Ptosis (Drooping Eyelid)

Ptosis is also called “drooping eyelid.” It is caused by weakness of the muscle responsible for raising the eyelid, damage to the nerves that control those muscles, or looseness of the skin of the upper eyelids.

Causes

Drooping eyelid can be caused by the normal aging process, a congenital abnormality (present before birth), or the result of an injury or disease.

Risk factors include aging, diabetes, stroke, Horner syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and a brain tumor or other cancer which can affect nerve or muscle reactions.

Symptoms

• Drooping of one or both eyelids
• Increased tearing
• If ptosis is severe, interference with vision.

Exams & Tests

• A physical examination to determine the cause
• Special tests may be done to evaluate suspected causes, such as myasthenia gravis

If an underlying disease is found, the treatment will be specific to that disease. Most cases of ptosis are associated with aging and there is no disease involved.

Surgery can be done to improve the appearance of the eyelids in milder cases if the patient wants it. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct interference with vision. In children with ptosis, surgery may be necessary to prevent a lazy eye (amblyopia).