You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. We link primary sources - including studies, scientific references, and statistics - within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. To assess the levator muscle function, a doctor will measure the distance the eyelid travels when the person goes from an upward gaze to a downward gaze.ĭetermining the cause of the droopy eyelid helps them decide how best to treat it. When a doctor is determining the cause of droopy eyelids, they will consider: It may also develop from hemifacial spasm, which is a nervous system disorder that affects one side of the face. Pseudoptosis may develop from the condition blepharospasm, which causes uncontrollable blinking or eye twitches. However, when a droopy eyelid develops because of other factors, it is called pseudoptosis. To some extent, the cause of ptosis often comes from a problem with the levator muscle. It may also happen if there is a tumor on the eyelid. This added weight may be from fat or from skin. Some people develop ptosis because the eyelid becomes too heavy to control. This type of ptosis usually affects other elements of a person’s facial expression in addition to their eyelids. The muscle becomes unable to lift the eyelid into position. Myogenic ptosis develops when the levator muscle, which is responsible for moving the eyelid, stops working properly. Indirectly, neurogenic ptosis can develop from tumors, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or carotid-cavernous aneurysms. This type of ptosis often results directly from conditions such as Horner syndrome or third cranial nerve palsy. Neurogenic ptosis occurs when there are problems with the nerve pathways in the eyelid muscles. The condition may start to develop after a trauma to the eye, or it may result from surgery or from wearing contact lenses for a long period of time. It is less common for a person to develop aponeurotic ptosis during their younger years, but this is possible. It usually develops with age, often starting when a person is in their 50s or 60s. Aponeurotic ptosisĪponeurotic ptosis is the most common form of droopy eyelid. The sections below will describe a few different types of ptosis. The way an eyelid droops often depends on the type of ptosis the person has. Some factors that can cause droopy eyelids include: These include:Ī doctor will only recommend a surgical procedure if the ptosis is affecting a person physically, such as by reducing their vision. Though unlikely, there are some risks associated with ptosis surgery. Most surgeries for ptosis are outpatient procedures, meaning that the person can go home on the same day of the operation. Doctors may recommend these options for people with droopy eyelids that are not related to levator muscle function. Levator aponeurosis advancement and Fasanella-Servat Mullerectomy are two other surgical options. If the ptosis is mechanical, such as from added weight on the eyelid, the surgeon may also remove the extra mass and any additional skin on the eyelid. This involves shortening the levator muscle. Levator resectionĪnother procedure for poor levator function is levator resection. The frontalis sling procedure is a popular option for myogenic ptosis, which the section below will look at in more detail. This operation involves the frontalis muscle, using the forehead muscle to control the upper eyelid. If the problem is with the function of the levator muscle, a common surgical option is a frontalis sling procedure. There are several types of surgery a person may undergo for ptosis, depending on the cause. Another symptom is the creases on the upper eyelids not appearing symmetrical between the right and left eye. The main symptom of having droopy eyelids is the upper eyelid drooping lower than usual. It may also develop due to an issue with the eyelid nerves. The eyelids may droop if the muscle in the eyelid separates or stretches away. It can sometimes begin during childhood, but it often develops with age. When the eyelid droops farther, the problem may become functional, possibly restricting the person’s ability to see.Ī person may develop ptosis for several reasons. This may mean that the person is unhappy about the appearance of their eyelid but that the ptosis does not affect the way their eye functions. If a person has a slight droop to their eyelids, the issue is often cosmetic. In other cases, however, the eyelid may droop enough to cover the pupil and restrict a person’s sight. Sometimes, the droop is only slight and does not cause any problems.
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