Sunken Eyes: Causes, Home Remedies & Treatments

Sunken eyes (enophthalmos) have a dark and hollow appearance under the eyes. It gives a fatigued look even if you are well-rested. Sunken eyes are a common concern that makes one look aged, tired, and weary. No matter how much you conceal it, the hollow stays the same. If you are having these issues, you are in the right spot.

In this blog, we will explain the causes of sunken eyes, share some home remedies, and discuss a range of medical treatments. Let’s get into the details.

What are Sunken Eyes?

Sunken eyes refer to the appearance of hollow or deep eyes that look shadowed and tired. It is also known as enophthalmos. Anyone can experience this condition. The skin around the eyes is sensitive and thin already, but due to some issues, it gets thinner, droops down, and the eyes look recessed into the skull.

Characteristics of Sunken Eyes – How Do They Look?

Sunken eyes are characterised by

• Presence of dark circles
• Hollow under eyes
• Shadowed look due to hollow appearance
• Thin skin around the eyes showing blood vessels
• Fatigue look despite proper rest/sleep

Sunken Eyes Causes

Common causes of sunken eyes are:

1. Genetics

2. Ageing

3. Sudden & Dramatic Weight Loss

4. Poor Hydration Or Dehydration

5. Sinusitis or Seasonal Allergies

6. Injury

7. Poor & Lack of Sleep

8. Smoking

Let’s know about these sunken eyes causes in detail:

1. Genetics

It could be in your DNA if other family members have shadowed eyes, too. Also,  the position of eyeballs in the socket is a genetic thing as well.

2. Ageing

The under-eye skin is the first to show signs of ageing as it loses collagen, leading to reduced firmness and a sagging appearance.

3. Sudden & Dramatic Weight Loss

When you lose weight extremely suddenly, the drastic fat loss from your face makes your eyes look hollow.  Blood vessels get prominent under your eyes.

4. Poor Hydration Or Dehydration

Dehydration from poor water intake, diarrhoea, vomiting, or excessive sweating can lead to sunken eyes.

5. Sinusitis or Seasonal Allergies

Swollen sinuses due to infection or seasonal allergies can lead to nasal congestion, sneezing, and an itchy throat, contributing to sunken eyes.

6. Injury

Any injury or trauma, for example, orbital fracture, damages the nearby tissue, making eyes look shadowed.

7. Poor & Lack of Sleep

The quality and quantity of sleep matter. Less than 7 hours of sleep can affect eye health and overall appearance.

8. Smoking

Smoking kills the collagen in your skin, makes it age faster, and loses its structure.

Now that you have explored the causes let’s move on to home remedies that you can add to your routine to manage sunken eyes appropriately. 

Sunken Eyes Remedies

Even if you are having a good night’s sleep, hollow eyes will make you look tired. Why not explore some home remedies? Here are some home remedies that will help you get rid of sunken eyes

Fix Your Habits

The most straightforward remedy is to tweak your lifestyle habits. Take care of the following things to get rid of under-eye hollows:

1. Stay hydrated
2. Avoid excessive sun exposure
3. Eat a nutritious diet (including omega-3 and carotenoid-rich foods)
4. Monitor your screen time (look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes)
5. Gently massage your under-eye area
6. Follow and stay consistent with your skincare routine
7. Promote better sleep quality and quantity
8. Meditate or do yoga to manage stress
9. Avoid rubbing your eyes
10. Quit smoking and alcohol

Use Eye Creams

Eye creams can be a game changer, especially when looking for how to get rid of dark circles. Or sunken eyes. They contain special ingredients that promote under-eye skin health and reduce the signs of ageing or tiredness. Choose eye creams that are:

1. Caffeine based
2. Contain Hyaluronic acid or ceramides
3. Antioxidant-rich
4. Rich in peptides and retinol
5. Filled with soothing agents like aloe vera
6. Unperfumed and lightweight

Try Homemade Eye Masks

You can try different DIY eye masks, as they address various issues simultaneously, such as puffiness, dry skin, and ageing skin. Here are some eye masks and their recipes. 

• Cucumber & Rose Water Mask

Crush the cucumber and extract its water (1 tsp). Mix the water with 1 tsp rose water. Soak cotton pads in the solution, then place them on your eyes for 15 minutes. 

• Coffee & Honey Mask

Mix coffee (1 tsp) with honey (½ tsp). Apply it under the eyes, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse gently. 

• Potato Mask

Blend a small potato to make a paste. Apply under your eyes and let it stay for 15 minutes, then wash gently. It addresses dark circles and ageing.

Use Oils to Get Rid Of Sunken Eyes

Applying oils and gently massaging them under your eyes helps a lot. They promote blood circulation, and their nourishing properties encourage skin health. You can use the following oils.

1. Almond oil (Rich in Vitamin E)
2. Coconut oil

Cold Compress With Tea Bags

Green tea contains antioxidants and caffeine, which reduce puffiness and help treat dehydrated and aged skin under the eyes. Soak tea bags in warm water, then place them in the fridge. When cold, put them on your eyes for 15-20 minutes. This cold compress reduces under-eye swelling, promotes relaxation, and increases blood circulation. Thus, it heals, reducing tired and sunken eye appearance. 

Sunken Eyes Treatments

All the home remedies take time and need consistency to get results. If you are seeking a cure for sunken eyes, these medical treatments can be your go-to options:

• Skin Pen Micro needling

Skin Pen micro needling delivers tiny injuries under your eyes that stimulate collagen production. This treatment effectively reduces under-eye shadows and signs of ageing. 

• Dermal Fillers

During dermal fillers, a gel-like material is injected under your eyes, filling in the hollow space and promoting collagen production, thus reducing the hollow and sunken appearance. 

• Laser Treatment

Laser treatment uses light energy to stimulate collagen production and regenerate skin cells, addressing various skin conditions. Lasers help restore lost volume and smooth the under-eye area for sunken eyes.

Key Takeaways

Strategies Mentioned Earlier Can Help Reduce Sunken Eyes

• Sunken eyes refer to a hollow, deep-set appearance under your eyes, accompanied by dark circles. 
• Causes include ageing, genetics, medical conditions, allergies, and dehydration. Hydration, a nutritious diet, eye creams, DIY eye masks, and cold compresses with tea bags can help. 
• If you need quick solutions for sunken eyes,  skin microneedling, laser treatment or a consultation for dermal filler Leeds clinic may help. 

FAQs About Sunken Eyes

1. What deficiency causes sunken eyes?

Vitamin C, K, and iron deficiency can cause sunken eyes. 

2. How do you fill under eye hollows naturally?

• Sleep well
• Use Hyaluronic acid based moisturisers and serums under the eyes
• Try home remedies
• Use cold compress
• Fix your diet 
• Sleep well
• Use eye creams
• Quit smoking

3. How to promote collagen buildup under the eyes?

• Hydrate well
• Opt for dermal fillers or laser treatment
• Apply retinol-based moisturisers
• Eat Vitamin C rich food

4. Can stress cause sunken eyes?

Yes, stress leads to a disturbed sleeping schedule and eye strain; it contributes to under-eye hollows. 

5. What is the best treatment for under-eye hollows?

Your skin doctor will suggest the best sunken eye treatment based on your skin type, hollow depth, and other factors. Treatments include laser treatment, dermal fillers, and micro needling.