A droopy eyelid, known medically as ptosis, occurs when the upper eyelid sits lower than normal and may partially or fully cover the pupil. This can affect one or both eyes and may range from mild to severe. Ptosis can affect appearance, cause eye strain, and in some cases interfere with vision.
A droopy eyelid refers to lowered positioning of the upper eyelid caused by weakened muscles, stretched eyelid tissues, or reduced nerve input to the eyelid. Mild ptosis may simply create a tired appearance, while moderate to severe sagging can block part of the pupil and interfere with everyday vision such as reading or driving.
Ptosis may be congenital (present at birth) due to abnormal development of the levator muscle or acquired later in life. Acquired ptosis is most often age-related but can also be linked to trauma, medical conditions affecting the nerves, long-term contact lens use, or previous eye procedures such as cataract surgery.
Understanding the type and cause of ptosis helps guide appropriate treatment, which may include surgical correction, management of underlying disease, or observation.
Ptosis symptoms vary depending on severity and underlying cause. Common signs include:
In children, significant ptosis can interfere with normal visual development and may lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) if untreated.
Ptosis develops when the structures responsible for lifting the eyelid are weakened, stretched, or disrupted. Common causes include:
Identifying the underlying cause is essential to ensure appropriate management.
A specialist performs a detailed eye and eyelid assessment to determine the type and severity of ptosis. Testing aims to confirm the cause, rule out neurological issues, and guide treatment planning.
Diagnosis usually includes:
Accurate diagnosis ensures that treatment addresses both cosmetic concerns and functional issues such as reduced visual field.
Not all cases of ptosis require treatment, especially mild, non-progressive changes that do not affect vision. Treatment is recommended when ptosis causes visual obstruction, eye strain, asymmetry, or concern about appearance.
Your clinician will recommend the most appropriate approach based on cause, severity, eyelid function, and cosmetic goals.
The outlook for ptosis depends on its cause and severity. Age-related or congenital ptosis usually responds well to surgery, restoring eyelid height and improving both appearance and field of vision. Neurological or muscular causes may require ongoing management but can often be stabilised through appropriate medical treatment.
Most patients achieve long-lasting results. Recurrence is uncommon but may occur when ptosis is linked to progressive neuromuscular conditions. Early assessment helps prevent complications such as eye strain, poor vision development in children, or persistent cosmetic concerns.
While not all causes of ptosis can be prevented, certain steps may reduce risk or slow progression:
Regular eye examinations support early detection and treatment of eyelid and vision changes.
