There is still a small group of people who choose contacts over glasses. And the most common reason they give is that glasses cause dark circles. But, do glasses cause dark circles?
When it comes to determining whether wearing glasses causes dark circles, people don’t seem to be on the same page. But this remains one of the hottest topics among glasses wearers, especially ladies. So, let’s talk about that today.
While some people think that glasses help them hide dark circles, some argue that the lenses highlight whatever blemishes or marks they have under their eyes.
If you are planning to buy eyeglasses to be able to see clearly, don’t let these perceptions pull you back.
Do Glasses Cause Dark Circles?
Short answer: No, glasses don’t cause dark circles. But can an ill-fitting pair contribute to puffiness or minor pressure marks? That’s a maybe, and a rare one.
Dark circles are a complex issue, and they are often caused by things like genetics, fatigue, dehydration, sun exposure, allergies, and even eye strain. The skin around your eyes is the thinnest on your body, making blood vessels and pigmentation more visible. So, if you’re pulling an all-nighter, binge-watching with dry eyes, or simply relying too heavily on caffeine, chances are, your specs aren’t to blame.
That said, a poorly fitting or heavy frame might press against your under-eye area and leave some temporary indentations or minor skin irritation. But these marks are not the same as true dark circles. There’s no clinical evidence showing that wearing glasses directly disrupts blood flow enough to cause permanent under-eye pigmentation.
Now, there’s also a theory floating around about UV protection from lenses leading to darker under-eyes due to less sun exposure. But dermatologists largely agree that protecting your eyes from UV is far more beneficial than harmful. Sun damage accelerates ageing and pigmentation, so your lenses are doing your skin a favour, not the opposite.
What Else Causes Dark Circles?
Dark circles aren’t only for party animals, and it is not only that wearing glasses causes dark circles. A lot of other things could lead to dark circles as well.
Iron deficiency doesn’t allow enough oxygen supply to your skin tissues. Thus, it makes the skin under your eyes appear bruised.
When you are stressed, the blood mainly gets circulated to your crucial organs. This leaves the skin on your face pale and enhances the appearance of dark circles.
Rubbing your eyes can disturb the natural balance of your skin. It might also break the fragile vessels causing them to leak and make the skin look purple.
Excessive screen time puts a lot of pressure on the delicate blood vessels around your eyes. And when they dilate, the skin under your eyes looks visibly darker than the rest of your face. Using blue light filter glasses during screen time will put less stress on your eyes and prevent the development of dark circles.
Lack of sleep makes your skin look pale and thus the dark circles become even more visible.
How to Get Rid of Dark Circles (Even If You Wear Glasses)?
Now that we’ve debunked the myth that glasses don’t actually cause dark circles, let’s talk about what does help when you’re trying to reduce them.
Whether you wear glasses or not, dark circles are a common concern caused by a variety of factors mentioned above. Wearing specs might sometimes highlight the under-eye area (especially with rimless or light-coloured frames), but they’re not the culprit.
So, what can you do?
1. Prioritise Hydration
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydrated skin tends to look dull and tired, especially around your eyes, where the skin is at its most delicate.
2. Stick to a Skincare Routine
Using an under-eye cream with ingredients like caffeine, hyaluronic acid, or vitamin C can help depuff and brighten your under-eye area over time.
3. Try Cool Compresses or Cucumber Slices
Old-school but effective, placing cool cucumber slices or chilled tea bags on your eyes can reduce puffiness and temporarily improve circulation.
4. Massage Gently
A light under-eye massage using your ring fingers can boost blood circulation and reduce fluid retention. Just remember to be gentle!
5. Get Enough Sleep
It sounds basic, but it works. A consistent sleep schedule can do wonders for your skin and eyes.
6. Choose the Right Frames
While frames don’t cause dark circles, the right pair can draw attention away from them. Consider:
Darker shades like black, navy, or deep tortoiseshell for better contrast.
Thicker rims that frame your eyes well and add definition.
Avoid rimless or very light frames if you feel they emphasise the under-eye area.
At Specscart, our Free Try At Home service lets you try different styles to see which ones suit your face and your confidence the best.
7. Clean Your Glasses Regularly
Clean lenses mean clearer vision and less strain on your eyes. While this won’t affect dark circles directly, reducing eye fatigue helps prevent the tired look.
8. Use Eye Masks Occasionally
A good cooling gel eye mask can work wonders after a long screen-heavy day. It’s like a spa for your eyes.
9. Be Careful with DIY Remedies
Some people swear by lemon juice, but we recommend caution, especially around your eyes. The skin there is sensitive and can react poorly to harsh or acidic ingredients. If you’re curious, always do a patch test first or stick to dermatologist-approved solutions.
Final Thoughts
Wearing prescription glasses does not cause dark circles, even with prolonged use. However, if your frame is too tight or heavy, it may leave temporary pressure marks or cause discomfort. Choosing lightweight, well-fitting frames helps prevent unnecessary strain and ensures all-day comfort, but it won’t directly affect whether you develop dark circles or not.
If you need a frame test, you can order our free home trial, where you will get 4 frames to try for free. You can check the size, appeal and weight for yourself. And when you make a decision, get the same premium quality frame at the best possible prices delivered in a record-breaking time of 24 hours.
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