Monday 28 December 2020

THE MYSTERY OF THE DARK CIRCLES UNDER YOUR EYES

 

 


Are you sick of people always telling you that you look tired, even on days you had plenty of sleep? This is a common and extremely annoying remark people who have dark under-eye circles get all the time. Having dark circles is an extremely common concern. However, in most cases, it’s not an autonomous issue, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition, be it insomnia, anemia, a poor diet, or bad habits like smoking and drinking. This makes under-eye darkness itself difficult to treat, and in order to address this issue, it’s crucial to understand the causes of dark circles.

 

Causes of dark circles under the eyes

 

1. Anaemia: Anemia is a health condition that occurs when red blood cells aren't as effective at transporting oxygen throughout the body as they should be. In India iron deficiency and folic acid deficiency are common reasons why anemia is so common, although there are other potential causes as well. When the under-eye area isn't receiving enough oxygen, it often results in dark circles around the eyes, as demonstrated in a study where nearly half of the 200 participants suffering from dark circles had anemia.  Symptoms of anemia include pale skin, feeling tired or dizzy, and the condition can be easily diagnosed through a blood test and treated. Addressing the anemia can help reduce the appearance of under-eye darkness. Including more iron in your diet by consuming more seafood, spinach and other iron-rich foods should also be helpful.  Green vegetables and fruits can take care of vitamin deficiency as well.

 

2. Crying and watery eyes: The skin under the eyes is some of the thinnest and one of the most delicate in the entire body, and even minimal fluid retention can appear as under-eye bags, which can cause or worsen dark circles. This is because fluid is more easily trapped in your lower eyelids, so crying or having watery or irritated eye may make them swell up, which can further exacerbate the darkness under the eyes. In fact, some people who have puffy eyes actually think that they have dark circles, but once they get rid of the puffiness, the dark circles are gone, too. Eye bags tend to be worse in the morning or around the period in women. Luckily, though, puffiness-related dark circles are typically temporary and respond well to cold eye compresses, so if you had an emotional day, applying something cold over the eye area and resting for a few minutes will clear the issue up right away. Used tea bags can be kept in the refrigerator and these cold and moist tea bags are great for cold compression of the eyes! Tea contains caffeine and antioxidants that can help stimulate blood circulation, shrink your blood vessels, and reduce liquid retention beneath your skin. 

 

3. Too much sun exposure. Here's another reason to wear those sunglasses when you're out in the sun. Apart from being good for your eye health and protecting your skin from sun damage, sunglasses may also reduce the likelihood of developing dark under-eye circles. As we've mentioned previously, the skin around the eyes is very delicate, which makes it a lot more susceptible to sun damage and sunburns. Our body's natural way of preventing sun damage is producing melanin - a dark skin pigment - which is exactly what it does when you don't wear sunglasses or sunscreen when you're out in the sun. As a result, the skin under the eyes will turn darker and even some sunspots may appear around the eyes. The best way to deal with this issue is to prevent any further discoloration, to begin with, and always protect your eyes and the surrounding skin from the sun by gentle sun-screen lotion, floppy hat and sunglasses.

 

4. Fatigue: Fatigue is certainly one of the most common and overarching symptoms across health issues of different magnitude and seriousness - from anemia, cancer, and hormonal issues to stress and depression. One of the most common ways fatigue manifests itself is through dark under-eye circles. Therefore, if you suddenly feel tired and get under-eye circles that don't respond to diet adjustments, skincare tricks, and really - nothing seems to help - it may be worth to talk to your doctor about it as it may be a sign of an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed.

 

5. Eye strain: Do you stare at screens or read books all the time? These activities can cause significant strain on your eyes. In turn, this excessive eyestrain can make the blood vessels around your eyes get wider, which can make the skin around your eyes darker, usually with a bluish or green undertone. To prevent eye strain related dark circles, it's worth doing the 20-20-20 eye exercise while you're reading, watching TV, or working at the computer. The rule goes as follows: look 20 feet away (6 m) every 20 minutes for 20 seconds, that's it. This will relax and rehydrate the eye surface, which will prevent dry eyes, eye puffiness, and dark circles under your eyes!

