Ptosis (Drooping Eyelid)

Ptosis is the medical term for the disorder popularly known as “drooping eyelid.”

Ptosis is caused by weakness in the muscles which raise the eyelid, damage to the nerves controlling these muscles, or loose upper eyelid skin.

The normal ageing process also can cause drooping eyelid. The condition may also be the result of a congenital abnormality or the effect of an injury or disease.

Risk factors include ageing, stroke, myasthenia gravis, diabetes, Horner syndrome or a brain tumor or other cancers affecting nerve or muscle reactions.

What are the symptoms of Drooping Eyelid?

The drooping of one or both eyelids, increased tearing and vision impairment if the condition is severe.

How is Drooping Eyelid treated?

A comprehensive eye examination by your optometrist or ophthalmologist is needed to determine the cause. Special tests may be carried out to ascertain specific causes, such as myasthenia gravis.

If a specific underlying disease is found, treatment will be implemented accordingly.

Should the patient want it, surgery can be done for cosmetic reasons. In more severe cases surgery may be necessary to correct vision impairment and, in children, may be indicated to prevent amblyopia.

Children with drooping eyelids should be seen as soon as possible by an ophthalmologist. Adults should also undergo an examination by an ophthalmologist if the condition is new or has rapidly worsened.