Swollen Eyes Tips

The skin around the eyes is usually one of the first areas to show signs of ageing. There are four noticeable changes that occur around our eyes as we get older. These are:

• Sagging upper eyelids
• Eye bags
• Puffiness
• Scleral show - when the lower white portion of the eyeball is excessively visible. 

There are many causes for these conditions and they affect each person differently. While some people show signs of ageing early, others continue to look youthful for longer. Let's take a look at four common causes for our eyes to show signs of ageing. 

Loss of fat and bone tissue
As we age, the fat in our facial muscles begins to clump up and shifts downwards. As this happens skin begins to sag. The loss of fat is also accompanied by a loss in bone tissue. This makes the skin under the eyes sag further as they lose their underlying support. A loss of fat and bone tissue also leads to hollow surfaces on the skin which results in dark circles.

Loss of collagen
Collagen is a protein that gives the skin its strength and structure. It is also important in the production of new skin cells. Collagen production is affected by a number of factors such as exposure to UV radiation, smoking and high sugar intake. While these are controllable factors, one uncontrollable factor that affects the production of collagen is ageing. As the number of candles on our birthday cakes increases, the production of collagen reduces. With the loss of collagen, the skin becomes thinner and veins become more visible. This also results in a thinner epidermis that makes fine lines appear and causes wrinkles around the eyes. 

Loss of elasticity
Along with collagen, the other protein responsible for the firmness of the skin is elastin. Elastin helps the skin return to its original state after being stretched or pinched. As we grow older, the production of elastin is also reduced. This loss of elasticity is visible around the eyes as the skin begins to droop. The eyelid muscles are also one of the most used muscles in our body. We use them unconsciously every time we open and close our eyes, squint, wink etc. As the amount of elastin is reduced the eyelid skin no longer returns to its normal state every time it is used. Thus it triggers the appearance of crinkly skin around the eyes. 

Weak muscles
Muscles also grow weaker as we get older. This causes the fat sacks to protrude through the skin leading to bags under the eyes and puffiness. A weak levator muscle responsible for lifting the upper eyelids can also cause the eyelid to appear droopy. 

The skin around the eyes is usually one of the first areas to show signs of aging. There are four noticeable changes that occur around our eyes as we get older. These are:

- Sagging upper eyelids
- Eye bags
- Puffiness
- Scleral show-   when the lower white portion of the eyeball is excessively visible. 

There are many causes for these conditions and they affect each person differently. While some people show signs of aging early, others continue to look youthful for longer.

Let's take a look at four common causes for our eyes to show signs of aging. 

1. Loss of fat and bone tissue

As we age, the fat in our facial muscles begins to clump up and shifts downwards. As this happens skin begins to sag. The loss of fat is also accompanied by a loss in bone tissue. This makes the skin under the eyes sag further as they lose their underlying support. A loss of fat and bone tissue also leads to hollow surfaces on the skin which results in dark circles.

2. Loss of collagen

Collagen is a protein that gives the skin its strength and structure. It is also important in the production of new skin cells. Collagen production is affected by a number of factors such as exposure to UV radiation, smoking and high sugar intake. While these are controllable factors, one uncontrollable factor that affects the production of collagen is aging. As the number of candles on our birthday cakes increases, the production of collagen reduces. With the loss of collagen, skin becomes thinner and veins become more visible. This also results in a thinner epidermis that makes fine lines appear and causes wrinkles around the eyes. 

3. Loss of elasticity

Along with collagen, the other protein responsible for the firmness of skin is elastin. Elastin helps the skin return to its original state after being stretched or pinched. As we grow older, the production of elastin is also reduced. This loss of elasticity is visible around the eyes as skin begins to droop. The eyelid muscles are also one of the most used muscles in our body. We use them unconsciously every time we open and close our eyes, squint, wink etc. As the amount of elastin is reduced the eyelid skin no longer returns to its normal state every time it is used. Thus it triggers the appearance of crinkly skin around the eyes. 

4. Weak muscles

Muscles also grow weaker as we get older. This causes the fat sacks to protrude through the skin leading to bags under the eyes and puffiness. A weak levator muscle responsible for lifting the upper eyelids can also cause the eyelid to appear droopy. 
 

