Darkening around eyes from Glaucoma drops

[Namechange341]

Please help! I am getting increasingly dark circles around my eyes from the drops I have to take for glaucoma. I am rubbish at makeup and concealers, foundations etc and they tend to sit badly or pill on my skin (dry, papery and very fine).

I look increasingly like Nosferatu - what can I use that will help? I have the InkeyList caffine eye cream, anything heavier causes puffiness, but I think I need something to lighten the area. It's not (just) aging - I look increasingly grim.

If these are prostaglandin drops then you hopefully also have the long eyelash side effect? I don’t think there’s much you can do to counter the darkening, but you could lean into it and opt for a soft smokey eye and make the most of the your lovely lashes? Or see if there’s an alternate medication that has less of this effect.

The eyelashes effect is happening (though not as impressive as I hoped!). I feel very vain, but also have no make-up skills. Also looking at glaucoma advice forums and it seems I need a barrier cream. My eyes are really too uncomfortable for eyeshadow etc.

A long time ago touche eclat was the thing I think? There must be other products though by now though?

I will be asking about differnt drops, but there is a waiting list for follow up appoinments so am stuck for the foreseeable with Latanoprost and ever darkening bags...

Make sure you wash your face after putting them in to remove any excess. I'm also masochist and use clinique toner for blemishes on my eyelids as well as the rest of my face which seems to lift it a bit, but does sting!

Annoying to get more of the side effect you don’t want! How long have you been using them? I believe the darkening can be reversible. For barrier creams, you could take a look at IS clinical, they do a cream called Sheald which is anti-inflammatory, healing and barrier repair. It’s not cheap but it does last.

Using them since October I think. Meant to have a follow up appointment, but no info so far.

i think my eyes are getting more sunken too and are permanently sore. It's all a bit rubbish.

@Namechange341 would you be a candidate for surgery or laser to reduce the pressures instead? I'm not but I believe lots of people are now

I am post surgery and still using lantanoprost. I use Ren dark circle eye cream at night, No 7 dark circle in the morning. On make up days I use Charlotte Tilbury magic vanish under eye corrector.
It's marginally better for use but still noticeable..

Ask to change drops. I’m guessing you’re on Bimatoprost? Darkening of the lids and loss of fat behind the eyes, are well known side effects.
Latanoprost can be prescribed as an alternative. It has far fewer side effects

Sorry didn’t read your follow on posts. Can you have selective laser trabeculoplasty instead?

That really sucks, I’m sorry. Fat loss around the eye is also a side effect, though the darkening and soreness is probably making more of a difference to the appearance at this stage. Have you discussed possible laser procedure instead?

Haven't had a chance to discuss other options since I was prescribed the drops as no follow up appointments yet. The drops are latanoprost. My eye colour (iris) hasn't changed. I just look so dark eyed and exhausted. up for an op if they offer it.

Any other recommendations on cover up/lightening most welcome!

@Snapespeare can i use the Charlotte Tilbury product on its own? I have a No. 7 under eye concealer thing, but it's so dry.

I was curious so I read a bit more about why this happens and I think it’s because the fat cells shrink, so the area looks darker but isn’t actually pigmented. Peptides will plump the other cells, so a good peptide eye cream might help counter the changes. MZ skin or Medik8 are pricey but worth looking at. Augustinus Bader rich eye cream has a lightening effect so that might also help (again not cheap but lasts ages). Plus Victoria Beckham foundation and (I think) concealer includes the Augustinus Bader active ingredient, for extra brightness and moisture.

Wow! @Allisnotlost1 Thank you for all that research! I will have a look into the peptide products.

Hope it helps, let us know how you get on - if not using already lots of us will likely need to in future.

Just seen the price on the Augustinus Bader! Having a lie down! I think I will try with the cheaper options.

Can you email the Consultant’s secretary and mention the side effects - especially the soreness? They may change the prescription for you (unlikely to do it on grounds of appearance alone).

@HollyHoly I have, she was very apologetic they just seem to have a huge waiting list. It's unusual as until now they have been absolutely incredible about scheduling and follow up (different department though - I have had A LOT of eye issues in the last few years, the glaucoma is just the lastest in a long list).

Yes it’s wild!

@Namechange341 sorry to hear it's not just glaucoma. I use the glaucoma drops to regulate my pressures which themselves are put up by the steroid drops I use to control inflammation. This year I added the dubious delights of a vasoproliferative tumour to the mix. That needed Anti-VEGF injections and cryotherapy. And now it seems they're worried the scar tissue from that might be pulling on the retina.

@Ramblingaway bloody hell, I'm sorry that sounds like a lot.

Quite frankly while the care has been amazing (till this last bit) I wish they would just stop looking and finding stuff. I feel like I could have got away with a few more years without the horrible drops and looking rapidly so awful, as I am only 52. Oh well.

I only use the drops one side, so the eye lashes really do look a bit bizarre!

I’m on Monopost have been for a good 9 months, but not noticed any darkening yet. I do get sore red dry eyes though. Appointments are like hens teeth I’m afraid. What health area are you in?

I am with Moorfields and i feel really lucky. This is the first time the appointments haven't been lined up within a few days, but the Glaucoma dept seems to have a backlog.

Looks like Monoprost is preservative free, so I will ask about that.

This is not v style and beauty, quick someone send make up
tips!

Do you have to put them in at certain times of day? If not, could you try bedtime with a thin coat of vaseline round your eyes as barrier?