Pathologic droopy eyelids, also known as ptosis, may occur due to reasons such as injury, aging, and medical disorders. When this condition affects one eye, it is called unilateral ptosis. In case it impacts both the eyes, it is known as bilateral ptosis.
This condition may be transient or permanent. The patient may have it since birth, in which case it is called congenital ptosis, or it may develop later in life, where it is known as acquired ptosis.
Undermining Someone’s Vision
Ptosis may cause the upper eyelids to obstruct or significantly reduce vision depending on the level of pupil obstruction. Most cases of ptosis resolve either by themselves or through medical intervention.
Oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Hui provides eyelid lift and ptosis correction surgery to patients in Palm Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Coachella Valley, Riverside, Redlands, Yucaipa, Loma Linda, and surrounding communities.
Who gets Droopy Eyelid?
There are various potential reasons for droopy lids ranging from natural causes to more severe conditions. The doctor may be able to help the patient determine the reason for the ptosis.
Droopy eyelids can develop in any person. Furthermore, there are no significant differences in the occurrence of this condition between males and females or various ethnicities.
But it mostly occurs in older adults due to the natural process of aging. The levator muscle lifts the eyelid. As a person ages, this muscle can stretch and cause the lid to droop.
People of all age groups can be impacted with ptosis. Although rare, sometimes even infants are born with it. At times, the exact reason is not known. Sometimes ptosis may occur because of trauma, and it can be neurological as well.
Ptosis in Children
Congenital ptosis commonly occurs when the levator muscle fails to develop properly. Children with ptosis may develop amblyopia, which is commonly called a lazy eye. This condition can delay or reduce their vision.
Risk Factors for Droopy Eyelid
Specific health conditions can put the patient at risk for ptosis as well.
Health Condition
If the patient’s lids are drooping, it could be an indication of an underlying health condition, specifically, if the issue impacts both eyelids.
If only one eyelid droops, it may be an outcome of a nerve injury or temporary stye. At times, routine LASIK or cataract surgery can also cause the development of ptosis due to a tendon or muscle being stretched.
Sometimes droopy eyelid may lead to more serious conditions such as brain tumor, stroke, or cancer of the nerves or muscles.
Neurological disorders that impact the muscles or nerves of the eyes, for instance, myasthenia gravis, can also cause ptosis.
Is Preventing Ptosis Possible?
There is no known way to prevent droopy eyelid. Fighting the disorder is possible through monitoring for symptoms and getting routine exams.
In case a parent notice signs of ptosis in their child’s eyelid, they should take them to the doctor promptly for assessment and treatment.
Ptosis can impact the vision, and for this reason, it should be taken seriously. The patient may be able to prevent it from worsening by consulting a doctor immediately.
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.