 

6. Insomnia or too much sleep: Sleep issues are one of the most common causes of dark circles under the eyes, especially in younger people. Sleep deprivation can make your skin paler and cause eye puffiness, both of which can render your dark circles more prominent. Interestingly, getting too much sleep, or even simply going to sleep earlier or later than usual can result in dark under-eye circles as well. The solution to this one is simple in nature, but is sometimes more difficult to attain in practice - just get the optimal amount of sleep - which is 7-9 hours a day for most adults. 

 

7. Allergies: Allergies and dry eyes can cause dark circles. The histamines that are released into the bloodstream when the body detects an allergen makes one's eyes itchy and swollen. Rubbing, a natural knee-jerk reaction to the itchiness, in turn, may further irritate and worsen the dark shadows under the eyes.  If you're suffering from seasonal or any specific allergies and you're experiencing symptoms, taking anti-allergy medications called antihistamines can help relieve the symptoms of the allergy and the under-eye darkness that comes with it. 

 

8. Too much salt in your diet: Have you enjoyed a bag of potato chips in the evening and woken up with puffy and extra dark under-eye bags the next morning? It's no coincidence, as there's a connection between the two. Having too much sodium in your diet can lead to fluid retention in the face and body. This excess water accumulates under the skin and causes puffiness, especially under the eyes where the skin is especially thin. Reducing the amount of salt in your diet can help clear up that issue, and be helpful at preventing many other serious health conditions, such as cardiovascular and urinary problems, at the same time, too, so it's good for you either way. Sodium in salt causes water retention in our body which manifests as swellings on our feet and puffiness around our eyes with dark circles.

 

9. Smoking and alcohol: Smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol, too, can exacerbate or cause dark under-eye circles. Dermatologists note that smoking is extremely bad for your skin overall, as it slows down the production of collagen in the skin, which leads to premature aging. The carbon monoxide in cigarettes also prevents the skin from getting enough oxygen, which can create dark shadows underneath the eyes as a result. As for alcohol, it's a known dehydrating beverage, which dilates the blood vessels in the eye area and makes the skin around the eyes feel dark and sullen. In addition, alcohol can cause sleep problems, which can further worsen the appearance of dark circles.

 

10. Dehydration: Dehydration is a common cause of dark circles under your eyes. When your body is not receiving the proper amount of water, the skin beneath your eyes begins to look dull and your eyes look sunken. This is due to their close proximity to the underlying bone.

 

11. Genetics: Sometimes, the dark circles underneath your eyes aren't caused by skin discoloration and darkness at all - all they are natural shadows cast by your facial features. People who have sharp facial features, deep-set eyes, and prominent, high cheekbones, for example, may think that they have dark circles, but it's their bone structure that's making it appear that way. Others are just naturally predisposed to dark circles, be it due to a disease (e.g. thyroid diseases) that they've inherited from their parents or just due to the fact that dark circles just run in the family without any health issues attached. Little can be done about genetic under-eye circles.

 

12. Aging: Aging can also create or exacerbate existing dark circles. With age, collagen production slows down naturally and people experience volume loss as a result. This makes the skin not only less plump, but also thinner and fat bags are seen popping out like under  eye bulges. The area around the eyes is one of the first affected by aging, and this may lead to under-eye veins becoming more visible, which can appear as dark circles that are bluish or greenish in hue. Having a good skincare routine, healthy nutrition and engaging in sun protection can slow down skin aging dramatically and improve the appearance of age-related dark circles.

 

Tips to Reduce Dark Circles under the Eyes: If you suffer from dark circles under the eyes, as an occasional issue it is important to prevent them from getting worse:

1.      Get enough sleep to prevent excess eye puffiness and darkness

2.      Add plenty of iron-rich foods in your diet.

3.      Elevate your head during sleep by sleeping on an extra pillow to prevent fluid accumulation in the face and eyes. You can also raise the head end of your bed by putting two bricks under the bedposts.

4.      Avoid long hours of eye strain by binge watching on television or computer screen.

5.      After a stressful day or if in the morning you wake up with puffy or dark under-eyes apply a cold compress on your eye. Wet a clean towel with cold water and place it over your eyes for 5 minutes. Specialized eye patches are available that are kept cold in the fridge and applied on the area on and around the eyes. These methods are meant to calm, hydrate, and de-puff weary and swollen eyes. Do not use ice cubes directly as they can irritate the skin and even cause some of the small blood vessels underneath the eyes to break.

