Are Your Eyelids Tired?

By Steven J. Yoon, MD

Maryland Eye Associates

. http://marylandeyeassociates.com

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Are Your Eyelids Tired?

The eyes are how you see the world and also how the world sees you. As we age, the structures around our eyes can develop a fatigued appearance. Complaints include droopy upper eyelids, and bags or dark circles around the lower eyelids.

There are several factors contributing to droopy upper eyelids. As one ages, the attachment from the muscle of the eyelid to its base gets stretched, causing the eyelid to fall to a lower position. Excess upper eyelids skin can also weigh down on the eyelid, resulting in a tired and sad look. The position of the eyebrows is also important. When the brow droops, this can cause an increased amount of excess skin to hood over the eyelids.

Droopiness of the upper eyelid can be corrected. Reattaching the stretched tendon to its normal position tightens the eyelid muscle. This can be performed through a well-camouflaged eyelid crease incision or a hidden incision on the underside of the eyelid. Removal of excess skin and fat pockets can be performed via an upper blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift. The droopiness of the brow can also be corrected, via various methods.

The dark circles and bags under the eyes represent a different issue. The areas around the eyes contain fatty tissue, which support the eye. As we age, the ligaments holding this fat behind the eye weaken, allowing the fat to protrude. This causes a puffy look to the eyelids, and a more tired appearance. Because the eyelid skin is the thinnest skin in the body, blood vessels and pigmentation are more obvious, resulting in the darker appearance below the eyes. The skin also loses elasticity, making wrinkling and sagging more apparent.

Temporary relief from swelling can be provided by home remedies such as cucumber slices, tea bags and cool compresses. Lifestyle modifications, such as diet and sleep are also important. A well-chosen concealer can disguise minor blemishes. Removal of excess fat by a surgical procedure called a lower eyelid blepharoplasty is the most definitive treatment for those with puffy eyelids. Injectable fillers or repositioning of the fat can also be used to disguise the concavities of lower eyelids. Certain lasers and creams may also benefit.

The area around the eyes is critical to our appearance. A fatigued appearance can be related to a multitude of factors, involving the upper and lower eyelids. Treatment is aimed to produce a more alert, rejuvenated and natural appearance. Everyone is unique in his or her facial make up, and the treatments for each may likewise be unique. If your eyelids are tired, an individual consultation with an ophthalmologist with specialized education, training and experience in oculoplastics can help.