The skin around the eyes is usually one of the first areas to show signs of aging. There are four noticeable changes that occur around our eyes as we get older. These are:

1. Sagging upper eyelids
2. Eye bags
3. Puffiness
4. Scleral show - when the lower white portion of the eyeball is excessively visible.

There are many causes for these conditions and they affect each person differently. While some people show signs of aging early, others continue to look youthful for longer. Let's take a look at four common causes for our eyes to show signs of aging.

Loss of fat and bone tissue:

As we age, the fat around facial muscles loses support and shifts downwards. As this happens skin begins to sag. The loss of fat is also accompanied by a loss in bone tissue. This makes the skin under the eyes sag further as they lose their underlying support. A loss of fat and bone tissue also leads to hollow surfaces on the skin which results in dark circles.

Loss of collagen:

Collagen is a protein that gives the skin its strength and structure. It is also important in the production of new skin cells. Collagen production is affected by a number of factors such as exposure to UV radiation, smoking and high sugar intake. While these are controllable factors, one uncontrollable factor that affects the production of collagen is aging. As the number of candles on our birthday cakes increases, the production of collagen reduces. With the loss of collagen, skin becomes thinner and veins become more visible. This also results in a thinner epidermis that makes fine lines appear and causes wrinkles around the eyes.

Loss of elasticity:

Along with collagen, the other protein responsible for the firmness of skin is elastin. Elastin helps the skin return to its original state after being stretched or pinched. As we grow older, the production of elastin is also reduced. This loss of elasticity is visible around the eyes as skin begins to droop. The eyelid muscles are also one of the most used muscles in our body. We use them unconsciously every time we open and close our eyes, squint, wink etc. As the amount of elastin is reduced the eyelid skin no longer returns to its normal state every time it is used. Thus it triggers the appearance of crinkly skin around the eyes.

Weak muscles:

Muscles also grow weaker as we get older. This causes the fat sacks to protrude through the skin leading to bags under the eyes and puffiness. A weak levator muscle responsible for lifting the upper eyelids can also cause the eyelid to appear droopy.

Red or bloodshot eyes occur when there is a dilation of the blood vessels on the white part of the eye, also called as sclera. One or both the eyes can experience redness which can be accompanied by itching, pain in the yes, eye-discharge, swelling in the eye and other symptoms.

Red eye is related to 

1. Subconjunctival haemorrhage- when one or more blood vessels on the sclera burst open
2. Blephartis- a condition of inflamed eyelids
3. When there is a red bump on the eye lid (Stye)
4. Sometimes, using contact lenses also causes red-eye effect

Red eye appears because of several reasons such as;

1. Conjunctivitis
2. Allergy to dust
3. Tiredness of the eyes
4. Over wearing of contact lenses

Sometimes, red eye happens because of more serious diseases such as glaucoma or uveitis.

What causes red-eye

1. Cornea ulcer: If there is an untreated eye-wound then it might degenerate into a cornea ulcer. This medical condition is accompanied by eye pain, eye discharge and reduced vision. Corneal ulcers are life threatening so rush to a doctor if you suspect you are suffering from this disease.
2. Ocular herpes: Caused by Type1 herpes simplex virus, this disease is viral in nature. Symptoms include sensitivity to light, eye pain, eye discharge, eye redness and swollen eyes. If left untreated, ocular herpes may lead to scarring of the cornea and partial blindness. In such cases, a corneal transplant may be needed.
3. Uveitis: This medical condition refers to the inflammation of the middle layer of the eye. Unless treated in time, this may lead to cataract, detached retina, high ocular pressure and later a permanent loss of vision. Uveitis may be caused by eye infections, trauma or a systemic auto-immune disorder.
4. Glaucoma: One of the main reasons behind red-eye is this medical condition. There is an increased pressure in the aqueous humor on the sclera in this condition and this leads to glaucoma. If you have a red-eye, are over 40 and have diabetes, then you must consult your doctor for treatment of glaucoma.
5. Cold and flu: One of the most common reasons behind having a red-eye are cold and red flu. Infected and blocked sinuses are the underlying causes behind puffy and bloodshot eyes.
6. Pregnancy: During pregnancy, there are changes in the hormonal levels and these lead to red and puffy eyes.
7. Smoking and drinking: Did you know drinking also causes red eyes? That is so because alcohol in your bloodstream reduces the oxygen content in the blood vessels. As a result, they clump together and the eyes sport a red look for want of oxygen. Smoking also causes red eyes because the toxic smoke irritates the eyes.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Had you not rested properly, it will be seen in your eyes. And, eyes, are an important aspect that enhances the beauty of a person. If you are living with under eye hollows, you may want to get a fix as it would spoil your outlook.