6.      Other soothing eye masks, such as putting cold tea bags and sliced cucumber patches on the eyes can help, too. Soak two used black or green tea bags in hot water for five minutes and drink the tea. Let the used bags chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. Once they’re cold, apply the teabags to your closed eyes for 10 to 20 minutes. After removing, rinse your eyes with cool water.

7.      Conceal with make-up - While makeup and cosmetics do not cure dark eye circles, they can help to camouflage them. Concealers can cover dark marks so they blend in with your normal skin colour. 

8.      More aggressive treatment like Chemical peels and Melalumin under eye roll ons can be used but under medical supervision.

Friday 18 December 2020

RETIREMENT – A GRAND PLAN OF BETTER LIVING

 


 

 

My Medical College batch-mates and school mates from Colvin are retiring from government jobs now. Some are starting a new job in the private sector. Good luck to them. Some like me have their own thriving practice and are gainfully occupied as patients still repose faith on them by the grace of God. But many of my friends and acquaintances have not taken retirement very well. They have not just retired from job but have retired from life almost. This is totally unacceptable and extremely harmful. Life, at every stage has a purpose and retired life is no exception.

 

Once you cross this watershed of retirement things start changing in your life and in you, the person. The road ahead in life was far clearer and your priorities started changing subtly but surely. I often compare notes with my contemporaries – friends, batch-mates, work associates and while in my case the deteriorating eyesight or ‘drishti’ was brilliantly rejuvenated by the state of the art cataract surgeries the vision or ‘drishtikon’ metamorphosed completely. So in this blog I will dwell extensively into this newly acquired vision!

 

What I am about to discuss has been collected from my interactions with many seniors, each with his or her own piece of advice. Some you may know, some may surprise you, and some will remind you of what's important. You may not agree with a few, and I will respect your descent too. So read well, share with your loved ones, send me feedbacks and have a great day and a great life!

 

1. It is time to use the money you saved up. Use it and enjoy it. Don't just keep it for those who may have no notion of the sacrifices you made to get it. Remember there is nothing more dangerous than children with big ideas for your hard earned capital. Warning: This is also a bad time for an investment, even if it seems wonderful or fool-proof. They only bring problems and worries and this is a time for you to enjoy some peace and quiet.

 

2. Stop worrying about the financial situation of your children and grandchildren. Don't feel bad for spending your money on yourself. You've taken care of them for many years and you've taught them what you could. You gave them an education, food, shelter, and support. The responsibility is now theirs to earn their own money.

 

3. Keep a healthy life, without great physical effort. Do moderate exercise (like walking every day), eat well, and get your sleep. It's easy to become sick, and it gets harder to remain healthy. That is why you need to keep yourself in good shape and be aware of your medical and physical needs. Keep in touch with your doctor and get tested even when you're feeling well. Stay informed.

 

4. Always buy the best, most beautiful items for your significant other. The key goal is to enjoy your money with your partner. One day, one of you will miss the other, when money will not provide any comfort. So, enjoy it together. Remember, life is too short to drink bad wine.

 

5. Don't stress over the little things. You've already overcome so much in your life. You have good memories and bad ones, but the important thing is the present. Don't let the past drag you down and don't let the future frighten you. Feel good in the ‘present’. Small issues will soon be forgotten.

 

6. Regardless of age, always keep love alive. Love your partner, love life, love your family, love your neighbor, and remember: "A man is not old as long as he has intelligence and affection."

 

7. Be proud, both inside and out. Don't stop going to your hair salon or barber, do your nails, go to the dermatologist and the dentist, keep your perfumes and creams well stocked. When you are well-maintained on the outside, it seeps in, making you feel proud and strong.

 

8. Don't lose sight of fashion trends for your age, but keep your sense of style. There's nothing worse than an older person trying to wear the current fashion among youngsters. You've developed your own sense of what looks good on you - keep it and be proud of it. It's part of who you are. I often wear shirts my sons refuse to wear because they think they are too old for that!

 

9. Always stay up-to-date. Read newspapers, watch the news. Go online and read what people are saying. Make sure you have an active email account and try to sign up to a couple of social networks. You'll be surprised which old friends you may meet. Keeping in touch with what is going on and with the people you know, is important at any age.

 

10. Respect the younger generation and their opinions. They may not have the same ideals as you, but they are the future and will take the world in their direction. Give advice, not criticism, and try to remind them of yesterday's wisdom that still applies today.

