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Eyelid drooping is excessive sagging of the upper eyelid.
See also: Drooping eyelid disease
ConsiderationsA drooping eyelid can stay constant, worsen over time (progressive), or come and go (intermittent). It can be one-sided or on both sides. When drooping is one-sided (unilateral), it is easy to detect by comparing the two eyelids. Drooping is more difficult to detect when it occurs on both sides, or if there is only a slight problem.
A furrowed forehead or a chin-up head position may indicate that someone is trying to see under their drooping lids. Eyelid drooping can make someone appear sleepy or tired.
Drooping lids are either present at birth (congenital) or develop later in life. A drooping eyelid is not a reason to panic, but you should report it to your doctor.
Common CausesBoth eyelids drooping:
- Medical problem, such as myasthenia gravis
- Migraine headaches
- Normal aging process
- Normal variation of the eyelids
One eyelid drooping:
- Growth in the eyelid, such as a stye
- Medical problem
- Nerve injury
- Normal aging process
- Normal variation
Below is a list of recommendations based on the various causes of eye drooping:
- Caused by aging -- no treatment is necessary, unless it affects your vision.
- Caused by an allergic reaction -- consult your doctor about antihistamine or steroid treatment.
- Caused by nerve injury -- consult your doctor about surgical correction.
For all other causes -- follow your health care provider's recommendations.
Call your health care provider ifContact your health care provider if:
- Eyelid drooping is affecting your appearance or vision
- One eyelid suddenly droops or closes
- It is associated with other symptoms, such as double vision
Your health care provider will get a medical history and perform a physical examination.
Medical history questions may include:
- Are both eyelids affected or just one?
- How long has this been present?
- Is it getting worse or staying the same?
- Is it present all of the time or only sometimes?
- What other symptoms do you have?
The physical examination may include a detailed assessment of nerve functioning.
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
Interventions:
Surgery may be necessary to correct problems with the muscles that open the eyelid (levator muscle dysfunction).
You may get special spectacle frames that suspend the eyelid by traction with a wire. Usually these frames help patients with temporary, partial paralysis, or those who are not good candidates for surgery.
After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to eyelid drooping to your personal medical record.
ReferencesCuster PL. Blepharoptosis. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, Augsburger JJ, et al, eds. Ophthalmology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2004: chap 86.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoEyelid drooping is excessive sagging of the upper eyelid.
See also: Drooping eyelid disease
ConsiderationsA drooping eyelid can stay constant, worsen over time (progressive), or come and go (intermittent). It can be one-sided or on both sides. When drooping is one-sided (unilateral), it is easy to detect by comparing the two eyelids. Drooping is more difficult to detect when it occurs on both sides, or if there is only a slight problem.
A furrowed forehead or a chin-up head position may indicate that someone is trying to see under their drooping lids. Eyelid drooping can make someone appear sleepy or tired.
Drooping lids are either present at birth (congenital) or develop later in life. A drooping eyelid is not a reason to panic, but you should report it to your doctor.
Common CausesDrooping eyelids may be due to a variety of conditions include aging, Diabetes, stroke, Horner syndrome, myasthenia gravis, or a brain tumor or other cancer that affects nerve or muscle reactions. Below are some common causes.
Both eyelids drooping:
- Medical problem, such as myasthenia gravis
- Migraine headaches
- Normal aging process
- Normal variation of the eyelids
One eyelid drooping:
- Growth in the eyelid, such as a stye
- Medical problem
- Nerve injury
- Normal aging process
- Normal variation
Below is a list of recommendations based on the various causes of eye drooping:
- Caused by aging -- no treatment is necessary, unless it affects your vision.
- Caused by an allergic reaction -- consult your doctor about antihistamine or steroid treatment.
- Caused by nerve injury -- consult your doctor about surgical correction.
For all other causes -- follow your health care provider's recommendations.