Undereye hollows are the opposite of having puffy eyes. The problem is not very visible in people with fuller faces, but if you happen to have a slender face, it can be evident. The cause of under eye hollows is attributed to a lack of fat in the eye region. This can be caused by hereditary problems, sudden weight loss or simply through aging. You can adopt either surgical or non-surgical options depending on what your cosmetic physician suggests for your case.

Non-Surgical Methods
The easiest way to deal with under eye hollows if you do not want to go for a surgical method is a hyaluronic acid treatment. The acid is used to fill the deficient areas in the eyes through an injection, and it is then followed up with treatment procedures on the surface of the skin to make the skin look fuller under your eyes.

The downside of the procedure is that it is not a permanent solution and you will need to have multiple procedures over time to maintain the effectiveness of the treatment. The effectiveness of the method varies from person to person, and if it does not last very long for you, it is recommended to go for a permanent method to avoid any chances of damage to the eyelids or develop any other risks in the process.

Surgical Methods

1. Fat Grafting: It is the method of choice when it comes to treating under eye hollows. It is a safe and effective procedure and is recommended by cosmetic surgeons if you want a permanent solution. The procedure involves moving fat tissues from other parts of your body and placed under your eyelids. It is a fix that has beneficial effects on the skin below your eyelids. The procedure helps reconstruct the eyelid area, and the procedure doesn't have any side effects.
2. Blepharoplasty: This is another common method that is used to correct any form of disfiguration or deformity of the eyelids. The procedure helps improves the eye region aesthetically by removing excess fat and reinforcing the surrounding tissue region of the eye.

The procedure dates to the Roman and Greek eras but with the modernization of technology the procedure has evolved, and cosmetic surgeons now use laser blepharoplasty for the procedure which is much safer and non-invasive in nature. The procedure usually takes between one to three hours to complete, and any internal swelling that occurs will resolve itself within a couple of weeks. It takes several months for the results to show up. It is recommended to take a post and pre-operative images to assess the changes.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Childbirth is a very strenuous procedure, one has to undergo. Just like pregnancy, vaginal childbirth can take a toll on your health. But, there are certain simple tips and tricks you can have up your sleeves which can ensure you stay in optimal health post child birth.

Listed below are a few steps one can undertake to take care of your body after childbirth:

1. A healthy meal: Since childbirth, both vaginal and Cesarean Section (C-Section), are strenuous procedures, you should choose to eat healthy and balanced meal which provides your body with the necessary nutrients and energy. Since, you are also breast-feeding, you need the required nutrients to pass off to your child.

2. Good rest is a must: You need to sleep on time and rest to relax your body. If you do not rest enough, you will be able to see the negative effects on your skin, manifesting in the form of puffy eyes and reduced energy levels. This puts extra strain on your body. Hire a nanny if you must; but, make sure you sleep on time to give your body the desired rest.

3. Work-out: You definitely cannot work-out in full flow after you have just had a child as your body is still healing. However, what you can do is engage in mild forms of Yoga stretches and breathing exercises to relax your body. Working out will help you relax your muscles and lose the fat, your body has gained during pregnancy. It also releases ‘endorphins’, the ‘happy hormones’ which make you feel better, both physically and psychologically.

4. Drink a lot of fluids: It is advisable for you to consume fluids after childbirth. The fluids relieve your body from toxin build-up and help in detoxifying and relaxing your body. Opt for vitamin based drinks and smoothies which impart sufficient nutrition to your body.

