Dark circles under eyes

[abcharlton]

Does wearing glasses cause one to have dark circles under the eyes? I have worn glasses consistently for more than 20 years and I've always had dark circles. Now that I am trying Bates method and going without glasses, the circles have disappeared in about a month. Has anyone had a similar experience?

[Aureus]

abcharlton,

I think there are two possible explanations for your case.

The first one is that the frames of your glasses used to make too big pressure on the skin under your eyes (or elsewhere) reducing the bloodflow. Actually, even a slight but constant pressure does this and it's virtually impossible to find the glasses that don't do this. That's why people who wear glasses usually have a rather frequant need to take them off and give themselves a little massage on the bridge of the nose, under the eyebrows and on the temples.
The second reason can be that you developed tendency to strain your eyes even when having the aids on which then lead to those dark circles. These two reasons aren't mutually exclusive but on the contrary - it's very likely they both had a certain impact.

Why don't you have them now?
Because 1) you discarded glasses and so eliminated the first possible factor and 2) you obviously managed to find some effective way to relax your visual system. Maybe palming, swinging or just your good mood (or altogether) - is a key for your success to get good and deep relaxation. Or something else. Whatever you do - keep it up.