Droopy Eyelid (Ptosis) – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Risk Factors, Treatments & More

• Droopy Eyelids
• Who Gets Droopy Eyelid? 
• What Causes Eyelids To Droop?
• Symptoms Of Drooping Eyelid 
• What Are The Risk Factors For Droopy Eyelid? 
• How To Diagnose Droopy Eyelid?  
• Droopy Eyelid In Children
• Treatments For Droopy Eyelid Correction 
• Frequently Asked Questions 
• Final Words

Droopy eyelid is a common condition that can be the result of genetics or aging issue. A droopy eyelid is also known as blepharoptosis or ptosis. When a person is having droopy eyelids then the border of the upper eyelid used to fall to a lower position than normal. In some cases, the droopy eyelid can cover all or some part of the pupil with vision. Generally, it happens that the delicate tissue around the eyes loses its elasticity soon and the skin can accumulate below or above the skin which makes you look older and fatigued. This eyelid issue can also interfere with your eye vision.

Who Gets Droopy Eyelid?

Apart from aging and genetics, there are several other reasons that cause droopy eyelids and the causes may vary from natural to serious conditions. Your doctor will be able to figure out what is causing your eyelids to droop. Any people can get droopy eyelids and there are not any substantial differences in prevalence between women and men. Having droopy eyelid is more common in older adults just because of the aging issue. This is because as people get older, the muscles stretch and as a result, it causes the eyelid to fall.

So, do not forget that people of any age can get this eyelid issue and sometimes even newly born babies are affected by droopy eyelids. In another language, it is called congenital ptosis. Doctors are sometimes failed to recognize the reason but the most possible cause may be trauma or it can be neurological.

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What Causes Eyelids To Droop?

Well, when it comes to the causes of droopy eyelids, there are several factors responsible that affect the nerves, muscles or eyelid’s skin that causes ptosis or droopy eyelids. The muscle that helps your eyelids to move up and down is called levator muscles. These muscles can weaken from injury or age. Or, it is also possible that some people may be born with eye muscles that already weaken than normal and causes them to develop ptosis at a young age.

Also, nerve damage can contribute to droopy eyelids and the other common causes of having droopy eyelid is Horner’s syndrome. It is actually a form of nerve damage that takes place in the eyes and the face. Horner’s syndrome is generally caused due to stroke and other brain injuries, forms of lung cancer and spinal cord injuries as well.

Apart from these factors, some other chronic conditions like Myasthenia Gravis and diabetes may also cause eyelids to droop. Myasthenia gravis is actually an autoimmune disease that generally affects the way your muscles and nerves communicate. Diabetes is an inability to process sugar correctly.

Last, but not least, cluster headaches can also cause droopy eyelids. It is a severe headache that strikes frequently during the cluster periods.

Symptoms Of Drooping Eyelid

Well, the most common symptom of having eyelid ptosis is a visible drooping of the upper eyelid. This issue can affect adults and children at any stage of life. Also, the symptom can be seen in one or both eyes. Those children who are born with droopy eyelids are said to have congenital ptosis which I have already mentioned above.

The most common symptom of congenital ptosis is to have uneven or absent creases in the eyelids. Children with ptosis issue may use some gestures or body positions which is common to people with this symptom. Raising eyebrows frequently and tilting head can also indicate that ptosis is interfering with normal eyesight.

Look Here: 7 Common Causes For Having Droopy Eyelids and Their Treatment

What Are The Risk Factors For Droopy Eyelid?

Some medical conditions can also put you at great risk of developing droopy eyelids. Below you will get to know about the most common risk factors of developing droopy eyelids:

Medical Conditions: If the eyelids are drooping then it could be a sign of medical conditions, most probably if the issue affects both the eyelids. If any of your eyelids droop then it may be a result of a temporary stye on eyelid or a nerve injury. Sometimes, cataract surgery or routine LASIK is responsible for development of droopy eyelids.

Serious Conditions: In some of the common cases, drooping eyelid is caused due to more serious conditions like a brain tumor, stroke or cancer of the muscles or nerves. Some other neurological disorders may affect the muscles or nerves of the eyes like myasthenia gravis can lead to droopy eyelids.

