Pathologic droopy eyelid (ptosis) may develop due to aging, injury, or medical conditions. Ptosis is known as unilateral when it impacts one eye and bilateral when it impacts both eyes.
It may be temporary or permanent. A patient may have ptosis since birth (congenital ptosis) or develop it later in life (acquired ptosis). Droopy upper lids can obstruct or significantly reduce vision depending on how much it blocks the pupil.
Oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Hui provides eyelid surgery to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Coachella Valley, Riverside, Redlands, Yucaipa, Loma Linda, and surrounding communities.
Is it possible to Prevent Ptosis?
While there is no known way to prevent ptosis, the patient can understand the symptoms and get regular eye exams to fight the condition. Parents who notice that their child seems to have a droopy lid should take them to the doctor promptly to be treated and monitored.
Ptosis is a condition that should be taken seriously as it impacts the vision. By consulting a doctor in a timely manner, patients may be able to prevent it from worsening.
Who gets Droopy Eyelid?
There are various potential reasons for droopy eyelid development ranging from natural causes to more serious issues. The doctor may be able to identify the reason for the ptosis.
Droopy eyelid can affect anyone, and there are no significant differences in its prevalence between males and females or between different ethnicities.
But it occurs most commonly in elderly patients dues to the natural process of aging. The levator muscle which lifts the eyelid can stretch and cause the eyelid to fall due to aging-related laxity.
Although it is important to remember that this condition can impact people of all ages, in rare cases, even infants may be born with ptosis. At times, the exact reason for droopy eyelid may be unknown. However, at other times, it may occur due to trauma. It may also occur due to neurological reasons.
Children
Congenital ptosis commonly occurs due to the improper development of the levator muscle. Children with ptosis may develop amblyopia, also called a lazy eye. This condition can delay or limit their vision.
Risk Factors for Droopy Eyelid
There are some medical disorders that can put a person at risk for ptosis development.
Common Medical Conditions
Drooping eyelids can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, particularly if it affects both lids.
Temporary eyelid droopiness may be an indication of a nerve injury or a temporary stye. At times, cataract or routine LASIK surgery may cause the ptosis development due to the tendon or muscle being stretched.
Serious Conditions
Sometimes droopy eyelid occurs due to more serious illnesses, such as a brain tumor, stroke, or cancer of the muscles or nerves.
It can also develop due to neurological conditions that impact the nerves or eye muscles.
What are the Symptoms of Droopy Eyelid?
The primary symptom of ptosis is that one or both upper lids droop. Sometimes it can impact the vision, but many individuals find that sagging is barely visible and does not happen all the time.
The patient may also experience very dry or watery eyes or notice a tired or weary-looking face.
If you are looking for more information about cosmetic eyelid surgery and non-surgical eyelid treatments and procedures performed by Oculoplastic Eyelid Surgeon Dr. Jennifer Hui and live in or around Palm Springs, La Quinta, Coachella Valley, Palm Desert, Riverside, Redlands, Yucaipa, Loma Linda California, Rancho Mirage call 760 610 2677 or click here to contact us.
