Droopy Eyelid

Ptosis happens when the upper eyelid sags and hangs over the eye, lower than normal. This can impact one or both of your eyes. It can happen to people of all ages, however, it’s more likely to occur with ageing. Children may be born with droopy eyelids, while others may develop it later in life due to trauma or underlying medical issues. But it’s important to note, droopy eyelids can be temporary or permanent.

It’s common for people to undergo treatment for droopy eyelids. This is typically for cosmetic reasons since sagging eyelids can make a person look older or more tired. It’s important to note that ptosis may sometimes indicate a more serious health problem, so if you notice this condition developing, it’s crucial to consult a doctor promptly.

The Difference Between Droopy Eyelids and Excess Baggy Skin

Ptosis droopy eyelids occur when the muscle responsible for lifting the upper eyelid weakens or is damaged, leading to excess sagging of the entire eyelid. Whereas excess baggy skin (dermatochalasis) involves loose skin on the upper eyelid that may hang down without affecting the eye muscle. Both conditions can result in a tired “look” but droopy eyelids involve deeper muscle issues, while baggy skin is due to skin elasticity.

What Are the Causes of Droopy Eyelids?

The reasons for getting droopy eyelids can vary from person to person. There are natural causes as well as more serious conditions – where droopy eyelids are just a by-product.

Droopy eyelids become more prevalent as people get older, due to the natural ageing process. The muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid – the levator muscle – stretches as we get older and becomes less effective at keeping the eyelid open.  Sometimes, the drooping is caused by damage to the nerves that control the eye muscles, preventing the eyelid from functioning properly.

If ptosis develops in children, this can be an early sign of the muscle not developing properly. This is referred to a congenital droopy eye. Often, children who develop droopy eyelids can also develop amblyopia, or what is more commonly called lazy eye. In extreme cases, the eyelid can cover the pupil and surgery will be suggested.

Symptoms of Droopy Eyelids

The most obvious sign of ptosis is the drooping eyelid. You may find that either one or both of the eyelid’s sag. Occasionally, this will be barely noticeable and won’t necessarily affect your vision. Sometimes, ptosis can be accompanied by dry or watery eyes. A feeling of tiredness or aching around the eyes may also be felt.

In extreme cases, however, you may find that the drooping of the eyelid will start to impede your vision, especially if it covers your pupil.

In severe cases, you may start tilting your head back so that you can see more clearly, even when having a normal conversation. If left untreated, severe cases of ptosis can lead to astigmatism, headaches and completely blocked vision, requiring urgent attention.

If you notice that you are having rapid onset ptosis, over the space of a few days or weeks, you should see a doctor immediately. Often, there will be accompanying symptoms, such as headaches, loss of vision or a dramatic change in the size of your pupils.

Visit your GP or local A&E immediately to make sure that this isn’t a symptom of amore serious concern such as myasthenia gravis or a brain tumour.

Children with droopy lids eyes may exhibit certain tell-tale signs – apart from a lower eyelid position, children with the condition sometimes will tilt their head, often raise their eyebrows or show signs of eye strain from the effort needed to see clearly. Marcus Gunn ‘jaw winking’ syndrome is a condition in children where the eyelid appears to lift when the child’s jaw moves often noticed when a baby is chewing or feeding. This occurs due to a disconnect between the upper eye lid and the nerve that helps to move the jaw.