Why Do Undereye Bags Occur?


Written by Jessica Welch, Reviewed by Dr. Justin Harper, MD

“You look tired today!” “Did you get enough sleep?” “Are you feeling well?” These sentiments become all-too-familiar when our under eyes are looking a little worse for wear.

While we know that there are genetic and environmental components that help to create the dread under the eye. So what exactly is happening underneath the skin?

Continue reading to understand the few main components on why they occur:

Component #1: Superficial Fat Loss

As we age, we begin to lose the superficial fat around our eyes and our once “full apple cheeks” start to wither.

The lack of support under the eyes and displacement of these fat pads exposes those pesky orbital rim ligaments. This leads to the development of what is known as hollow tear troughs and under eye bags.


Component #2: Ocular Vascular System Changes

As we grow older, the loss of fat padding beneath the skin around the eye and the failure of skin elasticity pulls back the curtain on an underlying web of blood vessels.

This contributes to the infamous “I pulled an all-nighter” dark under eye. Next time you look in the mirror, you can send a thank you to your capillary network for that bluish tinge underneath your eyes.


What is the ocular vascular system changes?

The retina of the eye is the most metabolically active tissue in our body and is a part of the ocular vascular system. It consumes high levels of oxygen and nutrients. Therefore, when the system adapts to meet the metabolic requirement, it affects the growth of the blood vessel in the eye.

Component #3: The Weakening Of Eye Muscles

Don’t take your eye-rolling and winking days for granted. As we age, our muscles begin to weaken, and the orbicularis oculi muscle, which surrounds the eye socket and is responsible for opening and closing the eyelid, is no exception.

As the lower part of the muscle slackens, it has a hard time supporting the skin and fat underneath the eye, thus creating a pouch.


Component #4: Excessive Pressure On The Lymphatic System

We tend to move a little slower and enjoy things a little bit longer as we get older. Our lymphatic system behaves the same way over time.

The walls of the lymphatic vessels become fragile and inherently leaky, thus putting excess pressure on the lymphatic system underneath our eyes. This causes fluid overload, which leads to the predestined puffiness.


What is the lymphatic system?

The vessels and the system of the body (eye in our case) which causes redness looks in the eye due to the high pressure of blood flow.

It is always nice to know why something occurs, but the real question is, how do you fix it?

Well, look no further! Schedule a FREE Consultation with us and allow professionals to educate, and help you overcome bags under eyes.

Book Free Consultation