Puffy eyes and dark circles2023-10-05T09:18:26+00:00

Puffy Eyes And Dark Circles Treatment

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What are puffy eyes and dark circles?

IN THIS VIDEO I PROVIDE A BRIEF EXPLANATION

Everything you need to know about puffy eyes and dark circles

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Puffy eyes and dark circles are very common and can give you a tired and old appearance. This can cause you to feel embarrassed, and affect your confidence and self-esteem.

What causes puffy eyes and dark circles under the eyes?

Ordinary swelling around the eyes means you have an excessive accumulation of fluids, called oedema, in surrounding skin tissue.

Because the skin around the eyes is the thinnest skin in the body, swelling and discolouration can be quite prominent.

But why does fluid accumulate to form puffy eyes in the first place?

Edema around the eyes generally results from a variety of factors, including:
• Overconsumption of salt, which causes fluid retention
• Seasonal allergies that can cause inflammation and swelling
• Sinus problems
• Dehydration
• Fatigue and lack of sleep
• Stress
• Crying
• Ageing
• Inherited facial features

While the last answer isn’t very satisfying, many people indeed have puffy eyes because this trait simply runs in the family.

Ageing

Eye puffiness can occur when the fatty tissue that ordinarily protects the eye inside the bony eye socket begins to push forward and fill in spaces below the eye.

This happens because ageing processes cause thinning of the membrane or “septum” that ordinarily holds back fat in both the upper and lower eyelids. As the membrane thins, the fat herniates and pushes forward. This is when bags or bulges start forming under the eye.

Why are eyes sometimes puffier in the morning after you wake up?

While we sleep, we don’t blink. And this is part of the reason why eye puffiness develops.

Blinking for eyelids is like walking for legs. When idle, some people develop swelling in their lower extremities. This usually goes away as soon as they start walking and muscles in the legs begin “milking” the trapped fluids (edema), which are released back into circulation.

A similar action takes place in the eyelids. The closed, non-blinking eyelids during sleep potentially can swell in certain people prone to this problem. So in the mornings, you could wake up with unusually puffy, swollen eyelids. As soon as you open your eyes and start blinking, some of the swelling will diminish in an hour or so.

When do puffy eyes mean you have a medical condition?

When puffy eyes occur unexpectedly, this can signal an underlying medical problem. For example, people with thyroid eye disease can develop swelling of tissue and muscles around their eyes. Also, bulging eyes can signal a thyroid disorder known as Graves’ disease.

Eye allergies

Eye allergies related to conditions such as hay fever also can cause swollen eyes. Other types of allergies, such as reactions to certain foods or chemicals, can cause swollen eyelids.

During an allergic reaction, certain cells in the body release a chemical called histamine that has many adverse effects on body tissues, including fluid leakage from the blood vessels. These fluids become trapped in surrounding tissues, causing oedema.

Infection

Puffy, swollen eyelids and dark circles under the eyes can occur when you have an eye infection such as pink eye. These swollen eyes are caused by inflammation associated with eye infection, which directly affects the neighbouring eyelids. Also, dry eyes can cause general puffiness and swelling.

Disease

Systemic diseases, including kidney failure, can also lead to general swelling throughout the body, including around the eyes.

I will ask you a number of questions to help pin point the cause of your puffy eyes and dark circles.

Questions will include:

  • When did you first notice the puffiness under your eyes?
  • Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?

What can be done about puffy eyes and dark circles?

The best solution for puffy eyes and dark circles will depend on the underlying cause.

If they are inherited

If you have the same puffy eyes as your mother or father, you probably inherited the trait. In this case, you will need to either accept the trait or consider cosmetic options that might help reduce the puffiness and discolouration.

If they are a result of ageing

Puffy eyes and dark circles caused by ageing also probably would require a cosmetic solution.

We could discuss some of the available options to address your eyelid concerns. These options include chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing procedures, certain cosmeceuticals (prescription skin products) and eyelid surgery known as blepharoplasty.

