frequent indication of ageing. At this point, the bags under the lower eyelids stand out more. If sunken eyes result from ageing changes, alarm is unnecessary. Nonetheless, some individuals want to minimise their sunken eyes since they don't like how they seem.

For a variety of causes, sunken eyes seem different in different individuals. While some people's sunken eyes are hardly noticeable, others have more noticeable sunken eyes.  Age, weight, food, and other variables are among the many that influence the appearance of the skin around the eyes.

What are the Symptoms of Sunken Eyes?

The following are a few signs of sunken eyes that occur frequently:

• hollow-looking eyes
• a lower eyelid that seems to droop
• puffiness of the lower lid 
• dark circles
• dark shadowing
• loose or thin skin around the eyes and eyelids

What are the Causes of Sunken Eyes and Dark Circles?

The skin under the eyes is thinner and more sensitive. Our skin loses fat and collagen as we age, making it seem thinner and sagging. The blood vessels beneath the eyes become more noticeable as the skin thins. This is the reason why shadows begin to appear. One of the most often mentioned reasons for sunken eyes is age. However, there are also more causes behind the appearance of hollow and dark circles beneath the eyes such as,

1.  Fatigue

Our skin and eyes are the first organs to exhibit the consequences of overworking oneself or getting too little sleep. Lack of sleep weakens the muscles around the eyes, accumulates fluid beneath the eyes, and causes dark circles to appear. Similarly, swollen eyes might be a consequence of oversleeping.

2.  Eye Trauma

It's important to remember that trauma to the eyes, and the resulting sunken eyes, can often be prevented. Ocular trauma, which can be caused by:

• Combating
• Sports, like a ball that lands close to the eye
• Automobile mishaps

Enophthalmos is often linked to a particular kind of injury known as a blowout fracture, which is a fracture in one or more of the bones around the eye.

The orbit, also known as the eye socket, plays a crucial role in shielding the eye and maintaining its position. However, after damage, the orbit may lose volume, causing the tissue, muscles, and fat around the eyes to shift. Depending on the severity of the injury, this can lead to a sunken eye. After trauma, it's crucial to seek medical attention. Enophthalmos often develops two weeks later, but in some cases, it can take many months to manifest. This underscores the importance of regular follow-ups and monitoring after an ocular injury.

3.  Genetics 

Heredity might cause individuals to inherit sunken eyes and dark bags beneath their eyes from their parents. Genetics affect how our eyes sit in their sockets, causing the region under our eyes or surrounding our tear ducts to seem more hollow. Furthermore, the area around our eyes seems more tired due to darker skin pigmentation.

4.  Overexposure to the sun

While sitting in sun is excellent for the face and body, too much sun harms our skin. Our skin becomes darker due to the sun's ability to induce our bodies to manufacture additional melanin. If the skin is naturally darker owing to genetics, excessive sun exposure darkens the area around the eyes.

5.  Lack of water

 Maintaining proper hydration is essential for the regular operation of all our organs, including the skin. Skin becomes less plump when dehydrated, especially around the eyes, where the skin is most delicate. The region beneath the eyes also becomes more hollow, darker, and discoloured.

6.  Eye fatigue

Our eyes suffer from the time we spend staring at computers, smartphones, or TV displays. The blood vessels behind our eyes grow and become more noticeable if we strain our eyes. Dark circles start to stand out at this point. Dehydration and eye strain are related.

7.  Hypersensitivity

One experiences a greater susceptibility to sunken eyes when dealing with seasonal allergies such as hay fever. Histamines are substances the body creates as a defence mechanism when experiencing an allergic response. This results in redness, irritated eyes, and dilated blood vessels, which create hollow and dark circles under the eyes.

What Medications Can Cause Sunken Eyes?

Enophthalmos is brought on by prostaglandin analogues, a drug used to treat glaucoma. Sunken eyes are a side effect of antiviral drugs that are used to treat HIV.

One appears more tired if they take medications that disrupt their sleep or prevent them from resting. The eyes appear sunken as a result. Several medications disrupt sleep patterns such as,

• Cold remedies
• caffeine-containing medications
• steroids
• and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Sunken eyelids might also result from medications that promote weight loss. These consist of:

• Certain antidepressants, 
• Bupropion-containing Wellbutrin; 
• Obesity medications.

Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Sunken Eyes?

A healthcare must determine the reason for sunken eyes. Any drugs one takes are questioned about them.  Basic vision tests and eye examination should be performed. Remember to include any prescription and over-the-counter medications, including vitamins. Inform the medical professional of any further persistent symptoms. The medical professional should prescrive X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scan to evaluate the damage if one has traumatised eyes that have sunken.

How to Get Rid of Sunken Eyes?

Depending on what caused the sunken eyes, several methods exist to decrease or altogether remove them. Starting with at-home remedies like focused skincare and a shift in lifestyle choices is advised.

