Eyelid drooping is excess sagging of the upper eyelid. The edge of the upper eyelid may be lower than it should be (ptosis) or there may be excess baggy skin in the upper eyelid (dermatochalasis). Eyelid drooping is often a combination of both conditions.

The problem is also called ptosis.

Ptosis; Dermatochalasis; Blepharoptosis; Third nerve palsy - ptosis; Baggy eyelids

A drooping eyelid is most often due to:

• Weakness of the muscle that raises the eyelid
• Damage to the nerves that control that muscle
• Looseness of the skin of the upper eyelids

Drooping eyelid can be:

• Caused by the normal aging process
• Present before birth
• The result of an injury or disease

Diseases or illnesses that may lead to eyelid drooping include:

• Tumor around or behind the eye
• Diabetes
• Horner syndrome
• Myasthenia gravis
• Stroke
• Swelling in the eyelid, such as with a stye

Drooping may be present in one or both eyelids depending on the cause. The lid may cover only the upper eye, or the entire pupil may be covered.

Problems with vision will often be present:

• At first, just a sense that the very upper field of vision is being blocked.
• When the drooping eyelid covers the pupil of the eye, vision may become completely blocked.
• Children may tip their head back to help them see under the eyelid.
• Tiredness and achiness around the eyes may also be present.

Increased tearing despite a feeling of dry eyes may be noticed.

If a disease is found, it will be treated. Most cases of drooping eyelids are due to aging and there is no disease involved.

Eyelid lift surgery (blepharoplasty) is done to repair sagging or drooping upper eyelids.

• In milder cases, it can be done to improve the appearance of the eyelids.
• In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to correct interference with vision.
• In children with ptosis, surgery may be needed to prevent amblyopia, also called "lazy eye."

A drooping eyelid can stay constant, worsen over time (be progressive), or come and go (be intermittent).

The expected outcome depends on the cause of the ptosis. In most cases, surgery is very successful in restoring appearance and function.

In children, more severe drooping eyelids may lead to lazy eye or amblyopia. This may result in long-term vision loss.

Contact your health care provider or eye doctor if:

• Eyelid drooping is affecting your appearance or vision.
• One eyelid suddenly droops or closes.
• It is associated with other symptoms, such as double vision or pain.

See an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) for:

• Drooping eyelids in children
• New or rapidly changing eyelid drooping in adults

Published Date: July 09, 2024
Published By: Audrey Tai, DO, MS, Athena Eye Care, Mission Viejo, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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