Many wonder about the condition when one or both eyelids droop. There are a variety of reasons as to why a person should develop what we may call “drooping eyelids,” and SightMD will explain two of them.

What causes drooping of eyelids?

One cause of drooping eyelids is simply the aging process. As a person gets older, it is not unusual if his or her eyelids begin to sag due to the skin around that area losing elasticity. Treatment would depend on the severity of the condition. This covers one reason for drooping eyelids. What does it mean, however, if a younger person experiences this condition?

Yes, men and women of any age may develop drooping eyelids, which is known (medically speaking) as “ptosis.” The causes of ptosis may be due to swelling or issues with the strength of the muscles in the eyelid, which could include damage to the nerve. Additionally, ptosis may also occur in people who’ve been diagnosed with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes.

What you should do if you notice your eyelids are drooping?

If you notice that your eyelids are starting to sag, schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist to determine if you might have ptosis. Treatment generally depends on the seriousness of the condition. While not life-threatening, ptosis may lead to other issues, such as “lazy eye” (amblyopia) or other forms of astigmatism.

Most importantly, should your eyelids droop heavily to the point where your ability to see is affected, an operation known as a blepharoplasty would be necessary. (Some people may still opt for eyelid surgery for cosmetic reasons, even if their vision isn’t affected.)

We hope we have answered your questions regarding drooping eyelids (a.k.a. ptosis). If you have any other concerns about this or any other vision-related issue, feel free to reach out to your local SightMD team. You may also give us a call at 855.295.4144 or contact us online.

Here’s to your good vision, from SightMD.