5. Heal your perineum: The best way to take care of your perineum is by cleaning it with lukewarm water and  a few drops of aromatherapy oils or bath salts. Invest in a hazel pad if required as the gentle squirts of water help in cleaning the bacteria and blood off your perineum. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a gynaecologist.

While it's assumed that numerous eye injuries are inflicted at work, just about the same number of them may happen while at home. Luckily, most eye wounds are preventable. Find ways to prevent eye injuries, as the eyes are very sensitive and delicate.

Here is a list of some of the most common eye injuries and tips on how to prevent them:

1. A lot of eye injuries happen from dust particles entering the eyes, causing itching and burning sensation. Protective glasses should be worn when doing any kind of activity in a dusty area with flying particles.
2. Pencils, scissors, forks, knives and all similar sharp objects can cause a serious eye injury. Day to day household items like bungee cords, wire coat hangers, rubber bands and fishhooks are capable of causing eye injuries. You must always remain aware and super conscious while using such objects.
3. While performing activities such as dusting, sweeping or lawn mowing, make sure to protect your eyes well as dust is involved.
4. Children are very curious by nature. Thus, all hazardous stuff like fertilizers, acids should be kept away from their reach. These contain harmful chemicals, which may inflict fatal damage to the eyes.
5. Cooking powder and spices like chili powder can cause injury to the eye. Always wash your hands after using these items, so that you don't harm the eyes if you by chance rub them with your hands.
6. Precautions should be taken while dealing with heat or boiling water or oil. They may spill and cause damage to the eyes.
7. Secure floor coverings and railings. On the off chance that a kid or elderly man lives in your home, use a safety gate at the top and base of stairs, and consider covering sharp furniture edges and corners with a padding material.
8. While travelling in a car, abrupt jerking or breaks may cause the head to bump and cause injury to the eye. Always put on your seat belt and do not allow children to sit in the front of a car.
9. Many modern toys, which are very attractive have got sharp edges because of their fancy design. Abstain children from playing with these kinds of toys.
10. Laser pointers, a common fun gadget for children is very harmful and causes permanent damage to the retina. Stay away from laser pointers.
11. Wear eye gear to protect your eyes during sports activities. Also wear goggles during swimming as chlorine in swimming pool water damages the eyes.

Eye injuries may happen out of nowhere. You must always remain alert to avoid eye injuries. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an Ophthalmologist.

Bloodshot eyes indicate the reddening of the eye vessels. They can cause irritation and make the eye swollen. The condition may arise due to allergies, eye infections, allergies, fatigue and other illness of the eye. It does not signify a disease but indicates an eye condition which might have caused the eye to redden. Bloodshot eyes can be encountered in one or both the eyes.

Causes of Bloodshot Eyes:

One of the frequent causes of bloodshot eyes is irritants such as dry air, pollen, pet dander, dust and UV rays of the sun. Shortage of sleep also tends to make the eyes red. Inflammations of the eye can also make them red giving a bloodshot appearance. It can even happen with people who wear contact lens for more than 16 hours without soaking it in the disinfectant. At times excessive dryness can make the eyes red. Some other reasons for the eye to become red include conjunctivitis, blepharitis, glaucoma and corneal ulcer. Another concerning reason of bloodshot eyes is a subconjunctival haemorrhage. While the latter is not dangerous in nature, it can cause significant trouble if proper care is not taken on time.

Symptoms of Red Eyes:

Some of the common signs of bloodshot eyes include watery eyes, foreign sensation, burning feeling, dermatitis, falling of eye lashes, light sensitivity, swollen eyelid, itching of the eye and feeling of irritation of the eye.

The Complications Involved:

In most of the cases, bloodshot eyes do not imply serious complications. In case it happens from conjunctivitis, a person may not be able to go to work, wear cosmetics and come in public places since it is a communicable disease. If bloodshot eyes arise from a serious condition such as glaucoma and trauma, some of the possible complications may involve the following:

1. Eye scarring

2. Vision loss due to complete blindness

3. Spreading of the existing condition to other persons

4. Eye loss in severe cases

Preventive Measures:

Bloodshot eyes might arise from an array of reasons. While it cannot be totally dodged, some general preventive measures can ensure that such a condition does not arise:

1. Keeping hands clean by thoroughly washing them with liquid soap

2. Not sharing personal belongings such as washcloths, linen, and cosmetics

3. Get immediate medical attention in case of any eye injuries

4. Stay away from an environment that is full of allergens

5. Staying away from people who are suffering from infectious eye diseases such as conjunctivitis

6. Taking a shower immediately after getting in touch with an infected person suffering from conjunctivitis

7. Wearing eye glasses in a dusty environment

   If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an ophthalmologist.

