Droopy Eyelids (Ptosis)

Overview

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A droopy eyelid, or ptosis, is most commonly caused by loosening of the muscle that raises your eyelid. Ptosis can cause an asymmetric appearance between your eyes and can also affect your peripheral vision.

Droopy eyelids are mostly commonly caused by aging. Other conditions can also cause ptosis, including various muscular disorders, neurological disorders, previous eye surgery, trauma, and long-term contact lens use.

The main goal of ptosis surgery is to elevate the upper eyelid. Surgery will help improve your field of vision and establish more symmetry with the opposite eyelid. There are several different types of surgery to correct ptosis depending on the cause. Dr. Munroe will perform an assessment of your eyelid function and review a personalized treatment plan to provide you with the best results.

Treatment

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Ptosis surgery can performed in an ambulatory surgery center or in the office. It usually takes about one hour to perform. Local anesthesia will be used to numb your eyelid and the area around it.

The surgery involves tightening the loose muscle in order to elevate the eyelid to the desired position. There are two different ways this can be performed. In the first approach, an opening is made in the skin of the upper eyelid. Stitches are then used to tighten the loose muscle and help raise the eyelid to the desired position. The incision in the skin of the eyelid is then closed with stitches. In the second approach, the entire surgery is performed from underneath the eyelid. The eyelid is flipped and the muscle is tightened. No skin incision is required for this technique.