Crow's feet
Crow's feet are lines that fan out from the outer corners of the eyes. They usually become clearer with smiling or squinting and may later be visible at rest. They are common and do not indicate an eye disorder.
What you may notice
- Fine radiating lines during smiling
- Lines made clearer by squinting
- Crepey texture beside the eyes
- Different prominence on each side
Why it can happen
The circular orbicularis oculi muscle folds the skin during expression. Periocular skin is thin, and cumulative sun exposure, loss of collagen and elastin, genetics and smoking can make the lines more visible. Dryness may accentuate their surface appearance without being the underlying cause.
What may help
Sunglasses, sun protection and gentle moisturising help reduce aggravating exposure and dryness. Muscle-relaxing injections can soften movement-related lines; resurfacing or selected skin treatments may address static texture. Eye-area anatomy, eyelid support and the ability to close the eye fully should be considered before treatment.
When to consult
Consult an appropriately trained clinician if you are considering treatment near the eye. Sudden eye-area weakness, painful swelling, double vision or a new drooping eyelid requires medical assessment rather than cosmetic treatment.
Evidence and sources
- DermNet. Facial lines and wrinkles [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet New Zealand Trust; 2004 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/facial-lines-and-wrinkles (new tab)
- DermNet. Ageing skin [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet New Zealand Trust; 2018 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/ageing-skin (new tab)
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Skin rejuvenation and resurfacing [Internet]. Arlington Heights (IL): American Society of Plastic Surgeons; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/skin-rejuvenation-and-resurfacing (new tab)
- US Food and Drug Administration. Wrinkle treatments and other anti-aging products [Internet]. Silver Spring (MD): FDA; 2024 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/wrinkle-treatments-and-other-anti-aging-products (new tab)