Recently, digital creator Dr. Dana Brems shared a video on Instagram showcasing the movement of her eyeballs beneath her unusually thin eyelids. She noted that individuals with thin eyelids may find it challenging to fall asleep due to their translucency.

What leads to such translucent or thin eyelids in some people? To gain more insight, Indianexpress.com consulted an eye expert.

Upon viewing the video, Dr. Supriya Sriganesh, executive director at Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital in Bangalore, explained that Brems appeared to stretch the skin over her eyeball, making the thinness more noticeable. She stated, “In some individuals, a layer of the eyelid known as the tarsal plate can be very thin. This is often observed in Caucasian individuals with low melanin content in their skin. The translucency can also extend to other structures beneath the skin.”

Dr. Anita Sethi, principal director and head of ophthalmology at Max Super Speciality Centre in Panchsheel Park, Delhi, added that thinner eyelids are commonly seen in older adults. “As we age, the already thin eyelid skin loses elasticity and becomes stretched, resulting in a droopy appearance known as ptosis,” she explained.

“Age-related ptosis is more prevalent among Caucasians or individuals with lighter skin. These individuals may require corrective surgery or crutch glasses to aid their vision,” she noted.

Dr. Sethi also mentioned another condition that can lead to thinner eyelids: blepharochalasis, an allergic swelling that primarily affects younger people. Recurrent episodes of swelling can thin the skin, causing it to sag over the eye and impair vision.

How Can You Care for Your Eyelids?
Given the delicate nature of the skin around the eyes, Dr. Sriganesh advised handling it with care. “Avoid rubbing or pulling on the sensitive eyelid area,” she said.

To protect this fragile skin, she recommended using moisturizers and sunscreen, as well as wearing UV-protective glasses when outdoors in bright sunlight. She cautioned against using makeup wipes, as they can be harsh and tug on the sensitive skin around the eyes.

Additionally, if you’re applying serums or active ingredients to the skin near your eyes, Dr. Sriganesh advised avoiding this area since it is particularly sensitive.