Zoom Fatigue and Under-Eye Shadows: Are Screens Making Your Circles Worse?

The shift to digital-first communication, particularly through video conferencing, has changed the way we work and socialise. While virtual meetings offer convenience, they have also led to a rise in screen-related complaints. One concern that many individuals express is the noticeable deepening of under-eye shadows during and after extended screen use. This has raised an important question—does screen time actually worsen dark eye circles, or are we simply more aware of them?

Digital Fatigue Highlights Facial Shadows

Spending long hours in front of a screen causes more than just tiredness. With video calls placing constant focus on our facial features, under-eye imperfections become more noticeable. Poor lighting, low camera angles, and long sessions of staring at screens intensify shadows under the eyes. The constant self-view in video calls makes people hyper-aware of these changes, even if the circles themselves have not worsened physically.

Blue Light May Affect Skin Over Time

While research on the effects of blue light from screens is ongoing, some studies suggest it may contribute to oxidative stress in the skin. Blue light penetrates the skin and may affect collagen and pigmentation processes. Over time, this exposure could worsen the appearance of dark eye circles, particularly in those already prone to pigmentation or thinning skin. While screens don’t cause dark circles directly, their effects on skin quality may be a contributing factor.

Fatigue Intensifies Vascular Darkness

Dark eye circles can result from several factors, including genetics, pigmentation, and vascular congestion. Sleep deprivation and visual fatigue cause the blood vessels under the eyes to dilate, which makes them more visible through thin skin. Staring at screens for hours without breaks increases mental and visual fatigue, reducing the quality of rest at night. Inadequate sleep worsens these vascular changes, leading to darker, more pronounced under-eye shadows.

Reduced Blinking and Eye Strain Play a Role

Screens encourage prolonged focus, which significantly reduces the blink rate. Less blinking dries out the eyes and contributes to discomfort and eye strain. This can cause puffiness and subtle inflammation around the eyes, which accentuates the appearance of dark circles. Chronic digital eye strain may not directly cause under-eye pigmentation, but it can amplify the perception of tiredness and dullness in that area.

Posture and Lighting During Screen Use Matter

The physical setup of your workspace plays a key role in how your face appears on screen. Harsh overhead lighting and downward-facing camera angles cast shadows under the eyes. Poor posture can also reduce circulation and lymphatic drainage in the face, subtly increasing puffiness or dullness under the eyes. These visual distortions make dark circles appear more intense than they might be in person.

Stress Hormones May Aggravate Skin Conditions

Prolonged digital meetings, back-to-back deadlines, and blurred work-life boundaries elevate stress levels. This triggers the release of cortisol, which can impact skin barrier function and blood circulation. Heightened stress may lead to dullness, pigmentation changes, or worsening of pre-existing skin concerns such as under-eye discolouration. Chronic stress also affects sleep quality, creating a cycle that makes dark eye circles harder to manage.

Camera Exposure Doesn’t Cause Damage—but Reveals More

While cameras themselves do not harm the skin, they highlight imperfections. Most webcams have fixed focus and do not adjust lighting automatically to flatter facial features. High-definition displays can reveal every texture, shadow, and change in skin tone. For people already concerned with how to get rid of dark eye circles, appearing on-screen for long periods can heighten those concerns—even if the physical condition has not worsened.

Learn More: Can Dark Eye Circles be Treated with Dermal Fillers? Here’s What You Need to Know

Habits Matter More Than Screens Alone

Screens are not the sole culprit when it comes to dark circles. Diet, hydration, sleep quality, and genetics contribute significantly. However, prolonged digital use can aggravate existing conditions or delay recovery. Reducing screen brightness, adjusting your lighting, taking regular breaks, and following a consistent sleep schedule are simple but effective ways to minimise the visual and physical impact of digital fatigue on the under-eye area.

For more information about aesthetic treatments, contact Halley Aesthetics today.