Rhinoplasty, more commonly known as nose surgery, is a cosmetic form of operation designed to change the shape and size of the nose. 

A rhinoplasty can effectively change the size and width of the nose to complement the facial balance. It also helps improve nasal symmetry efficiently enhancing your facial features.
How is the surgery performed?
You can opt for either general anesthesia or local anesthesia for the surgery. The surgery is generally an outpatient procedure, but occasionally patients are asked to stay in the hospital overnight post the surgery.

The operation involves an incision which is made for easy access to the cartilage and bones of the nose. These incisions are generally placed inside the nose, so that they do not appear as scar marks after the surgery is done. Removal or replacement of the bone or cartilage depends on the demands of the restructuring of the nose. Once the reshaping of the nose is done, the nose tissue is put back into place and a splint is temporarily placed to support the new structure of the nose. The splint is removed once the nose heals. 

Precautions to take after a nose surgery

After a nose surgery, the area around your nose will stay swollen and bruised for a considerable period of time. Thus you have to ensure that-

1.  You get ample amount of rest 
2.  Use cold compresses over the swollen nose area, this will reduce the swelling and ease the pain
3.  Do not indulge in relatively vigorous physical activity for sometime 
4.  Take you medicines regularly

Risks of nose surgery

Every surgery or medical procedure involves certain risks, and so does rhinoplasty. Along with some puffiness and bruising around the eye and nose region, you may also experience-

1.  Some amount of bleeding 
2.  Injury to the septum area
3.  Irritation of the skin and skin problems 
4.  Infections 
5.  Nasal blockage due to swelling in the inner nasal area 
6.  Complications resulting from anesthesia 
Although there are certain risks to rhinoplasty, the surgery is considerably safe and the results are quite permanent. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a cosmetic-plastic-surgeon.

Pregnancy is a normal life function that many women go through. Yet, this is a function or a part of life where one has to take special care of one’s health and condition as there are many biological changes that happen in one’s body. Swollen legs and ankles are a common part of one’s pregnancy. This condition is most commonly known as edema and it usually occurs when fluid collects in the tissue. This in turn happens when the blood chemistry changes and the fluid gets routed to the tissue. This is a common occurrence due to the hormonal changes that one goes through during pregnancy. The condition usually troubles pregnant ladies during their third trimester.

Read on to find out the various ways in which one can deal with it.

1. When to consult a doctor: Consult a doctor or a midwife for a thorough check up if you happen to see any puffiness or swelling in your face and eyes. This could point at a more serious problem like the onset of preeclampsia. Also, if you happen to notice that one leg is more swollen than the other, then you may want to see a doctor about it, as it could mean that there is a blood clot in the leg.
2. Put your feet up: This is especially important if you are at a desk all day. The best way to deal with such swelling is to put your feet up every once in a while, so that the swelling may reduce. You can use a foot stool or even a pile of books for this purpose.
3. Breaks: If you are constantly sitting or lying down, it would be a good idea to give it a break and walk around a little so that there is better blood circulation. This also keeps the blood from pooling into the lower regions of the legs, which can prevent an increase in the swelling.
4. Comfortable footwear: One should stick to flat and comfortable footwear with an even elevation as well as foam soles so that the comfort level while walking and standing is optimum. Choose your shoes so that they can accommodate your swelling instead of pinching your feet. Also, you can choose to wear snug socks and stockings, which will form a band around your feet. This will ensure that the swelling does not increase to a painful level. At the same time, you must avoid socks that have bands, which are too tight as this may lead to blood pooling and subsequent swelling in the legs and ankles.
5. Water: Drinking plenty of water ensures that there is less fluid retention. This is one of the best ways of fighting edema whether or not you are pregnant.