Periorbital veins are visible blue, green or purple veins around the eyes, most often on the lower eyelids, at the outer corner of the eye and on the temples. They are very common and usually harmless, but they can make you look tired or add to dark circles. At Dr Ed Robinson Clinics in Hale, near Altrincham, we assess the eye area carefully and, where suitable, treat these veins with ClearV®, a precise 1064nm vascular laser by Sciton.
Understanding Periorbital Veins
The skin around the eyes is some of the thinnest on the body, so veins that sit just beneath it show through more easily. These are usually small reticular veins, which is why they look blue rather than red. They can become more noticeable with age, as the skin thins and loses collagen, and as volume under the eyes reduces. Visible veins are only one cause of dark circles: hollowing, pigmentation and puffiness can also play a part, so a careful assessment matters before choosing a treatment.
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THIN SKIN
The skin of the lower eyelid is very thin, so the veins underneath show through more easily. -
GENETICS
Visible veins around the eyes often run in families and can appear at a young age. -
AGEING AND VOLUME LOSS
As collagen and the fat under the eyes reduce with age, veins can become more noticeable. -
SUN DAMAGE
Long-term sun exposure weakens collagen and can leave the skin around the eyes thinner.
How we treat periorbital veins
ClearV® laser
ClearV® is our main treatment for visible veins around the eyes. Its 1064nm wavelength passes through the skin to the vein, where it is absorbed by the blood and closes the vessel, so the body can gradually clear it. Sciton lists periorbital veins among the conditions ClearV® is designed to treat.
Safety around the eyes
Laser near the eye needs particular care. Protective eye shields or goggles are always used, and your doctor will decide which areas can be treated safely. Some veins, such as those very close to the lash line, may not be suitable for laser, and we will tell you honestly if that is the case. Our laser treatments are for adults.
How many sessions?
Some people see results after one ClearV® session, while others need several. It depends on the size, depth and number of veins, and Dr Ed will advise after assessing them at your consultation. Results vary from person to person.
Red thread veins and redness
Fine red thread veins on the cheeks and nose, or general redness, often respond well to BBL® HEROic™, and for thread veins we usually recommend a course of at least three BBL sessions. ClearSilk® can help diffuse redness and overall skin quality, but it is not designed to treat individual veins. See our thread veins page.
When dark circles have other causes
If hollowing, pigmentation or puffiness are the main cause of shadows under your eyes, other treatments may help more. See dark under-eye circles and bags for the options we offer.
Vascular lesions guide
Part of our vascular lesions guide, which explains the different types of visible veins and red or blue marks on the skin, and how we assess and treat them.
ClearV® Results for Veins Around the Eyes
Image courtesy of Sciton. Not a patient of Dr Ed Robinson Clinics: one ClearV® treatment, photographed 5 weeks later. Results vary from person to person.
Recommended Treatments
FAQs
For more general enquiries, please take a look at some of our frequently asked questions.
What are periorbital veins?
Periorbital veins are visible blue, green or purple veins in the skin around the eyes, usually on the lower eyelids, at the outer corners of the eyes or on the temples. They are small veins that show through because the skin here is so thin.
Are veins around the eyes harmful?
They are usually harmless and a cosmetic concern only. If a vein appears suddenly, is painful, swollen or raised, or you notice a new lump, please see your GP first.
What causes blue veins under the eyes?
Thin skin, genetics, ageing, loss of volume under the eyes and long-term sun damage can all make veins more visible. They often run in families.
How are periorbital veins treated?
Where suitable, we treat them with ClearV®, a 1064nm vascular laser by Sciton that closes the vein so the body can clear it. Your doctor will examine the eye area first and explain whether laser is the right option for you.
Is laser treatment near the eyes safe?
Laser near the eye is only carried out with protective eye shields and careful technique, and your doctor decides which areas can be treated safely. Some veins may not be suitable for laser, and we will always be honest about that.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies. Some people see results after one session, while others need several. It depends on the size, depth and number of veins, and Dr Ed will advise after assessing them at your consultation. Results vary from person to person.
Can veins cause dark circles?
Yes, visible veins can add a blue or purple tone under the eyes. Dark circles can also be caused by hollowing, pigmentation or puffiness, often in combination. See dark under-eye circles and bags.
Is there any downtime?
Usually very little. The area may look red or slightly puffy for a short time, and treated veins can look darker before they fade over the following weeks.
How much does treatment cost?
ClearV® is priced at consultation, because the cost depends on the veins being treated and the number of sessions. A doctor consultation is £100.
Where can I have periorbital veins treated near Altrincham?
Dr Ed Robinson Clinics is in Hale, near Altrincham, Cheshire, a 10 to 15 minute walk from Hale station.