Blepharoplasty involves removing extra fatty tissue and excessive skin from upper and lower eyelids, as well as tightening skin and muscles to reduce puffiness and wrinkles.

Many home remedies can temporarily help reduce the swollen look around eyes, such as:

• Using eye drops for irritation caused by allergies, if appropriate
• Drinking ample fluid to prevent dehydration
• Applying a cold compress to the eye area when your lids are swollen
• Applying cucumber slices or chilled tea bags over closed eyes
• Using creams and other skin products specially formulated for use around the eyes
• Reducing salt in your diet
• Eating potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, to eliminate excess fluids in your body
• Splashing cold water over your face and eyes
• Getting plenty of sleep and rest

One of the most common home remedies, as mentioned above, is the temporary use of haemorrhoid creams and ointments to reduce the puffiness in eyelids. A common active ingredient in these preparations is phenylephrine, a medication that constricts blood vessels, reducing their diameter.

This can have a potential dual effect on puffy eyelids. First, if dark circles are caused by a visible network of blood vessels under the thin eyelid skin, then making the vessels smaller might reduce the darkness. Second, constricting the blood vessels could reduce the potential for leakage of fluid from within the blood vessel, and this might reduce puffiness.

However, be aware that there are risks associated with using haemorrhoid creams for this purpose. If you accidentally get any of these types of products in your eye, you can experience a severe inflammatory response known as chemical conjunctivitis.

Samer Hamada and Eye Clinic London enable patients to experience relief from their eye problems so they can focus on what matters most.

Don’t put life on hold any longer. Call us or book an appointment today to find out how cataract surgery can transform your vision.

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“As soon as I met Mr Hamada, I knew I was in safe hands. He is an expert in his field, and very reassuring. His work was impeccable, and I would thoroughly recommend him to anyone wanting a professional, kindly, expert service.”

Annabel Giles, Lens replacement

“I came all the way from the US to be evaluated by Mr. Samer Hamada who provided me with a world-class experience. I was treated with technology that doesn’t exist in the United States. My vision improved significantly since the surgery. Mr. Samer Hamada is definitely a Keratoconus expert.”

Tareq Kass Hout, Keratoconus
“I am glad to be with Mr Hamada. I am glad to be examined by Mr Hamada who acts responsibly and professionally. I never had this experience before from a previous ophthalmologist. I am thankful to Mr Hamada for the successful diagnosis and treatment of my case.”
Ghiath Sumainah

“What a Consultant. Dr. Hamada is a man who was born for this profession. As soon as we walked into the room you felt that you had met a man who was gentle and kind. His demeanour was of a man who knew his trade. He speaks in a way that you will understand. He explains exactly what is wrong and the way he will help fix it for you.”

Sam Brock

“My eyes got really sore, tired and gritty feeling this year. It kept getting worse for about 6 months and every time I thought about it, I kept thinking it would eventually go away, but it just didn’t budge. So I want to say a big thank you to eye doctor Mr Samer Hamada who finally sorted me out! Apart from the eye tests I expected, he also took a really personal approach. I appreciate that he asked questions about my whole diet and lifestyle which helped him to quickly figure out why my eye surface was inflamed. I now have simple steps I can take to reduce the inflammation through diet and lifestyle changes which I’ve now been doing for 2 weeks. I also have been using the special non-preservative eye drops and gels that Mr Hamada provided. My eyes are already feeling so much better and I’m so relieved to have had help to sort this out. If you’ve been noticing your eyes getting dry – don’t wait to sort it out as it keeps getting continually worse and you can find relief very quickly with the right help.”

Laura Livesey, Dry eye

“Mr Hamada’s London Eye Care and his team are a delight. Nothing was too much trouble and the help, support, advice and guidance before during and after the surgery was all world class. I have worn glasses since the age of 13 years and had the onset of cataracts for the last five so it has all been very much a life changing experience to be free from glasses once more.”

