Optician India

Welcome to question of the day #35

Why do some patients complain of dark circles around the eyes?

This is a common complaint, often expressed by female patients. Patients are usually over age 50, or 20-30 year old age groups. The common underlying mechanism is a chronic low-grade irritation-inflammation and/or increased levels of melanocyte-stimulating hormone.

Ask the patient about:

Itch

Foreign-body, ‘scratchy’ sensations

Pregnancy

Management

Lubrication/lavage with artificial tear products

Cool compresses

Mast-cell stabilization (if allergic component suspected).