by K. W. Callahan

Created on: February 14, 2009   Last Updated: February 18, 2009

Tired eyes can be one of our most visible and most embarrassing, physical characteristics. There are many reasons for waking up with dark circles or bags under our eyes, ranging from lack of sleep and stress at work, to the foods we eat and genetic make up. Solutions and treatments to this issue can be just as wide-reaching. So what can we do about these aggrevating features?

CAUSES FOR TIRED EYES

While the appearance of tired eyes may have many reasons, they can typically be split into three broad categories.

*Environment - Maybe your surroundings are getting to the best of you. Staring at a computer screen all day can take a heavy toll on your eyes. The stress from work or a noisy sleeping environment can cause you not to get enough sleep or the sleep you are getting may be of poor quality. Cigarette smoking can also play a role in your eyes' haggard appearance.

* Heredity/Physiology - Genetics may be the cause for your tired eyes. Do other family members have issues with puffiness, discoloration or swelling? Age can also determine how your eyes look, as thinning or sagging skin and loosening facial muscles can heighten the visibility of dark areas under the skin.

* Diet - Overindulging in salt or decreased water intake can play a part as well. Insufficient vitamin D due either to diet or lack of sunlight, and deficiencies of vitamins K and B12, can also be contributing factors.

POSSIBLE TREATMENTS

* Environment - If it's the environment taking a toll on your eyes, try changing your routine. Getting more sleep or modifying your sleeping habits to maximize your resting time can be beneficial. Using tools such as eye masks or earplugs to decrease outside interference can help you sleep more soundly. If you stare at a computer screen all day, try taking frequent breaks or sitting further from your screen to minimize the strain on your eyes.

* Heredity/Physiology - Consider visiting the doctor to determine if this is a genetic issue. A simple blood test should do the trick. While there, he may be able to advise you regarding possible remedies as well as test for allergies that might also be affecting your eyes. If your eye issues are age related, masking or skin tightening cosmetics and even cosmetic surgery are options. Just make sure you aren't allergic to the products you are using, and weigh heavily the possible consequences of any type of surgery.

* Diet - Taking vitamin supplements, drinking more water and juice, as well as reducing food with high salt content may help reduce the appearance of tired eyes. Eating a healthy diet can maintain nutrients needed for healthy skin and minimize the effects of tired eyes as well. A doctor can provide advice on vitamin deficiencies in your diet and their effects on your eyes and skin.

There is also a variety of homemade and herbal remedies, running the gambit from placing teabags under your eyes to using Preparation H to reduce swelling. The internet can be a fantastic resource for such methods, just be sure the advice you are taking is sound, and beware of unexpected allergic reactions that could only worsen the problem.

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