1.  Put on some sunscreen

Sunscreen is the most vigorous defence against UV damage-related skin issues, including sunken eyes. As the last step in the morning skincare regimen, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.

2.  Apply a hydrating eye cream.

Maintaining supple skin and preventing symptoms of ageing need daily skin care. Use a moisturising eye cream as part of the skincare routine if one has sunken eyes. Make use of components that moisturise and minimise wrinkles, puffiness, and dark circles:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Retinol
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Caffeine

Targeting cosmetic concerns related to sunken eyes, Alastin Restorative Eye Treatment is an excellent solution for the sensitive region under the eyes.

3.  Change the Lifestyle

The most significant outcomes come from combining committed skin care with lifestyle modifications. To observe an improvement in the skin and general health, try to cut out or minimise destructive behaviours and replace them with good ones.

• Remain hydrated – Eight glasses of water a day is recommended, according to health experts. The skin around the eyes is revitalised and the worn, sunken-eye appearance is relieved when moisturising eye cream is paired with internal hydration.
• Consume foods high in nutrients - These foods enhance skin tone and texture, aid in removing toxins, and encourage collagen synthesis. Eat four or more servings of vegetables daily, preferably leafy greens like lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, and celery.
• Get adequate sleep: The body purges toxins, lowers inflammation, and repairs itself as one sleep. Scientists advise obtaining seven to nine hours of unbroken sleep every night for overall health and a refreshed appearance.
• Give up smoking - Tobacco smoke degrades collagen and elastin. The skin tone will dramatically improve as soon as one gives up smoking. Getting rid of this bad habit lowers the risk of lung cancer and other dangerous ailments, as well as sunken eyes. 

4.  Home remedies for sunken eyes

In some situations, lifestyle modifications and natural therapies also assist in lessening sunken eyes. Further investigation is needed to determine whether specific home treatments improve the look of sunken eyes.

When applying chemicals to the affected region for the following cures, one should keep their eyes closed to prevent getting the compounds in their eyes.

Among the home cures are:

5.  Maintaining Hydration

The most important item the body needs to keep healthy is water. It affects all of the body's organs, including the biggest one, the skin. Drinking adequate water helps those whose dehydration has caused their eyes to droop. In the following situations, people need to drink more water: They have a fever, are having diarrhoea or vomiting, are in a hot environment, and are exercising.

6.  Almond oil

Almond oil helps to decrease puffiness, brighten discolouration under the eyes, and retain moisture based on anecdotal data. Almond oil is used topically under the eyes or as a cosmetics and skin care product component.

Almond oil, however, irritates the skin and eyes. If this happens, users should cease using the oil and need to rinse their eyes with water.

7.  Raw potatoes

According to a study, a raw potato slice applied to the eyes for a brief amount of time minimises puffiness and brightens the dark circles under the eyes.

Potatoes are rich in starch, enzymes, and vitamin C, which help to nourish the delicate skin behind the eyes. Raw potatoes' coldness also aids in lowering blood vessel inflammation, which would lessen swelling and gives them a darker colour.

8.  Tea bags

Flavonoids and antioxidants are found in tea. By encouraging blood flow and calming the muscles and nerves in the eyes, using moist, warm teabags helps minimise the look of sunken eyes. Before applying, squeeze extra water and ensure the tea bag isn't too hot.

9.  Cucumber slices

A typical home cure for sunken, irritated eyes and dark circles is cucumber. Cucumber slices are positioned beneath the eyes to cool them down and lessen puffiness.

10.  Fish oil

Because fish oil has a high fatty acid content, it acts as an anti-inflammatory and speeds up mending injured cells. Individuals might use fish oil directly on their skin or include it in their diet.

11.  Lemon juice

Polyphenols found in lemons have anti-ageing properties. Some people's sunken eyes look better if they consume more lemons in their diet.

Addressing Sunken Eyes with Less Invasive Treatments

1.  Facial Fillers

Injectable face fillers are one of the most popular cosmetic options if a person is self-conscious about the look of sunken eyes. When considering surgery, those who are reluctant to have more intrusive procedures usually go for this non-invasive one.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring chemical found in our bodies and is often used in facial fillers. Because of its modest look and ability to stay inconspicuous under the skin—even in the sensitive regions around the eyes—this specific kind of filler is especially well-suited for correcting sunken eyes.

The best facial filler to meet the unique aesthetic goals will be considered and chosen during the consultation. Any skilled medical professional will recognise that each patient is different and that treating sunken eyes does not have a one-size-fits-all answer.

After receiving a filler injection, healing is usually swift and painless. Some individuals have bruises in the sensitive area of their eyes. Most people see a reduction in bruising a week after the surgery. One can use cold packs and get enough rest to speed up healing and improve comfort. After the injection, the filler will have settled, making its last appearance around two weeks later.

