Discover more about this condition and how to treat it
Ptosis is a drooping or sagging of the upper eyelid, which may affect one eye or both.
Ptosis is the medical name given to the condition of droopy eyelids. It is most common in older people, although it can occur as a congenital disability or an eye injury or disease.
Ageing
The most common cause of ptosis is ageing. As the muscles around the eyes weaken, the upper eyelids may begin to droop.
Congenital ptosis
Occasionally, children can be born with ptosis. Children with this condition often tilt their heads or lift their eyebrows frequently to see properly.
Injury or disease
A head injury, eye trauma or another condition or disease can cause ptosis. This occurs when there is damage to the ‘levator’ muscles that hold the eyelids up, or damage to the nerves that control these muscles.
The main symptom of ptosis is the drooping of the upper eyelids. This can be in just one eye, or it may affect both eyes.
Ptosis generally gives the face a tired or severe appearance. However, it can also result in both dry eyes and watery eyes. This is because the eyelids are no longer functioning effectively to keep the eyes moist.
At its most severe, ptosis can obstruct vision, as the upper eyelid sags so much that it begins to cover the pupil. Many people with severe ptosis find themselves tilting their heads back to speak.
Ptosis can also cause tiredness and aching around the eyes. This is because you are forced to lift the eyebrows to see properly.
An ophthalmologist or optometrist can confirm ptosis by performing an eye examination.
Thankfully, treatment for ptosis is relatively fast and straightforward. Our oculoplastic surgeons specialise in ptosis repair – an operation to correct drooping of the eyelid and restore your normal, youthful appearance.
If you suffer from ptosis, make an appointment with one of our eyelid surgery specialists to discuss your treatment. Children with ptosis should also have regular check-ups and treatment if necessary, as ptosis may cause further vision problems later in life.
Can I prevent ptosis?
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent a drooping eyelid.
Will surgery fix my ptosis?
Yes, there are surgical procedures that can help with the appearance of ptosis. Our surgeons can tell you what would be possible.
Does ptosis hurt?
Typically not, although you can get some tiredness of the eyelid muscles if you are trying to hold your eyelid up all the time.
Does ptosis affect my vision?
If the eyelid is sitting low enough, it may obstruct some of your vision; however, it does not make your vision blurry overall.
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Pathologic droopy eyelid, also called ptosis, may occur due to trauma, age, or various medical disorders.
This condition is called unilateral ptosis when it affects one eye and bilateral ptosis when it affects both eyes.
It may come and go or it might be permanent. It can be present at birth, where it’s known as congenital ptosis, or you can develop it later in life, which is known as acquired ptosis.
Depending on the severity of the condition, droopy upper eyelids can block or greatly reduce vision depending on how much it obstructs the pupil.
In most cases, the condition will resolve, either naturally or through medical intervention.
