Baggy eyes, or bags under your eyes, are a common occurrence for many people as they age. They can make you look fatigued, sluggish and older than your actual age. Baggy eyes are not typically associated with any specific medical condition and can usually be treated cosmetically.
Symptoms
The symptoms of baggy eyes include mild swelling around your eyes, particularly underneath. You will also notice that your skin may hang or sag away from the eye area. Dark blue or blackish circles around your eyes may also be present.
Causes
Baggy eyes may have several different causes. Fluid retention around your eyes may create bags, as could fluctuating hormone levels, salty foods or changes in humidity, according to MayoClinic.com. Sleeping flat on your back, sleep deprivation, allergies and heredity could also be culprits. On occasion, more serious conditions like kidney disease or thyroid disorder may be at the root of the problem.
Treatments
Depending on the underlying cause of your baggy eye symptoms, treatment may include cold compresses placed over your eyes, allergy medications or makeup to cover them up. More elaborate and expensive treatments include eyelid lifts, laser resurfacing and chemical peels.
Prevention
To prevent baggy eyes from happening in the first place, you can follow a few basic steps. First, see your doctor and take care of any health problems that may cause baggy eyes. Second, get at least eight hours of sleep each night and sleep with your head slightly elevated. Sleeping with your head flat can cause fluid to collect around your eyes from gravity, says the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Considerations
Make an appointment with your doctor if your baggy eye symptoms are accompanied by itching, pain or redness that persists and affects your daily life. Also try to reduce your alcohol consumption if you are a regular drinker, as it can lead to fluid retention.
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