What is a Droopy Eyelid?
As we age, many of us notice changes around our eyes – perhaps one eyelid starts to look lower than the other, or our vision feels slightly obstructed.
A “droopy eyelid” is a common concern which can result from three different causes. Some people experience just one of the causes or may have combination of two or even all three of the causes.
Ptosis
Ptosis commonly refers to the drooping of the upper eyelid, where the eyelid margin sits lower than normal. This can make one eye appear smaller or cause the brow to lift higher to compensate. In moderate to severe cases, ptosis can reduce the upper field of vision.
Ptosis may occur at birth or develop due to aging, long-term contact lens wear, eye surgery, trauma, or neurological conditions. Treatment involves a minor outpatient procedure under local anaesthetic, where one of the eyelid’s lifting muscle is tightened to restore proper height and function.
Dermatochalasis
This condition involves loose, sagging skin on the upper eyelid, often due to aging or less commonly repeated swelling episodes (known as blepharochalasis). It can lead to wrinkling and, in more advanced cases can even obstruct the top part of the field of vision.
A blepharoplasty can correct this by removing excess skin and sometimes fat, improving both vision and appearance.
Brow Ptosis
Sometimes, the eyebrow itself droops, causing the upper eyelid to appear hooded. This can be hereditary or age-related. Several brow lift procedures are available, tailored to individual needs.
The Good News
The encouraging news is that all three types of droopy eyelids—whether caused by muscle weakness, excess skin, or a low-set brow—can be safely and effectively treated. These are delicate outpatient procedures designed to restore not only your vision but also the aesthetic appearance of your eyes, often resulting in a more refreshed and youthful look.
Dr Rona Silkiss
Oculoplastic, Lacrimal and Orbital Surgeon
Our industry-leading experts are here to guide you every step of the way
Dr Nick Mantell is a Refractive laser, Refractive Lens Exchange and Cataract Specialist. He has been working in private practice for 20 years.
With four decades at the forefront of eye surgery in New Zealand, Dr Ring was an early exponent of modern multi-focal technology. He was also part of the esteemed small team that introduced laser surgery to the country.
A cataract, corneal and laser surgery specialist Dr Subbiah has been with Eye institute since 2013. His easy manner and affable nature have found a natural home in New Zealand medicine.
Dr Watson’s focus – pun intended – is the front of the eye. His combination of specialisations enables him to address the face, eyelids, tear drainage system, the surface of the eye and cornea together as a single functional unit to give the best possible outcome.
Professor Danesh-Meyer is an international authority on glaucoma and neuro-ophthalmology and one of the most highly regarded experts in her field.
Professor Charles McGhee, a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon for 25 years, specialises in corneal diseases and cataract surgery.
Will is an acknowledged expert in cataract and vitreoretinal surgery. He splits his time between the Eye Institute and works publicly at the Greenlane Clinical Centre.
Dr Hill completed her MBBS at St Georges University of London in 2008, also obtaining an Intercalated BSc from King’s College University, London.
Dr Hadden specialises in vitreoretinal and cataract surgery, including the treatment of intraocular tumours. He has been at Eye Institute for 17 years.
Dr Narme Deva is a key opinion leader for Medical retina and Uveitis in New Zealand and an expert cataract surgeon. She has a logical approach, an empathetic manner and a passion for the pursuit of excellence.
Dr Elizabeth Insull is a New Zealand and UK trained Oculoplastic and Ophthalmic surgeon based at Eye Institute Hawke’s Bay at Kaweka Hospital.
Dr Kaliopy Matheos is a New Zealand-trained Ophthalmologist specialising in Glaucoma & Anterior Segment Surgery at the University of Toronto in Canada.
As part of his ophthalmology specialty training, Dr Dunne gained valuable experience in major centres such as Auckland and Wellington.
Dr. Jay Meyer is a specialist eye surgeon with expertise in cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal diseases and surgeries. He has a gentle demeanour and provides personalised care by tailoring treatments to each patient’s needs.
Dr Reeves has advanced training in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma. He offers a variety of laser and surgical treatments including minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.
Dr Baswati Sahoo
Dr Baswati Sahoo is a cataract and glaucoma surgeon from India with over 15 years of experience in Ophthalmology.
Dr Shira Sheen
Shira completed Ophthalmology training in Israel, under the supervision of world known Ophthalmologist, Professor Ehud Assia.
Dr Ammar Binsadiq
Dr Ammar Binsadiq is a New Zealand-trained ophthalmologist with subspeciality training in medical retinal, cataract and vitreoretinal surgery.
Dr Narme Deva is a key opinion leader for Medical retina and Uveitis in New Zealand and an expert cataract surgeon. She has a logical approach, an empathetic manner and a passion for the pursuit of excellence.
LEARN MORE
With four decades at the forefront of eye surgery in New Zealand, Dr Ring was an early exponent of modern multi-focal technology. He was also part of the esteemed small team that introduced laser surgery to the country.
LEARN MORE
A cataract, corneal and laser surgery specialist Dr Subbiah has been with Eye institute since 2013. His easy manner and affable nature have found a natural home in New Zealand medicine.
LEARN MORE
Dr Watson’s focus – pun intended – is the front of the eye. His combination of specialisations enables him to address the face, eyelids, tear drainage system, the surface of the eye and cornea together as a single functional unit to give the best possible outcome.
LEARN MORE
Professor Danesh-Meyer is an international authority on glaucoma and neuro-ophthalmology and one of the most highly regarded experts in her field.
LEARN MORE
Professor Charles McGhee, a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon for 25 years, specialises in corneal diseases and cataract surgery.
LEARN MORE
Will is an acknowledged expert in cataract and vitreoretinal surgery. He splits his time between the Eye Institute and works publicly at the Greenlane Clinical Centre.
LEARN MORE
Dr Hadden specialises in vitreoretinal and cataract surgery, including the treatment of intraocular tumours. He has been at Eye Institute for 17 years
LEARN MORE
Dr Elizabeth Insull is a New Zealand and UK trained Oculoplastic and Ophthalmic surgeon based at Eye Institute Hawke’s Bay at Kaweka Hospital.
LEARN MORE
Dr Kaliopy Matheos is a New Zealand-trained Ophthalmologist specialising in Glaucoma & Anterior Segment Surgery at the University of Toronto in Canada.
LEARN MORE
Dr. Jay J. Meyer is a specialist eye surgeon with expertise in cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal diseases and surgeries. He has a gentle demeanour and provides personalised care by tailoring treatments to each patient’s needs.
LEARN MORE
Dr Reeves has advanced training in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma. He offers a variety of laser and surgical treatments including minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.
LEARN MORE
Dr Nick Mantell is a Refractive laser, Refractive Lens Exchange and Cataract Specialist. He has been working in private practice for 20 years.
LEARN MORE
Dr Hill completed her MBBS at St Georges University of London in 2008, also obtaining an Intercalated BSc from King’s College University, London..
LEARN MORE
As part of his ophthalmology specialty training, Dr Dunne gained valuable experience in major centres such as Auckland and Wellington.
LEARN MORE
Dr Ammar Binsadiq is a New Zealand-trained ophthalmologist with subspeciality training in medical retinal, cataract and vitreoretinal surgery.
LEARN MORE
Dr Baswati Sahoo is a cataract and glaucoma surgeon from India with over 15 years of experience in Ophthalmology.
LEARN MORE
Dr Shira Sheen completed Ophthalmology training in Israel, under the supervision of world known Ophthalmologist, Professor Ehud Assia.
LEARN MORE
Dr Edward Hutchins specialises in Cataract, Corneal, Medical Retina & Vitreoretinal surgery.
LEARN MORE
