What causes sunken eyes?

　　In general, sunken eyes may be caused by aging, long-term use of eyeglasses, weight loss, phthisis bulbi, or Horner's syndrome. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:

　　1. Aging: With increasing age, elastic fibers in the skin gradually loosen, and the water content in subcutaneous cells decreases. These factors together lead to signs of aging around the eyes, such as wrinkles and hollowing of the eye sockets. This is usually a normal physiological change.

　　2. Long-term use of eyeglasses: Prolonged wear of glasses may exert pressure on the tissues surrounding the eyes, causing relaxation of the skin and muscles in the orbital area, making the eyes appear sunken. Adjusting the way glasses are worn or choosing lighter frames may help reduce pressure on the periorbital tissues.

　　3. Weight loss: When the body loses significant weight, fat and protein levels decrease throughout the body, including the fat and muscle tissue around the eyes, which may lead to sunken eye sockets. Increasing dietary intake or engaging in appropriate exercise to build up body fat and muscle mass may help.

　　4. Phthisis bulbi: This is an ocular condition typically caused by a marked reduction in aqueous humor, decreased intraocular pressure, and shrinkage of the eyeball. Sunken eyes may thus be one of the manifestations of phthisis bulbi. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as tobramycin dexamethasone ophthalmic solution, mecobalamin capsules, and sodium hyaluronate eye drops to alleviate symptoms.

　　5. Horner's syndrome: Caused by paralysis of the sympathetic nerves, this condition affects the normal function of eye muscles and tissues, leading to symptoms such as ptosis (drooping eyelid) on one side, sunken eye, and miosis (constricted pupil). Medical treatment, such as levator palpebrae superioris resection surgery, may be required.

　　In daily life, consuming foods rich in antioxidant substances such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E—such as carrots, spinach, and tomatoes—can help maintain eye health.