Droopy Eyelids (Ptosis) Information and Treatment

Droopy eyelids (ptosis; pronounced ‘toe-sis’) are the drooping of the upper eyelid that restricts or blocks normal vision. Cases of ptosis are more common in children, but it can develop in adults.

Ptosis Risk Symptoms

The most obvious sign of ptosis is a drooping upper eyelid. You may find yourself tipping you head back to see underneath your eyelids, or raising your eyebrows to lift up your eyelids. Over many years, abnormal head positions may cause deformities in the head and neck.

Ptosis Risk Factors

The most common cause of ptosis in adults is the separation of the levator muscle tendon from the eyelid. This separation may occur because of:

• Age
• Injury
• Eye surgery
• Restriction of the levator (from an eye tumor)

Adult ptosis may also occur as a complication of other diseases involving the levator muscle or its nerve supply, such as diabetes.

Ptosis Treatment

Treatment for ptosis usually involves surgically lifting the lid with blepharoplasty. Sometimes a small tuck in the lifting muscle and eyelid can raise the lid sufficiently. More severe ptosis requires reattachment and strengthening of the levator muscle.

Contact us if you experience drooping eyelids. Our ophthalmologists and cosmetic surgeons will meet with you to determine the best treatment to correct ptosis. If surgery is necessary, you’ll work with the same ophthalmologist you already know and trust.