How To Diagnose Droopy Eyelids?

In order to diagnose droopy eyelids, your doctor will first perform a physical exam and ask you about your medical history. After you explain all your medical history and how often your eyelids droops and the total time is taken for this happening then your doctor will run some tests to find out the cause.

Your doctor may perform a slit lamp exam so that your doctor can take a closer look at your eye with high-intensity light. It is possible that you may experience some slight eye discomfort because your eyes may be opened for this exam.

Also, your doctor may take another test to diagnose droopy eyelids is the Tensilon test. During this test, your doctor may inject a drug called Tensilon which is known as edrophonium into one of the veins. Your doctor may ask you to cross and uncross the legs or stand up and then sit down several times.

Droopy Eyelid In Children

Children are born with severe or moderate ptosis is called congenital ptosis and it requires surgical treatment for ptosis to get proper vision to develop. If there is a failure in a surgical treatment then it can result in amblyopia or lazy eyes and a poor lifetime poor eye vision.

Children with ptosis should definitely visit their eye care practitioner every year. The eyes change their shape as they grow and sometimes eye vision issue can also develop if the ptosis worsens.

Treatments For Droopy Eyelid Correction

There are several treatments available that will let you know how to fix droopy eyelids instantly. Some of the most possible and effective droopy eyelid treatments are as follows:

• Natural Home Remedies
• Exercises For Droopy Eyelid
• Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgical Treatment

Natural Home Remedies To Fix Droopy Eyelid At Home

The easiest and the best way you can try to fix droopy eyelids is the natural home remedies. Home remedies are very easy to apply and the ingredients you need to prepare the remedies are easily available at home and so you don’t have to panic much to prepare and apply the home remedies. With these treatments, you can know how to fix droopy eyelids without surgery.

Remedy #1: Use Cucumber

Cucumber is the excellent source of pantothenic acid which plays a very major role to rejuvenate the eyelids skin without surgery. This is the good source of potassium and vitamin C which plays an important role in treating drooping or sagging eyelids. To make use of cucumber remedy, take some cucumber and then cut it into slices and then freeze them and place them on eyes. After that, relax for some time and repeat this several times to prevent droopy eyelid.

Remedy #2: Aloevera Gel

Aloevera gel contains antioxidants that will help you get rid of droopy eyelid. This will help you to tighten the eyelids and then keep your eyelashes moisturized and hydrated. Aloevera is a great option if you are suffering from droopy, dry or sagging eyelids. For this remedy, take some aloevera gel and then massage your eyelids with it. Try this for a regular interval of time to best results.

Remedy #3: Ice Cubes

This quick home remedy is very effective to fix droopy eyelid. With the help of ice cubes, you can constrict the blood vessels which help to prevent drooping effect of the eyelids. This can only help to prevent droopy eyelid but also helps to reduce eyelid inflammation.

Remedy #4: Egg White Mask

Egg white generally contains natural enzymes that can help you prevent droopy eyelid. Egg white mask helps you improve the elasticity of the eyelids. To prepare this remedy, you can take one egg and then collect egg white from it. After this, whip it properly and then apply them on the eyelids. Now let this mask dry and then wash off with cold water. This will bring relief to your eyelids and then reduce droopy eyelid.

Remedy #5: Olive Oil

Olive oil used to contain antioxidants that can help you treat droopy eyelid with an ease. This oil helps rejuvenating the eyelids and it also restores the elasticity. Olive oil keeps your eyelids always moisturized and so it prevents dryness. For this remedy, you have to take some olive oil and then heat it. After this, you can massage your eyelids with olive oil and then leave it overnight and then wash off with cold water in the next morning.

