Red Veins On Eyelids

Red Veins On Eyelids: Causes, Prevention, Treatment and More

Red veins (medically termed telangiectasia) on eyelids are normal and do not raise any health concerns. However, it can be a cosmetic issue and look scary. These irregular, tiny, reddish-purple capillaries are also known as spider veins. They can be visible in the body’s soft and thin skins, including the eyelid.

Red veins on eyelids are a matter of concern to many people, as the eyes play an essential role in communication and beauty. We have answered everything about these red veins on the eyelids in this post.

Another cause of veiny eyelids and face is high blood pressure, which can bring about inflammation of the eyelids as a result. Rubbing one’s face and eyelids too roughly can also fracture the veritably delicate capillaries within the eyelids. The aging process, in addition, affects its damages on every organ within the body. Ageing skin becomes thinner, and as it does, the eyelid veins within spontaneously become more prominent.

An unhealthy way of living can damage a person’s image and increase telangiectasia around the eyes and on the eyelids. Excessive stress to the eyes, like reading in harsh or weak light or extended time looking at the computer, can damage the eyes and the surrounding tissue, causing veiny eyelids and other problems.

What is Red Veins On Eyelids?

According to 1, red veins on eyelids are small dilated blood vessels that can take place near the face of the skin or mucous membranes, measuring between 0.5 and 1 millimeter in diameter.

These dilated blood vessels, also known as spider veins, can evolve anywhere on the body but are generally seen on the face around the nose, cheeks, and chin.

They can also develop on the legs, although they frequently have to underpin venous influx or” retired varicose veins” on the legs. They’re explicitly spotted on the upper ham, below the knee joint, and around the ankles when on the legs.

Veiny eyelids may be genetically inclined. They may similarly be caused by the heterogeneity of circulation issues and autoimmune complaints, other health problems, and maturing in general. Additionally, loss of fat in the eyelids may beget more prominent veiny eyelids.

Red Veins On Eyelids
Red Veins (Spider Veins) On Eyelids

What are the Causes of Red Veins on Eyelids?

Most of the time, red veins on eyelids do not indicate a medical concern, and most of the causes are physiological. Let us highlight some of the causes of red veins on eyelids:

Ageing

Your skin loses elasticity and becomes loose and thin as you grow older. The skin of your eyelid is already delicate, and ageing makes it more delicate. As a result, the veins on the eyelid become prominent and visible.

Sun UV Ray

Sun exposure is one of the general causes of red veins on eyelids, and this is because the eyelid gets affected by the UV ray of the sunlight because of its thin skin.

The effects of sun exposure on the eyelid may include;

  • Red veins
  • Age signs
  • Dark spots
  • Unwanted wrinkles

Venous Insufficiency

Venous insufficiency usually occurs on the legs, and it’s rare for the facial area.

Venous insufficiency occurs when your veins become stretched and damaged. In the more severe condition, it can cause tear your vein and leak blood into the tissue spaces.

Hypertension

If hypertension is left unattended, it can cause inflammation in some body areas, including the eyelids.

Severe hypertension may cause bleeding into the eye; make sure you measure your blood pressure and control it in a normal range.

Rubbing Eyes Sponteneously

Some behavioural factors may cause red veins on your eyelids. This behaviour may include;

  • Rubbing your eyes often harshly.
  • Using eye lenses despite inflammation
  • Use eyeliner and other cosmetic materials harshly

Rubbing your eyes harshly can cause damage to the capillaries and lead to a red vein on the eyelids.

Red Veins vs Varicose Veins

Red veins, (spider veins,) are small and appear as bluish purple or red vein on the thin area of the skin, such as skin. They are not a medical concern and don’t require treatment most of the time.

On the other hand, varicose veins are not superficial like spider veins. Instead, they are deep, twisted, and deep red.

The spider veins do not arise clinical symptoms, while the varicose veins may arise some clinical features such as;

  • Itching
  • Bleeding
  • Pain
  • Inflammation
  • Swelling
  • Heavy feeling on the limbs with varicose vein

Risk Factors of Red Veins On Eyelids

Some factors can influence the appearance of red veins on the eyelid.

  • Genetical History

Usually, a positive family history of red veins on the eyelids is common in family members.

  • Gender

Red veins on the eyelids are common in females than males.

  • Hormone Levels

Females taking contraceptive pills and after menopause is more likely to experience red veins on the eyelids.

