How To Tell If You Have Deep-Set Eyes, According To Our Optometrist

You may not have ever given your eye shape much thought, but when trying out new eye makeup techniques, wearing false lashes, choosing glasses, or if you're simply curious about your eye health, it may be helpful to understand it. Just as you want to work with and not against each of your features when it comes to styling and makeup artistry, the same can be said of your eyes. According to Vision Center, there are 10 different eye shapes: almond, round, monolid, protruding, downturned, upturned, close-set, wide-set, hooded, and deep-set. Figuring out what your eye shape is can be tricky, but understanding which category you fall into can be a great aid in trying out eyeliner tips or choosing new frames. 

Some of these eye shapes, like almond, sound simple enough, but others sound less clear. For instance, what does deep-set mean? To understand this shape better, we asked optometrist Dr. Jen Wademan how to tell if you have deep-set eyes and if there's any significance about the eye shape. "Deep-set eyes are a type of eye shape where the eye is set deeper within the eye socket; often this type of eye shape highlights the prominence of the brow bone," Dr. Wademan exclusively told Glam. But that's not all: "This type of eye shape can sometimes give the appearance of smaller eyes and shadowed-like appearance under the eyes," Dr. Wademan added. Sound relatable? Here's how to tell if this is your shape.

If you're unsure whether or not your eyes fall into the deep-set category, you'll mainly need to examine your eyelid and brow bone. Those with deep-set eyes tend to have more visually striking brow bones as a result of the eyes not being positioned as far outward from the cranium (via Vision Center). They're set deeply in the skull, just as the shape's name implies. As mentioned by Dr. Jen Wademan, you may also have a shadow-like appearance underneath your eyes.

"Look at the upper eyelid. If you notice a more prominent crease of your eyelid, even when shut, then you have deep-set eyes," Dr. Wademan exclusively told Glam. "Oftentimes, the upper eyelid appears short and small. If you have little to no white visible between your iris and eyelid, you likely have deep-set eyes."

Some celebrities with deep-set eyes include Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lawerence, Emma Stone, and Oprah Winfrey. If you notice a strong resemblance between the shape of their eyes and yours, you may have deep-set eyes, too.

Thankfully, having deep-set eyes doesn't necessarily say much when it comes to eye health or whether or not you need to wear glasses. Essentially, eye shape — rather than eyeball shape — is more a matter of appearance, per NVISION Eye Centers. "Deep-set eyes tend to not be indicative of vision issues or eye health, except they may show up in some more rare genetic conditions," Dr. Wademan exclusively told Glam. "It's merely a type of eye shape like almond-shaped eyes or wide-set eyes."

If you do need glasses and have deep-set eyes, frames that are round and large tend to complement them best,  as they help smaller, deep-set eyes stand out more. Ultimately, determining your eye shape might feel as challenging as understanding your face shape, seasonal coloring, or Kibbe body type, but knowing which category you fall into can be a great vehicle for styling yourself in the best light.