In subsequent treatment sessions, individuals require additional filler to achieve more pronounced effects. However, it is generally advisable for individuals to begin their initial session with smaller amounts of filler and progressively increase the quantity if necessary. It is important to remember that it can be safely dissolved if one feels the filler is excessive or the results are not as subtle as anticipated. Most individuals opting for cosmetic fillers to address sunken eyes typically experience results that endure for a period ranging from six to twelve months. After this time, further filler injections will be necessary to maintain a refreshed appearance.

2.  Facial Fat Grafting (Autologous Fat Injections)

Many patients have chosen facial fat grafting as a more natural, long-lasting remedy for sunken eyes. Although this approach requires more surgery than injections of synthetic filler, the effects are more durable, even permanent. To undergo face fat grafting, extra fat must be removed from a specific body part, often the stomach. The look of sunken eyes is then improved by properly processing and injecting this surplus fat into the surrounding tissue. It takes three to four months for the ultimate effects of face fat grafting to treat sunken eyes to fully materialise. This time frame considers the time the transplanted fat needs to re-establish its blood supply. Even though not all of the transplanted fat cells will survive the grafting process, our surgeons ensure that enough are transferred to guarantee enduring benefits. However, individual outcomes differ, and further treatments sometimes be needed.

Choosing facial fat grafting as a solution for sunken eyes has many advantages:

• long-lasting, often permanent outcomes.
• subtle, natural-looking, and feeling effects.
• speedy recovery and little time away from work. 
• extra benefit of fat reduction from troubled regions, such as the stomach or thighs, and lessened under-eye dark circles because of the protective layer of fat.

People Also Ask

What are the Best Treatment Options for Sunken Eyes?

People employ a variety of at-home remedies to lessen the look of sunken eyes. Applying cold packs to the ice or cucumbers is a simple option. The underlying reasons for sunken eyes determine how successful these therapies will be. A person's risk of developing sunken eyes can be decreased by abstaining from smoking, being hydrated with plenty of water, and getting enough sleep. These lifestyle changes might assist with sunken eyes and improve general health and well-being.

Sunken eyes brought on by ageing naturally are treated with a range of in-clinic procedures. These consist of non-invasive cosmetic treatments, including dermal fillers and injections for wrinkle relaxation. Blepharoplasty, another name for eyelid surgery, permanently removes sunken eyes.

Is it possible to combine Lower Blepharoplasty with other procedures?

Of course! Lower blepharoplasty is combined with almost any other cosmetic surgery technique. These are performed on the same day as the procedure or included in a tailored treatment plan, allowing the option to schedule them later. A lower blepharoplasty can be performed alongside various other methods. Fat grafting is a procedure that effectively adds volume to various areas of the face, contributing to a more balanced appearance and enhancing the definition of the eyes. A brow lift assists in changing the appearance of the upper face.  Dermal fillers, commonly referred to as facial fillers, are substances that can be injected to enhance the volume of the face. A surgical procedure aimed at diminishing the appearance of sagging skin.

Conclusion

Sunken eyes, also known as enophthalmos, may develop due to changes in your eye socket or the structure of your eyes, as well as facial fractures. Enophthalmos, or sunken eyes, is acquired or congenital. There are several causes of enophthalmos. These include dehydration, illnesses such as Horner's syndrome, and severe eye injuries such as those sustained in car crashes or other collisions or during physical combat (traumatic enophthalmos). The posterior displacement of the globe in an anteroposterior plane within the orbit is the scientific definition of enophthalmos. This results in hollow-looking eyes.  For instance, shadows or dark circles could be around the lower eyelid and under the eyes. Even if a person has gotten enough sleep and is in good condition, this might make a person seem unwell or exhausted.

The symptoms of sunken eyes include hollow-looking eyes, drooping lower eyelid, puffiness of the lower lid, dark circles, dark shadowing and loose or thin skin around the eyes. The common causes of sunken eyes and dark circles include fatigue, eye trauma, genetics, overexposure to the sun, lack of water, eye fatigue and hypersensitivity to certain allergens. certain medications may also bring on sunken eyes such as cold remedies, medications that contain caffeine, steroids, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, certain antidepressants and anti-obesity drugs.

Effective ways to get rid of sunken eyes includes the use of broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, hydrating eye cream that contains vitamin C & E, retinol, hyaluronic acid and caffeine, lifestyle changes such as fixing the sleep cycle and schedule, staying hydrated, consuming foods that are high in essential nutrients and quit smoking. Home remedies to fix the sunken eyes includes the topical eye placement of moist warm tea bags, raw potatoes, caffeine and honey paste, fish oil and almond oil to reduce the puffiness and give radiant look to the eyes. Further treatment options for sunken eyes includes facial fillers and facial fat grafting.