Call your health care provider ifContact your health care provider if:
- Eyelid drooping is affecting your appearance or vision
- One eyelid suddenly droops or closes
- It is associated with other symptoms, such as double vision
Your health care provider will get a medical history and perform a physical examination.
Medical history questions may include:
- Are both eyelids affected or just one?
- How long has this been present?
- Is it getting worse or staying the same?
- Is it present all of the time or only sometimes?
- What other symptoms do you have?
The physical examination may include a detailed assessment of nerve functioning.
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
Interventions:
Surgery may be necessary to correct problems with the muscles that open the eyelid (levator muscle dysfunction).
You may get special spectacle frames that suspend the eyelid by traction with a wire. Usually these frames help patients with temporary, partial paralysis, or those who are not good candidates for surgery.
After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to eyelid drooping to your personal medical record.
ReferencesCuster PL. Blepharoptosis. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier; 2008:chap 12.5.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 08/03/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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What is the term meaning drooping of the upper eyelid?
Blepharoptosis is a term specifically meaning drooping of the upper eyelid. Ptosis means drooping, but many refer to blepharoptosis as, simply, ptosis.
What is the primary symptom of ptosis?
The primary symptom of ptosis is a drooping eyelid.
Has anyone heard of Postatrax?
Postatrax is a herbal remedy for eyelid ptosis (an abnormally low position (drooping) of the upper eyelid).
What does the medical terminology combining form -ptosis mean?
-ptosis means drooping. When used as a "stand-alone" word, it generally refers to drooping of an eyelid.
What causes ptosis?
A drooping eyelid is most often due to: Weakness of the muscle that raises the eyelid; damage to the nerves that control that muscle; or looseness of the skin of the upper eyelids.
What part of the anatomy does ptosis affect?
Ptosis affect a persons eyes or vision. It is the drooping of a persons eyelid. Ptosis is caused when the muscles that are suppose to raise and lower the eyelid aren't strong enough to do so.
What is -ptosis?
AnswerPtosis is when your top eyelid droops down uncontrollably- in some cases it can affect your vision.The abnormal drooping of an organ part.
What is the prognosis for ptosis after surgery?
After diagnosing the cause of a drooping eyelid, then correcting the condition, most people have no further problems related to the ptosis.
What is the medical term meaning any disease of the eyelid?
BlepharoptosisIt is called ptosis of the eyelid. Ptosis occurs when the muscles that raise the eyelid are not strong enough to do so properly. It can affect one eye or both eyes and is more common in the elderly, as muscles in the eyelids may begin to deteriorate. One can, however, be born with ptosis. Congenital ptosis is hereditary in three main forms. Causes of congenital ptosis remain unknown. Ptosis may be caused by damage/trauma to the muscle which raises the eyelid, or damage to the (3rd cranial nerve (oculomotor nerve)) which controls this muscle. Such damage could be a sign or symptom of an underlying disease such as diabetes, a brain tumor, and diseases which may cause weakness in muscles or nerve damage, such as myasthenia gravis. Exposure to the toxins in some snake and insect venoms, such as that of the black mamba may also cause ptosis.
Is there safe eyelid surgery to fix drooping eyelids?
There is a surgical procedure called Blepharoplasty that can correct droopy eyelids. It involves removal of excessive skin, muscle and fat. It is a fairly safe procedure and recommended for those who are having vision problems due to the drooping eyelids. As with any surgery, there are always risks.
What is the most common cause of eyelid droop?
There are several causes of eyelid drooping. The actual medical name for it is Ptosis. There are no known common cause for Ptosis. It is most common in the elderly, however one can be born with the condition. If one experiences Ptosis, its best to see a doctor to rule out a tumor in the brain or lung.
What are the symptoms of Horners Syndrome?
Horner's Syndrome can result in dry skin, a drooping eyelid, blurred vision, and/or a red eye. Horner's Syndrome can be a consequence of a serious disease, so a physician should be consulted.
