If you’re experiencing droopy eyelids, you understand the impact that this common concern can have on your life. Cosmetically, droopy eyelids can give the face a tired, aging appearance. Practically, droopy eyelids can obstruct your field of vision and make it more difficult to see. Together, these effects lead many patients to seek treatment for droopy eyelids.
What Causes Droopy Eyelids?
Droopy eyelids may occur for many reasons. Some of the most common causes of droopy eyelids include:
Upper eyelid dermatochalasis
Dermatochalasis of the upper eyelid occurs when the eyelid skin droops down over the edge of the lid. This excess tissue may limit the patient’s vision and may even make it difficult for the patient to keep their eyelids open.
Eyelid ptosis
Eyelid ptosis is when the lid edge and lashes sit low. This is usually because of a stretched or detached levator muscle in adults. The levator muscle is the muscle that raises the eyelid; and when it stretches out or becomes weak from the aging process, eyelid ptosis may occur.
Brow ptosis
Brow ptosis occurs when the eyebrows sink from the natural position. When the brows are in a lower position, it may cause the upper eyelid to droop.
Droopy Lower Lids
The lower lids can droop due to excess skin like the upper lids. Additionally, patients may experience puffy lower lids caused by fat that has pushed forward and become more visible. While droopy lower lids don’t typically obstruct vision like droopy upper lids, many patients seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.