About the disease

Droopy eyelid is known as ptosis, which is a medical term for this condition. This condition can develop as a result of trauma which affected the eyelid. With age skin loses its elasticity, including the skin on the eyelid, and it can lead to development of droopy eyelid as well. Ptosis can occur as a result of other medical conditions.

According to Healthline, there are two types of droopy eyelid: unilateral and bilateral. In the first case droopy eyelid is present only in one eyes, while in another both eyes are affected. Also, some babies are already born with the droopy eyelid, in such case prosis is congenital. Nevertheless, most droopy eyelid cases are acquired, meaning that prosis developed as a result of some other factors.

If droopy eyelid is minimal and does not block the pupil, it rarely causes any problems, other than cosmetic. Nonetheless, if droopy eyelid blocks the eyelid , it can reduce the vision, and then this problem will need to be surgically removed. In many cases droopy eyelid resolves on its own, especially if the factors which caused it had been treated. If droopy eyelid was caused by the trauma, the consequences of the trauma need to be completely treated for the droopy eyelid condition to disappear.

Having cataract or laser surgery in the past may negatively affect the eyelid and cause its muscles to lose its strength and resistance. Stroke or brain tumor can become the underlying causes of droopy eyelid as well. Droopy eyelid can affect a person of any age or ethnicity.

Symptoms

• Upper eyelid sags
• Part of the pupil can be blocked if the eyelid sags too much
• Dryness in the eyes
• Watery eyes
• Aching in the eye

Diagnosis

• During general examination the doctor will examine the eyes of the patient. The doctor will direct the light on the widened previously pupils to see how they react. High-intensity light is usually needed to examine the eyes properly.
• The doctor will ask how long the person had droopy eyelid and how it affects his/her vision.
• The doctor will review the medical history of the patient to determine if any other conditions could have affected the eyelid.
• The doctor will ask about the previous eye traumas.
• Nerve and muscle tests can be used to check the muscle strength of the person and also neurological response of the body.

Treatment

• Special glasses which support the eyelid can be prescribed as the first help for a person with droopy eyelid.
• Blepharoplasty is the plastic surgery which corrects the appearance of the eyelid. The doctor will lift the eyelid and fixate it in the right position. The doctor may remove the excess skin as well.

Authors: Dr. Vadim Zhiliuk, Dr. Sergey Pashchenko