Crow’s feet, also known as laugh lines or character lines, are the fine wrinkles that form at the outer corners of the eyes . They are one of the most common and visible signs of ageing and they can make a person appear older than their actual age. Causes of crow’s feet In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr JS Kohli, Plastic Surgeon at Elina Aesthetic and Laser Center in Ludhiana, shared, “Crow’s feet are primarily caused by repeated facial movements and expressions, such as squinting, smiling and frowning, over the course of a lifetime.
As we age, the skin around the eyes loses elasticity and the underlying fat pads diminish, making these lines more pronounced.” According to him, other factors that can contribute to the development of crow’s feet include: Sun exposure - UV radiation can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to premature wrinkling. Smoking - Cigarette smoke contains free radicals that damage skin cells and speed up aging.
Dehydration - Lack of moisture in the skin can make wrinkles appear more prominent. Excessive squinting - People who spend a lot of time squinting, whether from bright light or poor vision, are more prone to developing crow’s feet. Genetics - Some people are simply more genetically predisposed to developing pronounced eye wrinkles.
Treating crow’s feet While crow’s feet can't be completely eliminated, there are several treatment options that Dr JS Kohli recommended, which can help minimise their appearan.