$Unique_ID{BRK01957}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{How to Help "Baggy" Eyes}
$Subject{Help hint hints suggestion suggestions bag bags Baggy eye Eyes
irritant irritants irritation irritations eyelid eyelids dust smoke rubbing
Exposure sun sunlight inflammation cell cells chemical chemicals cause causes
blood vessel vessels capillary capillaries puffiness moisture moisturize
eyelid eyelids puffy puffed dark-circle dark-circles}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How to Help "Baggy" Eyes


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QUESTION:  I admit that I like to party, and feel that's a good part of life.
But I am a reliable guy, and always make it to the job on time the next day.
My problem is that my eyes give me away, or rather the dark circles under
them, and the bags that seem to develop overnight.  Where do they come from?
What can I do?  And don't tell me to give up partying.

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ANSWER:  Well, you are the one who said it!  The problem is a common one with
some people, and the answer is pretty straight forward.  The basic cause for
the circles is an irritation to the eyelids, that results whenever you have
had to keep your eyes open for an extended period of time.  The irritation may
come from dust in the air, the particles that form the smoke in a smoke filled
room, the air itself, or even rubbing your sleepy eyes a bit too much.
Exposure to intense sun can contribute to the problem.  All these irritants
provoke a process that seeks to defend against the irritation, a process
called inflammation.  Special cells in the tissue release a chemical substance
that causes the blood vessels to dilate, to open wider, bringing more blood to
the eyelid's tissue to help dilute the irritants and wash them away.  The
increased amount of pooled blood in blood vessels (capillaries) can cause the
tissue to swell, and when this network of distended vessels are seen through
the overlying skin, to appear darker.  Fluid may seep out of the vessels as
well, ooze into the surrounding tissue, and create the puffiness that comes
along with the dark circles.
     Not everyone seems to be susceptible to the process, which is seen in
certain individuals more sensitive to these irritations.  Since you are one of
the unlucky, you must pay a bit of extra attention to preventing the condition
from developing.  Stay alert to the possibility of irritation in your
surroundings, and try to avoid those smoky rooms.  Use a sun shade when out in
bright sunlight.  A bit of additional moisture from synthetic tear drops may
help, and applying ice bags before you retire for the night may reduce some of
the swelling.  Of course, the best advice is the one you don't want to hear,
but you might try cutting back just a bit if the appearance of your lids is of
concern and important to you.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.