Pathophysiologic Aspects of Dark Eye Circles and Impact on Associated Quality of Life in Participants with Various Fitzpatrick Skin Types

Purpose

Dark eye circles (DECs) are a prevalent cosmetic concern for understanding the pathophysiological properties and etiology of DECs is crucial for effective treatment. This study assessed baseline DEC characteristics and associated quality of life (QOL) impacts in participants with varying DEC severities and Fitzpatrick Skin types (FSTs). Participants and Methods: Adult with DECs across FSTs were enrolled into this observational study. Assessments were grouped as follows: clinical (investigator grading of DEC severity, DEC type, and puffiness), biophysical (spectrophotometry, corneometry, tewametry, and BTC-2000 elasticity/laxity measurements), imaging (standardized photography, 3D imaging, and dynamic optical coherence tomography [D-OCT]), and patient-reported outcomes (FACE-Q and participant questionnaires). Results were summarized descriptively by DEC severity and FST; statistical testing was performed for D-OCT comparisons across FST groups.