DIAGNOSIS CHECKLIST
for Dark circles under eyes

Why: to determine if acute or chronic.

Why: if unilateral may be bruising around the eye.

Why: e.g. seasonal allergies such as pollens from trees and grasses (hay fever); year round allergies such as moulds, house dust mites, animal hair and dander, bird feathers, foods - may all produce "allergic shiners".

Why: may suggest bruising as cause of dark circles under eyes.

Why: dehydration may contribute to dark circles under the eyes.

Why: e.g. allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, eczema, asthma.

Why: e.g. family history of allergic tendencies such as allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, asthma and eczema may suggest increased likelihood of allergic shiners as cause of dark circles under eyes; dark circles under the eyes may also run in the family possibly due to an inherited eye blood vessel condition.

Why: e.g. sneezing, itchy nose, copious thin watery nasal discharge, sometimes nasal obstruction, reduced sense of smell, dry and sore throat, itchy throat, dark rings under the eyes known as "allergic shiners".

Why: e.g. itchy eyes, frequent rubbing of eyes which aggravate the problem and can cause dark circles under eyes, red eyes, clear usually watery eye discharge and swelling of the eyelids.

Why: e.g. insomnia, sleep apnea, shift workers - lack of sleep or poor sleep quality may aggravate dark circles under eyes.