Droopy Eyelids: Causes | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Treatment

Droopy eyelids, or ptosis, occur when the upper eyelid hangs down lower than normal. Doctors can often treat droopy eyelids with surgery, although this depends on the underlying cause. Common causes include genetics and eye injuries, and the likelihood of developing ptosis increases with age.

Treatment may not be necessary if vision is not affected. However, in some cases the drooping lid can cover the pupil and reduce vision. Ptosis can be present at birth (congenital ptosis), but it can also develop later in life due to several factors.

In most cases, ptosis does not lead to serious health problems and can be managed effectively.

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Causes of Droopy Eyelids

Congenital ptosis is present from birth and may have genetic causes. It can affect one or both eyelids. Congenital ptosis can impair vision and lead to amblyopia, commonly known as “lazy eye.” People can also develop ptosis later in life (acquired ptosis).

A common cause is stretching or tearing of the levator aponeurosis, a tendon‑like sheet of tissue that allows the eyelid to move. Damage to the levator aponeurosis can result from:

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Risk Factors for Droopy Eyelids

Symptoms of Droopy Eyelids

The main symptom of ptosis is the visible drooping of the upper eyelid. In many cases, the drooping is mild, not very noticeable, and not painful.

In other cases, a person may feel that the drooping lid negatively affects their appearance and, in turn, their emotional well‑being. Sometimes the eyelid covers enough of the eye to interfere with vision, which may become worse when reading or looking downward.

People may also unconsciously raise their eyebrows to compensate for the blocked field of vision, which can lead to fatigue and strain in the facial muscles.

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Treatment of Ptosis (Droopy Eyelids)

Treatment options for ptosis depend on how severe it is. Because ptosis rarely causes discomfort or serious health issues, many people do not need treatment. However, treatment may be desired for cosmetic reasons or to correct impaired vision.

Surgery can be used to treat ptosis in selected cases. The procedure usually aims to tighten the levator muscle or repair the levator aponeurosis, which helps lift the eyelid.

The surgery is generally safe, but complications can occur. In some cases, the correction may be insufficient or excessive. Overcorrection or undercorrection can leave the eyelid either too high or too low, requiring additional surgery. In a 2018 study that evaluated revision rates for ptosis surgery in 1,519 patients, researchers found that 8.7% of cases needed a second operation.

When ptosis is caused by Botox injections, management options may include gently stimulating the affected muscles with the back of an electric toothbrush, using certain prescribed eye drops, or simply waiting for the effect to wear off. This type of ptosis often resolves on its own within 3–4 weeks.

At Batal Specialty Center, all types of eye cosmetic procedures, eyelid surgeries, and eyelid problem treatments can be performed. If you would like to treat your droopy eyelids, we recommend booking an appointment at Batal Specialty Center to receive a proper consultation.

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