Exercises To Get Rid of Droopy Eyelid

You can also try some facial exercises to fix droopy eyelid. Home remedies are easy to prepare and apply but sometimes it does not work. So, in that case, if you still have droopy eyelids then you can try these facial exercises to fix droopy eyelid. Go through each of the above exercises and get rid of droopy eyelid with ease:

Exercise #1: To Lift Upper Eyelid

When you wish to lift droopy eyelids, you can try these facial exercises and see the results soon:

#1: You need to first place the four fingertips on each hand just below the eyebrows

#2: Now you can slowly push up until you can feel the eyebrow bone just beneath the eyebrows

#3: Now you can move your droopy upper eyelid downwards until your eyes are closed for a count of five

#4: Now you can hold for a count of five and then gradually release your eyelids to a count of three

#5: Now sit relax and keep your eyes and then repeat 5 times

Exercise #2: Strengthen Droopy Upper Eyelid

The levator peripheral muscle used to control the upper eyelid. It is much more important if you want to improve and prevent the droopy eyelid’s appearance. If you wish to strengthen your droopy eyelid then try these below exercises steps:

#1: In the first step, you have to place an index finger just under the eyebrows, make sure that you feel the bone of the eyebrow.

#2: Slowly close the eyes then while holding them firmly.

#3: After this, you will notice a gentle pull from your eyebrow via to the eyelid.

#4: In the next step, try to squeeze your eyelids very tightly together so that you can create very stronger pull.

#5: Make sure that you try this exercise 5 times a day.

 

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Exercise #3: To Strengthen And Tone The Disease Eyelid Area

Now, if you want to strengthen and tone your delicate skin of the eyelid area then you have to follow these exercising steps:

#1: First of all, close your eyes and then place the index finger of each hand across the eyelids

#2: After this, keep the elbows lifted and out to the body’s side

#3: Now after this, apply some pressure with the pads of the index fingers to your eyelids

#4: After applying some pressure, try to open the eyes for about five seconds

#5: Try to repeat this exercise for 10 times each day

Exercise #4: Strengthen Forehead And Lift Your Eyebrows

Now to perform exercises for strengthening the forehead and lift your eyebrows, you have to follow these facial exercises steps:

#1: In the very step, keep yourself relaxed and the place the three of your middle fingers from both the hands under both of the eyebrows with the finger’s pads. It should be lined up along the eyebrow’s lower part.

#2: In the second step, you need to relax the hand’s palm just down towards the face and do not keep the eyes sticking an angle.

#3: Now, in the next step, try to gently push the eyebrows just upward with three fingertips and after that stick in this position for about 5 minutes.

#4: In the fourth step, just push down with forehead muscle and create resistance with the help of fingertips and after that hold this for not more than 5 minutes.

#5: Now just keep yourself relaxed and try to do this exercise for regular 10 minutes.

Exercise 5: Strengthen Muscles Of Your Eyebrow Area

Now to strengthen the eyebrow’s muscles area, you can try these mentioned exercise steps below:

#1: In the first step, you have to raise the eyebrows to the highest.

#2: Now open the eyes fully widely for not more than 5 seconds.

#3: Now lower your eyebrows very slowly and keep yourself relaxed.

#4: Make sure that you try this exercise for about 10 minutes every day.

These are some effective droopy eyelid exercises that you should definitely perform when you notice that you have droopy eyelids and want to get rid of droopy eyelid as soon as possible.

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Blepharoplasty Eyelid Surgery To Fix Droopy Eyelid

Blepharoplasty eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure. It is not medically necessary and it is performed solely just to improve the appearance. During aging process, your upper and lower eyelid may become baggy or droopy. These conditions may detract from overall attractiveness of the eyes and face and it can cause a tired or older appearance.

However, droopy eyelids are the major reason why some people consider blepharoplasty eyelid surgery. This surgery is actually done to lift droopy eyelids and get a youthful appearance. Apart from fixing droopy eyelids, it can also tighten and remove extra skin on eyelids. Sometimes this eyelid surgery can also improve the eye vision by providing a less obstructed field of view, once droopy eyelid is improved.

Preparation For A Blepharoplasty Procedure

During the preparation of the blepharoplasty eyelid surgery, you will have to first clarify with your doctor whether you will be undergoing general or local anesthesia for eyelid surgery. If you have local anesthesia, you will remain awake during the procedure; however, the area around the eyes will be numbed with a drug administrated via a needle. A local anesthesia is enhanced with synthetic sedatives given either intravenously or orally.