Red Veins On Eyelids
Red veins on a woman’s eyelid

Red Veins On Eyelids Treatment

There is no treatment for red veins on the eyelids for health concerns, but you can treat them for cosmetic purposes.

The treatment options may include endovenous laser ablation, intense pulsed light therapy, and sclerotherapy.

Endovenous Laser Ablation

Endovenous Laser Ablation is a valuable treatment for varicose veins on the limbs. It’s also used to treat red veins on eyelids. It uses some electrodes and laser to shrink and narrow the faulty and superficial veins.

It is a negligibly invasive procedure and is done in the outpatient department. Topical anaesthesia is applied to do this procedure. You may experience a little pain and swelling after the procedure.

It’s a clinically proven and effective procedure, and does not lead to any significant complications, and is a safe procedure.

Recovery Period for Endovenous Laser Ablation

This procedure doesn’t require any recovery period. The doctor may put a bandage around your eye for particular reasons, but that does not require it often.

It would be best to stay active to maintain a healthy blood flow in your eyelid during recovery.

Endovenous Laser Ablation Cost

The average cost of an Endovenous Laser Ablation is about $1500. It may vary for some factors such as;

  • Your location
  • Anaesthesia cost
  • Surgeons fee
  • Medication
  • Other complications

Cons

Multiple sessions may be required to get the best result out of it.

The Intense-pulse Light

The intense-pulse light procedure is also a laser-based procedure to treat the superficial engorged veins under the skin.

This procedure does not affect your skin while treating the unwanted veins underneath the skin. Usually, It doesn’t require multiple sessions for one location.

The Intense-pulse Light Cost

The average cost of this procedure is about $500-$600 for each session.

Cons

It is also a minimally invasive procedure, but it’s not the best option for hypersensitive persons. The possible side effects of Intense-pulse light may include;

  • Bruising
  • Redness
  • Pain
  • Slight swelling

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a process where the injection is used to get rid of superficial unwanted veins. It can be done anywhere in the body and mainly in the legs.

Most of the time, it is used with the intense-pulse light procedure.

Sclerotherapy Cost

A single session of sclerotherapy needs around $350. The number of required sessions revolves around the number of injections you need.

Cons

Sclerotherapy can cause some complications. The possible side effects of sclerotherapy may include;

  • Pain
  • Inflammation
  • Scarring
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Redness
  • Sometimes bruising may occur, but all side effects are relieved within a few days.

Red Veins on the Eyelids Prevention

Although the leading cause of red veins is ageing, still there are some steps that you may follow to prevent red veins.

Use Sunscreen

Use sunscreen to protect against UV rays of sunlight. Sun exposure is one of the responsible factors for red veins and wrinkles. Make sure you buy a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB.

Maintain Your Blood Pressure

Another risk factor for red veins is high blood pressure (hypertension). Maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle to maintain ideal blood pressure. The measures you may take include;

  • Eat enough dietary fibre.
  • Eat low-fat food
  • Take omega-3 fatty acid
  • Exercise regularly
  • Take your prescribed medications.

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Avoid Stress

Stress causes many complications in our bodies. For example, one of the risk factors of red veins on the eyelids is stress. In addition, stress causes hypertension, insomnia, panic disorder, and many more common complications.

Yoga practice may help you relieve some stress, and maintaining good mental health is essential for glowing up.

Avoid Prolonged Mobile Use

Phone and other digital displays hurt our eyes. Do not use a phone or other digital device for a long time without a break. Take a 5-minute gap every 30 minutes to give your eyes some rest.

Reduce Alcohol Intake

Taking excessive alcohol may cause red veins along with swelling of the eyelids. Try to reduce your alcohol consumption.

You may find it challenging to reduce the alcohol volume suddenly. So, gradually reduce the volume.

Consult A Dermatologist

Consult with a dermatologist if you are concerned about your condition and have no remedies or tips working up.

Takeaway

Red veins on eyelids are not a health concern, and most of the time appear due to the ageing process. It’s a cosmetic concern for many women; they can remove them by consulting a dermatologist.

Maintaining a balanced healthy lifestyle may help you to prevent these red veins. However, the appearance of red veins on eyelids is normal, and you never become upset about these. See your dermatologist if you feel worried or notices increasingly red veins’ effects on either your left or right eyelids or both.

Verifiable References
  1. Meaning of Red veins on eyelids, “Telangiectasias” as explained on Wikipedia[]

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