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Red Veins On Eyelids Overview
Red veins on eyelids are normal and do not raise any health concerns. However, it can be a cosmetic concern 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.
These veins are medically termed telangiectasia.
Red veins on eyelids are a matter of concern to many people, as the eyes play an essential role in communication and beauty.
In this article, we have covered everything about these red veins on the eyelids.
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.
Aging
Your skin loses its elasticity and becomes loose and thin as you grow older. The skin of your eyelid is already thin, and the aging makes it thinner. As a result, the veins on the eyelid become prominent and visible.
Sun UV Ray
Sun exposure is one of the most common causes of red veins on eyelids. 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. It’s rare for the facial area.
Venous insufficiency occurs when your veins become stretched and damaged. In the more serious condition, it can cause tear your vein and leak blood into the tissue spaces.
Hypertension
If hypertension is left untreated, 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
Some behavioral factors may cause red veins on your eyelids. This behavior 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, also known as 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 are more likely to experience red veins on the eyelids.
Red Veins On Eyelids Treatment
There is no treatment needed 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
- Sclerotherapy
Endovenous Laser Ablation
Endovenous Laser Ablation is a useful 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 minimally invasive procedure and is done in the outpatient department. Topical anesthesia 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. It does not lead to any major complications and is a safe procedure.
Recovery Period
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
- Anesthesia cost
- Surgeons fee
- Medication
- Other complications
Drawbacks
You may need multiple sessions 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.
Drawbacks
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 mostly 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 sessions depends on the number of injections you need.
Drawbacks
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 aging, 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 provides protection both against UVA and UVB.
Maintain Your Blood Pressure
High blood pressure(hypertension) is a risk factor for red veins. Maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle to maintain ideal blood pressure. The measures you may take include;
- Eat enough dietary fiber
- Eat low-fat food
- Take omega-3 fatty acid
- Exercise regularly
- Take your prescribed medications.
Follow the chart to evaluate your blood pressure
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
If you are concerned about your condition and have no remedies or tips working up, consult with a dermatologist.
Red Veins On Eyelids Pictures
Takeaway
Red veins on eyelids are not a health concern. Most of the time appears due to the aging 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Red veins on eyelids in babies
The appearance of red veins on the eyelid of babies is normal. Babies have thin skin and the veins are often visible. Usually, it hides underneath the skin as the baby grows older.
Little red veins on eyelids
Little red veins on the eyelid appear due to the aging process. Some other factors also cause it. There is no health concern for these but if you think they are ugly, you may consult a dermatologist.
Why can I now see red veins on my baby’s eyelids?
Often babies rub their eyelids harshly and their skin is lighter than adults. That’s why some veins can become visible on their eyelids. It isn’t a health concern.
Last Updated on February 23, 2022 by Learn From Doctor Team
