Why Sunken Eyes Occur and What to Do

Enophthalmos refers to the increased depth and hollowing of the eye sockets. It’s more commonly known as sunken eyes.

If you have this, you may have dark shadows or dark circles underneath the eyes, around the lower eyelid. This may make you look tired or sick even if you have had adequate rest and are healthy.

This isn’t a cause for concern if related to aging changes. However, some people may not like the look of sunken eyes and, therefore, take steps to reduce them.

What Do Sunken Eyes Look Like?

Sunken eyes look different on different people for various reasons. On some people, it can look faint, while others have more apparent sunken eyes.

Several factors affect the look of the skin around the eyes, including age, weight, diet, and more.

Here are some pictures of sunken eyes for your reference:

Some common symptoms of sunken eyes include the following:

• Dark circles under the eyes
• Dark bags under the eyes
• Dark shading under the eyes
• Loose or thin skin under the eyes
• Eyes that appear hollow
• A lower eyelid that appears to sag
• Puffiness of the lower eyelid
• Depending on the cause of sunken eyes, other symptoms may accompany them.

What Causes Sunken Eyes?

There are several causes of sunken eyes. Learning about these causes can help you find the proper treatment or prevention plan.

Causes of sunken eyes include:

• Age. As you get older, your skin loses some of its elasticity, and the sensitive skin around your eyes may begin to droop.
• Lack of sleep. A lack of sleep can cause dark circles and bags to appear under the eyes.
• Dehydration. Dehydration can take a toll on your health and your skin and cause the appearance of sunken eyes.
• Eye injury. If you have an eye injury or fracture of the bones around your eyes, inflammation and swelling can cause this appearance.
• Insufficient collagen. You may develop dark shadows under your eyes if you don’t have enough collagen in the body.
• Underlying medical conditions. A sinus infection can make your eyes appear sunken and hollow. On the other hand, more severe health conditions like cancer or thyroid disease can cause sunken eyes.
• Weight loss. Rapid weight loss can result in loose skin, causing the eyes to look sunken.
• Genetics. Some people may have a genetic predisposition that causes the skin to be thinner around their eyes.
• Smoking. Smoking can drop your collagen count, making the skin around your eyes appear sunken.
• Allergic reactions. Allergic reactions may cause dark circles and sagging skin, leading to a sunken appearance.
• Sun exposure. The sun's harmful UV rays can damage the skin around your eyes, making it look thin and sunken.
• Medications. Certain medications have side effects that can cause your eyes to look sunken.

What are Effective Remedies for Sunken Eyes?

While some causes of sunken eyes, like genetics or aging, are beyond our control, several home remedies can help minimize their appearance.

Here are some easy remedies we recommend:

• Hydrate. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consider using a hydrating eye cream.
• Use a cool compress. Applying a cold compress, chilled cucumber slices, or cold tea bags can reduce puffiness and inflammation, creating a more refreshed look.
• Try natural remedies. Almond oil can help moisturize and brighten the under-eye area. Some people find that applying raw potato slices or tea bags can also reduce puffiness and dark circles.
• Sleep more. Lack of sleep can worsen dark circles and puffiness. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night.
• Aim for a balanced diet: A diet rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids supports healthy skin and can improve the appearance of sunken eyes.

Professional Treatments for Persistent Cases of Sunken Eyes

If home remedies and lifestyle changes aren't enough, several professional treatments can effectively address sunken eyes:

• Dermal fillers. Hyaluronic acid fillers can restore volume and smooth out the under-eye area, creating a more youthful appearance.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: PRP injections stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture, reducing the appearance of hollowness.
• Microneedling: This procedure creates tiny punctures in the skin, stimulating collagen production and improving skin thickness.
• Chemical peels: Superficial peels can help improve skin tone and texture, reducing the appearance of dark circles and fine lines.

The best treatment for sunken eyes depends on the underlying cause and individual needs. We always recommend consulting a qualified dermatologist or aesthetic specialist to discuss your options and determine the most suitable approach.

When to See a Doctor for Sunken Eyes

Sunken eyes are usually not anything to worry about. They typically happen with age and bad habits like poor-quality sleep and nutrition. However, you should see a doctor for sunken eyes if you’re concerned that they indicate a more significant health concern.

If you have an eye injury, like a fracture, vision problems, or an infection, we strongly recommend seeing a doctor for proper treatment.