Varicose Vein Treatment Around the Eyes

Varicose veins or spider veins (varicose capillaries) around the eye can make one look like they have dark circles under their eyes. Sometimes, in fact, these veins can become so dark and prominent, they can also make one look like they have a black eye or a scar of some kind near their eye. Varicose vein treatment can help remove these unflattering features.

Most people who seek varicose vein treatment around their eyes automatically assume that they have “spider veins.” However, there are periorbital veins around the eye that can become varicose over time. To make matters worse, the skin around the eye is the thinnest on the entire body which makes varicose veins around the eye more noticeable to the point they almost scream, “I need varicose vein treatment!”

But what kind of varicose vein treatment is best for around the eyes?

If a periorbital vein has become extremely prominent, many doctors will recommend the complete removal of the periorbital varicose vein. To do this, the doctor will first tie off the vein on each end. Then, they make a tiny incision in the skin and remove the vein. This type of varicose vein treatment is called a microphlebectomy or ambulatory phlebectomy. For most vein doctors, this is the preferred method for around the eye as it is considered the safest method.

Typical varicose vein treatment like sclerotherapy and laser treatment, 1064nm long-pulsed Nd: Yag laser for example, may also be used. However, these typical procedures do not actually remove the varicose vein and a darkened area may be noticeable even six months to a year later if the body does not completely absorb the ablated vein, especially since the skin is so thin and translucent in this area. Furthermore, some doctors consider these procedures too risky to use around the eye.

Spider veins (telangiectasia) under the eye are now often treated with a relatively new varicose vein treatment called VeinGogh Ohmic Thermolysis System, usually referred to as simply VeinGogh. This uses a “microburst technology” and a hair thin catheter to very precisely deliver heat energy into the spider veins to ablate them (cause thermo-coagulation) and make them fade away. VeinGogh is considered much more precise than other laser varicose vein treatment, and therefore, safer to use around the eye.

Varicose veins and spider veins around the eye often show up in a person’s forties or fifties as their facial skin really starts to thin at this age and their fat deposits under their facial skin flattens out. Fair skinned people tend to have this problem more than dark skinned people. This is true for two reasons. First, the condition is more noticeable on fair skin so it becomes more of a cosmetic issue for them. Second, UV light from the sun penetrates the skin of fair skinned people more than dark skinned people and UV light is well known to damage veins and capillaries.

Instead of “varicose vein treatment,” some clinics call treatment on periorbital varicose veins “periorbital rejuvenation” treatment. This because the treatment of these veins tends to make one look much younger. Think about it. When you first meet someone, where do you look first? Straight into their eyes of course! Therefore, this is the first indication of age one gets when they first meet someone. If there are dark areas under the eyes, one tends to look older.

People who develop varicose veins or spider veins around their eyes often get asked if they are tired. Sometimes other people assume people with darkened areas around their eyes have not had enough sleep. They sometimes they even assume the person has been out drinking too much. It can get embarrassing to be asked these types of questions all the time. It can even affect your boss’ impression of you! This is why so many people with this problem seek varicose vein treatment to deal with the problem even though it is not a medically necessary procedure.

If you think you may have varicose veins or spider veins around your eyes, you can get a professional evaluation for free at Metro Vein Centers. This is one of the top varicose vein treatment clinics in the country. You do not have to have a referral from another doctor to get an appointment for a free evaluation at Metro Vein Centers. You can call them yourself to set it up. Check out their website for locations.