Timothy Thompson

“We saw Mr Hamada after our 14-year-old son was diagnosed with keratoconus by another specialist. Mr Hamada talked us through the pros and cons of the cxl epi off and epi on procedures, he answered all our many and detailed questions without rushing us and as openly and honestly as possible. We opted to go ahead with cxl epi off with Mr Hamada. Our experience with Mr Hamada and his team, from his incredibly informative and supportive Secretary Joanna, nurse Mimi and Mr Hamada himself who was incredibly reassuring and put us and our son at ease both before, during and after the procedure, and at each follow-on appointment, has been the best possible. I would go so far as to say that he and his team are by far the best medical team I have ever experienced. I recommend him highly and would be happy to speak to anyone considering an expert in this field.”

Lisa & George, Keratoconus

“I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Hamada and his team. From the first call to inquire about booking an appointment to booking it, I was so impressed with his wonderful secretary Joanna- she really is worth her weight in gold, her lovely manner and care made me decide to go for this clinic. Dr Hamada was a lovely man with a very kind and thorougher way about him – he put my 4-year-old daughter at ease. The appointment was lengthy but at no point were we rushed and able to ask as many questions- things were explained so well. I would have no hesitation at all to recommend anyone to use Dr Hamada and his team- I have already recommended to some other parents.”

Amy

“Mr Hamada, his assistant Joanna and his ophthalmic technicians provide a caring, efficient and high quality service. From the admin through to the surgical aftercare we were very well looked after and we had a high degree of confidence in Mr Hamada’s abilities. Our daughter’s cataracts have been corrected (under general anaesthetic) and her quality of life has improved substantially. You also feel well cared for throughout – the human touch is vital in healthcare, but not always delivered, so well done and thanks to all of the team.”

Nat & Rich
“We were referred to Dr.Hamada by one of the UK experts. The expert himself admitted that Dr.Hamada was better than him!! We were not disappointed at all. Dr. Hamada was excellent with my child. His communication skills and knowledge were exemplary. He gave us clear management plan and would not hesitate to recommend him.”
V Nama
“Dr Hamada is an excellent, highly competent doctor with a very kind and sympathetic manner. His reputation for successfully treating dry eye patients seems unparalleled. His team are all extremely friendly and helpful, especially Dr Hamada’s PA Joanna, making the overall experience better than anywhere else I’ve been!”
Isla Cully, Dry eye
“Appointment setting and follow-up were very efficient and well managed. Mr Hamada was kind, reassuring, knowledgeable and had a very warm manner with my young son, making him instantly feel at ease. I feel that we can trust him and that he will finally be able to solve my son’s long-term eye problems that have stumped other eye doctors.”
Kathryn
“A real care provider – true in letter and spirit. After having seen few other consultants we were lucky to see Mr. Hamada. He treated my mother’s eyes and the prolonged inflammation finally went away. My mother went on to receive a corneal graft. Mr. Hamada and his clinic are simply wonderful. Their response is immediate every time even if it’s the weekend. Mr. Hamada puts a lot of personal attention answering every question very patiently and alleviating any fears. His manner is so kind that puts his patients completely at ease. This caring trait continues in the rest of his staff especially his assistant Joanna. I really can’t thank them enough. I thoroughly recommend anyone with eye problems to go to Mr. Hamada. You couldn’t be in better hands. He has treated my mother who is a long sufferer of eye problems. I am grateful always to Mr. Hamada and Joanna for all the support they have provided throughout.”
Charmaine Ghafur

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About the expert

Mr Hamada | Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal Surgeon

MD, MSc, DO (hons), FRCSEd, FRCOphth I am Samer, founder and consultant ophthalmic surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in ophthalmology. I am a world-renowned specialist in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. I’m not only a leading surgeon but also the only dual fellowship trained in corneal diseases in children from reputable institutions in the UK. At Eye Clinic London I work closely with other consultant ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. Our main aim is to make sure our patients get the safest and best treatments available to them. We put your safety before anything else so you can rest assured that if you choose us you will be in the best and safest hands.

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