At Spectrum Eye Physicians, our multidisciplinary team has helped thousands of people from the Bay Area achieve lasting, effective, and affordable improvements in a variety of conditions involving vision and eye health. Droopy lids, known clinically as ptosis, is one such condition that not only can impact a person’s vision but may also be somewhat embarrassing.
What Causes Droopy Lids?
Droopy upper eyelids (ptosis) can affect people of any age, from children to seniors. The obvious symptom is a noticeable drooping or asymmetry of the upper eyelid. A child may also demonstrate abnormal head tilting or movements in a compensatory movement to be able to see.
Causes of ptosis include:
- Congenital abnormalities with the development and strength of upper eye muscles
- Later-in-life complications of the upper eye musculature (and/or its innervation), such as a stroke
- Aging
- A history of eye surgery or injury
- Long-term use of contact lenses
Aside from being cosmetically problematic, droopy lids can actually impair vision if the upper eyelid droops enough to obstruct the visual field. Additionally, if a person relies extensively on head tilting and other unusual movements of the head and neck to be able to see properly, pain and postural abnormalities may occur long-term.
Treatment Options For Droopy Lids
If you or a loved one has a drooping eyelid, then it’s important to consult with a Bay Area eye doctor. At Spectrum, we can help correct the condition through a variety of treatment options.
Our ultimate plan of care will depend on the severity and underlying cause of your ptosis. For instance:
- If the upper eyelid is noticeably drooping but is not causing a visual impairment, we can perform cosmetic surgery to restore normal alignment and eyelid symmetry (typically by removing excess skin and/or repairing the upper eyelid muscle). This is typically done in a simple outpatient procedure, from which most patients recover very quickly.
- If visual impairments are being caused by the ptosis, or if there are other underlying health conditions, the surgical intervention may be more extensive and involve other healthcare professionals to ensure proper continuity of care.
Contact Spectrum Eye Physicians Today!
Schedule your appointment online or call us at 408-884-2215. No matter which of our locations you visit, you will receive the latest in eye care technology from friendly eye doctors and staff committed to serving you.
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