Ptosis / Droopy Eyelid
Also known as Blepharoptosis, Drooping Upper Eyelid, Eyelid Ptosis, Heavy Eyelid, Congenital Ptosis
Bottom Line
Ptosis means the upper eyelid sits too low. It can be harmless, but sudden drooping with double vision, pupil change, weakness, or headache can signal a nerve or brain emergency.
Ptosis, also called blepharoptosis, happens when the upper eyelid droops over part of the eye. It can affect one eye or both eyes 1.
Some people are born with ptosis. Others develop it from aging, contact lens wear, eye surgery, nerve problems, muscle disease, or injury 2.
Treatment depends on the cause. Glasses, medicines, or eyelid surgery may help, but sudden ptosis needs urgent evaluation first 3.
Common Causes
Common causes of ptosis include aging, congenital muscle weakness, contact lens wear, past eye surgery, injury, and eyelid tumors.
Nerve and muscle disorders can also cause ptosis. Examples include third nerve palsy, Horner syndrome, and myasthenia gravis. These need careful testing because treatment is different 1.
What the Doctor Checks
The doctor measures eyelid height, eyelid lift strength, pupil size, eye movement, and vision. Old photos help show whether the droop is new.
Children need extra care. A low lid can block vision, cause astigmatism, or make one eye weaker than the other.
Treatment
Mild stable ptosis may only need monitoring. Some people use a ptosis crutch on glasses.
Surgery can raise the eyelid when ptosis blocks vision or bothers daily life. The surgeon chooses a method based on eyelid muscle strength and eye surface health 5.
If ptosis comes from a nerve or muscle disease, treating that cause comes first. Surgery may not be the first step.
Common Questions About Ptosis
Next Steps
- 1Call 911 for sudden ptosis with face droop, weakness, trouble speaking, or confusion.
- 2Get same-day care for new ptosis with double vision, pupil change, severe headache, or eye pain.
- 3Book an eye exam if the eyelid blocks vision, causes head tilt, or keeps getting lower.
- 4Bring old photos to show when the eyelid position changed.
- 5Ask whether oculoplastics or neuro-ophthalmology is the right next visit.
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