A drooping eyelid is also called ptosis or blepharoptosis. In this condition, the border of the upper eyelid falls to a lower position than normal. In severe cases, the drooping eyelid can cover all or part of the pupil and interfere with vision.
Ptosis can affect one or both eyes. It may be present at birth (congenital ptosis), or it may develop gradually over decades. Sometimes ptosis is an isolated problem that changes a person's appearance without affecting vision or health. In other cases, however, it can be a warning sign that a more serious condition is affecting the muscles, nerves, brain or eye socket. Ptosis that develops over a period of days or hours is more likely to signify a serious medical problem.
You could get ptosis as an adult when the nerves that control your eyelid muscles are damaged. It might follow an injury or disease that weakens the muscles and ligaments that raise your eyelids.
Sometimes, it comes with age. The skin and muscles around your eyes get weaker. Surgery like LASIK or cataract surgery can stretch your eyelid. An eye tumor can cause ptosis, too.
Signs and symptoms typically seen in this condition include:
An eye doctor will diagnose ptosis by examining your eyelids closely. They will measure the height of your eyelids and the strength of the eyelid muscles.
They may also perform a computerized visual field test to see if your vision is normal
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