What is ptosis?
What are the symptoms of ptosis?
When should you seek advice for a drooping eyelid?
What causes ptosis?
There are several possible ptosis causes, ranging from natural ageing to changes affecting the muscles or nerves around the eye.
Age-related ptosis
The most common cause of ptosis in adults is ageing. Over time, the muscle that lifts the eyelid (called the levator muscle) can weaken or stretch, causing the eyelid to gradually droop.
This type of ptosis often develops slowly and may affect one or both eyes.
Congenital ptosis
Some children are born with a drooping eyelid. This happens when the eyelid-lifting muscle does not develop fully before birth.
Children with congenital ptosis may need monitoring to make sure their vision develops properly, as a drooping eyelid can sometimes affect how the eye grows and how clearly they see.
Regular children’s eye examinations can help identify changes early and support healthy vision development.
Nerve or muscle conditions
The nerves and muscles around your eyes work together to control eyelid movement. In some cases, conditions affecting these systems can lead to ptosis.
Examples include:
-Myasthenia gravis: a condition that can affect communication between nerves and muscles, sometimes causing eyelid drooping that changes throughout the day.
-Horner syndrome: a rare condition affecting the nerves that control parts of the face and eye.
-Stroke or other neurological conditions: these can sometimes cause sudden changes affecting the eyelid.
These causes are less common, but sudden changes should always be checked.
Injury or trauma
An injury around the eye can damage the muscles or nerves that control the eyelid, leading to a drooping appearance.
Mechanical causes
Sometimes the eyelid can appear lower because something is physically weighing it down, such as:
-A lump or swelling
-A cyst
-Inflammation from an eye condition
Ptosis vs. excess eyelid skin: what’s the difference?
How is ptosis diagnosed?
Ptosis treatment options
The right ptosis treatment depends on the cause, severity, and how much it affects your vision or daily life.
Monitoring mild ptosis
If your drooping eyelid is mild and not affecting your vision, your optometrist or ophthalmologist may recommend monitoring it over time.
Regular eye examinations can help track any changes.
Ptosis surgery
For more noticeable ptosis, surgery is the most common treatment.
Ptosis surgery usually involves tightening or adjusting the muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid. The aim is to raise the eyelid position and improve comfort, appearance, and vision where needed.
Non-surgical options
In some cases, non-surgical options may be considered, including:
-Special glasses with eyelid supports (known as ptosis crutches)
-Treating an underlying condition causing the eyelid drooping
Your treatment options will depend on your individual circumstances, which we’ll assess if you pop down to your local Bayfields practice.
Can ptosis be fixed naturally?
Can ptosis be prevented?
What happens if ptosis is left untreated?
When should I see a Bayfields optometrist about a drooping eyelid?
Frequently Asked Questions about Ptosis
What is ptosis?
Ptosis is the medical term for a drooping upper eyelid. It happens when the muscles, nerves, or tissues that lift the eyelid are affected, causing one or both eyelids to sit lower than usual.
How do I know if I have ptosis?
You may have ptosis if one or both upper eyelids appear lower than before, especially if the eyelid covers part of your eye. Other signs include tired eyes, raising your eyebrows to see better, or changes to your vision.
How do you get ptosis?
Ptosis can develop due to ageing, genetics, injury, or conditions affecting the nerves and muscles around the eye. Some people are born with ptosis, while others develop it later in life.
Why is my eye drooping all of a sudden?
A sudden drooping eyelid should always be checked, especially if it happens alongside symptoms such as double vision, severe headache, weakness, or changes elsewhere in the body. It can sometimes indicate an underlying medical issue.
How long does ptosis last?
How long ptosis lasts depends on the cause. Some cases remain stable, while others may improve if the underlying cause is treated. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist can advise based on your situation.
Why is my eyelid droopy when I’m tired?
A droopy eyelid can appear more noticeable when you’re tired because the muscles responsible for lifting the eyelid may become less effective throughout the day.
How can I fix ptosis naturally?
There are no proven exercises that can permanently correct true ptosis. Treatment depends on the cause and may include monitoring, addressing underlying conditions, or surgery in some cases.
What happens if ptosis is left untreated?
Some mild cases may not cause problems, but more severe ptosis can affect vision. In children, it can sometimes interfere with normal vision development, so early assessment is important.
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