Bags under eyes are caused when the tissue structures and muscles supporting your eyelids weaken. The skin may start to sag, and fat that's usually around the eye can move into the area below your eyes. Also, the space below your eyes can gather fluid, making the area look puffy or swollen.
Why do I have bags under my eyes even though I get enough sleep? You may have bags under your eyes even though you get enough sleep due to aging, genetics, salty foods, smoking, or dehydration.
Allergies: Congestion and inflammation from allergies can sometimes exacerbate under-eye puffiness. Medical conditions: Some health conditions such as thyroid problems can cause the eyes to become swollen. Genetics: Having under-eye bags can be a physical characteristic that runs in your family.
Bags under eyes are usually a cosmetic concern and don't require medical treatment. Home and lifestyle treatments may help reduce puffiness. But if you're concerned about the appearance of under-eye swelling, medical and surgical treatments are available.
Stress levels affect the cortisol levels which, in turn, increase the appearance and intensity of puffiness and bags under the eyes. “That is also why those with high stress levels experience acne,” Dr. Sandy notes.
Bags under the eyes are often the result of temporary conditions and may be some combination of: lack of sleep, chronic stress, poor diet and/or fatigue which can result from illness or medications for example. People who suffer from allergies and sensitivities often have a bigger problem with bags under as well.
– Medical Conditions — Puffy eyes can also be a symptom of underlying medical conditions such as thyroid disorders, kidney or liver disease, or allergies.
Acute liver failure can develop quickly in an otherwise healthy person, and it is life-threatening. If you or someone you know suddenly develops a yellowing of the eyes or skin; tenderness in the upper abdomen; or any unusual changes in mental state, personality or behavior, seek medical attention right away.
Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin) Cirrhosis for Patients
A liver that is working poorly cannot get rid of bilirubin, a substance that produces a yellowing of the eyes and skin called jaundice. Too much alcohol and some medicines can also lead to jaundice.
As you age, muscles and tissues weaken, and the fat that naturally supports the eyes can sink to the area beneath your eyes, making them appear swollen. Fluids can also collect in the area.
Loose skin, pockets of fat, pigmentation (change in skin color) and natural shadowing can all result in dark circles, a fatigued appearance, or “bags under your eyes.” Though these features can be inherited (passed down from parents) and seen in youth, they often get worse with age.
Thyroid conditions—both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism—can cause under-eye bags or circles. Treating these conditions will often help improve your eyes' appearance.
Puffy eyes, also known as periorbital puffiness, are caused by fluid retention under the eyes, The causes of eye puffiness are many, including allergies, not getting enough sleep, eating too much salt, and medical conditions like thyroid disease.
Eye bags or “dark circles” under the eyes are common in people of all ages. Factors such as dehydration, lack of sleep, a poor diet, stress, and allergies play a role. Younger people often display temporary eye bags, which fade away in less than 24 hours.
Don't underestimate the value of a cold spoon. A cold spoon will help relax the blood vessels around the eyes thus reducing puffiness. All you have to do is put 2 spoons in the fridge for around half an hour, and then place their backs on the affected area for about 10 minutes.
Why do children get bags (dark circles) under their eyes? Just like adults, children can suffer from snoring or sleep apnea as a result of airway blockages. These blockages can come about from allergies, enlarged lymph nodes (adenoids), and in some cases, orthodontic misalignments.
The under-eye area can look purple or bluish because the skin there is so thin and translucent that you can easily see the underlying veins. It can be more apparent in people with fair skin, and those with very little subcutaneous fat supporting the area under the lower lid.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night to eliminate bags or dark circles under your eyes. It also recommends elevating your head on a pillow to reduce the swelling that accumulates around your eyes while you sleep.
Not getting enough sleep can cause the skin to go pale which allows the darkness to appear more pronounced, and can also cause a build-up of fluid under the eyes. Oversleeping can also cause eyes to appear puffy.
Puffiness of the eyes and dark circles, wrinkling around the eyes and corners of the mouth, yellow discoloration of the eyes (if jaundice is pronounced) are some of the symptoms of fatty liver.