You may need general anesthesia if the blepharoplasty is more complicated or if you plan to undergo other surgical procedure simultaneously. If you require general anesthesia, a surgeon will give you an intravenous (IV) injection that will actually put you to sleep during the procedure. The total time taken to perform this surgery is from 20 minutes to 2 hours which depends on the complexity of the surgery and whether lower and the droopy upper eyelid are involved.

However, if you will be undergoing general anesthesia, you will be asked to take some steps like:

If your doctor advises the stop taking any medication that can thin your blood and then prevent it from clotting normally. These medications include pain relievers like ibuprofen and aspirin.  You will be required to stop these medications one to two weeks beforehand in order to reduce the possibility of excess bleeding during the procedure.

• Do not drink or eat anything after midnight.
• Try to eat only a light meal like soup the evening before the surgery.
• Try not to wear makeup of any kind on the day of surgery.
• Make sure that someone is available to transport you home and take care of you during the first several hours after you are released following the eyelid surgery.
• On the morning of the procedure, you should take some essential medications with a small sip of water.

This blepharoplasty eyelid surgery is performed in a day clinic or also at the doctor’s office. Generally, you would not need an overnight hospital stay unless you plan to have other cosmetic procedures that day.

What Happens During Eyelid Surgery?

Blepharoplasty eyelid surgery can be performed on lower as well as upper eyelids or both simultaneously. During this surgical procedure, incisions are made in the natural folds of the eyelids and just beneath your upper or lower eyelid bags. When this procedure takes place, a surgeon will make precise markings to designate where excess fat and skin needs to be lifted or removed. The excess skin is removed with the help of some surgical instruments like surgical scissors, scalpels, radiofrequency cutting devices and sometimes it also needs the laser. When a laser is used to complete this procedure, you can call it laser blepharoplasty eyelid surgery.

Your surgeon will make a judgment about how much muscle or skin has to be removed, most probably based on the preoperative evaluation of factors like bone structure, facial muscle structure and the symmetry of the eyebrows.

A surgeon may also make use of carbon dioxide laser so that he/she can enhance the procedure by smoothing out any wrinkles present in the eyelids and resurfacing the eyelid’s skin.

Recovery After Blepharoplasty

After droopy eyelid surgery procedure, topical antibiotic ointment will be applied. On the very first day, you will be required to apply cold packs each hour you are awake for about just 15 minutes. Cold packs will reduce swelling and keep bruising to a minimum. On the very second day, apply cold packs every four hours for about 15 minutes. Just after 48 hours, try to make use of warm compress to promote faster healing.

After this, your eye doctor will also instruct you about what pain medication to take if required. Most of the people need only non-prescription pain relievers. You will get mild discomfort during the immediate recovery period. However, if you find that the pain is severe or eye vision changes takes then you should hurriedly call your doctor.

During recovery after eyelid surgery, your eye area will be bruised and get red in color with swollen eyelids. The whites of the eyes may also change in color and become bloodshot and red. This may take a few weeks to heal to be complete during which time you should not wear any eye makeup.

You can also look at the video below to know how you can easily fix droopy eyelids with ease.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

Droopy eyelid is not harmful to your health but it makes your appearance quite dull. If your eyelids block your eye vision then you should not avoid this eyelid problem until the condition has been treated. The result will depend on the causes of droopy eyelids and most of the time, the eyelid condition is just a cosmetic issue. But sometimes, droopy eyelids can sometimes be a sign of a dangerous condition, so it is better if you consult your doctor soon.

However, droopy eyelids can be treated with some three different ways, natural home remedies, facial exercises and blepharoplasty eyelid surgery. All these treatments will be very helpful for you. But apart from all these, you can also try Eye Secrets Eyelid Lift. This is the best product you can try to get rid of ptosis. You can easily know how to fix droopy eyelids instantly with the help of this cosmetic product.