 

11. Never use the phrase: "In my time". Your time is now. As long as you're alive, you are a part of this time. Have fun and enjoy life.

 

12. Embrace this period of your life. Some people embrace their golden years, while others become bitter and surly. Life is too short to waste your days on the latter. Spend your time with positive, cheerful people, it'll rub off on you and your days will seem that much better. Spending your time with bitter people will make you older and harder to be around.

 

13. Do not surrender to the temptation of living with your children or grandchildren. Sure, being surrounded by family sounds great, but we all need our privacy. They need theirs and you need yours. Welcome them to come and stay with you if they wish, it is their home and their right.

 

14. Don't abandon your hobbies. If you don't have any, make new ones. You can travel, hike, cook, read, dance …….why not, if the heart is pumping efficiently! You can grow a garden, play cards, checkers, chess, dominoes, golf. You can paint, volunteer at an NGO or just collect certain items. A senior citizen in my colony collects trash in a large bag during his morning walk. Find something you like and spend some real time having fun with it.

 

15. Even if you don't feel like it, try to accept invitations. Conferences, graduations, birthdays, weddings, attend them all, once the pandemic is gone. Get out of the house, meet people you haven't seen in a while, experience something new (or something old). But don't get upset when you're not invited. Some events are limited by resources, and not everyone can be hosted. The important thing is to leave the house from time to time. Go to museums, go walk through a field. Get out there.

 

16. Participate actively in conversations. Talk less and listen more. Some people go on and on about the past, not caring if their listeners are really interested. That's a great way of reducing their desire to speak with you. Listen first and answer questions, but don't go off into long stories unless asked to. Speak in courteous tones and try not to complain or criticize too much unless you really need to. Try to accept situations as they are. Everyone is going through the same things, and people have a low tolerance for hearing complaints. Always find some good things to say as well.

 

17. Pain and discomfort go hand in hand with getting older. Try not to dwell on them but accept them as a part of the cycle of life we're all going through. Try to minimize them in your mind. They are not who you are, they are something that life has added to you. If they become your entire focus, you lose sight of the person you used to be.

 

18. If you've been offended by someone, forgive them. If you've offended someone, apologize. Don't drag around resentment with you. It only serves to make you sad and bitter. It doesn't matter who was right. Someone once said: "Holding a grudge is like taking poison and expecting the other person to die." Don't take that poison. Forgive, forget and move on with your life.

 

19. If you have a strong belief, savor it. The key is not to waste your time trying to convince others. They will make their own choices no matter what you tell them, and it will only bring you frustration. Hindutwa or Secular, Modi or Leftists, Local or Global are unending debates. Live with your faith and set an example. Live true to your beliefs and let that memory sway others.

 

20. Laugh. Laugh a lot. Laugh at everything. Remember, you are one of the lucky few. You've managed to have a life, a long one. Many never get to this age; never get to experience a full life. But you did. So what's not to laugh about? Find the humor in your situation.

 

21. Take no notice of what others say about you and even less notice of what they might be thinking. They'll do it anyway, and you should have pride in yourself and what you've achieved. Let them talk and don't worry. They have no idea about your history, your memories and the life you've lived so far.

 

22. Write a memoir. There's still much to be written, so get busy writing and don't waste time thinking about what others might think. Don’t ever think about who will read what you write; you are doing this for yourself, to make you happy, not anybody else. Now is the time to be at rest, at peace and as happy as you can be!

 

23. Keep ticking your ‘to do list’. Always make a list of things you kept on postponing for future. Now is that opportune time. Make a list of all those items; serialize them – books to read, music to listen, places to visit, people to meet, skills to acquire, and get going in right earnest.

 

24. Give back. In whatever small way you can you must try to give back. I have friends teaching street children at their homes, attending abandoned clinics in slums to treat the sick, cooking for one extra person in every meal for some poor, collecting old clothes for orphanages and old age homes and flicking off the street lights and closing running taps during their morning walk. They are all giving back in their own way!

 

 

What can the society do?

 

Local administrations, educational/research institutions, the corporate and business sectors and social organizations like the Rotary and Lions clubs can avail themselves of the services of the elders as consultants and advisers. Their services can be tapped to tackle a variety of problems — poverty, hunger, health, rural/tribal backwardness. The poorest of the poor, the physically challenged and the destitute need support. The seniors are the right source of solace to this.