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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.
What else can I help you with?
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.
Can a sinus infection cause a drooping eyelid?
Yes, a sinus infection can cause a drooping eyelid, particularly if the infection affects the sinus cavities near the eyes, such as the ethmoid or sphenoid sinuses. This can lead to inflammation or pressure on the nearby nerves, potentially resulting in eyelid drooping. However, drooping eyelids can also be caused by other conditions, so it's important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
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 are some effective ptosis exercises that can help improve drooping eyelids?
Some effective ptosis exercises to improve drooping eyelids include eyelid lifts, eyebrow raises, and eye squeezes. These exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the eyes and improve eyelid drooping over time. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen for ptosis.
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 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 -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 removal of all or part of the eyelid called?
The removal of all or part of the eyelid is called blepharoplasty. This surgical procedure can be performed for cosmetic reasons to improve the appearance of the eyelids or for functional reasons to correct issues such as eyelid drooping that may obstruct vision. In some cases, it may also involve the excision of tumors or lesions on the eyelid.
What is a double eyelid and are they uncomfortable for the person with one?
Double eyelids are the type of eyelids that you see most caucasions with. You can clearly see a double set of lids. Asians are currently having surgery to create double eyelids. They are not painful.
