If a disease is found, it will be treated. Most cases of drooping eyelids are due to aging and there is no disease involved.
Eyelid lift surgery (blepharoplasty) is done to repair sagging or drooping upper eyelids.
In milder cases, it can be done to improve the appearance of the eyelids.
In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to correct interference with vision.
In children with ptosis, surgery may be needed to prevent amblyopia, also called "lazy eye."
Expectations (prognosis)
The expected outcome depends on the cause of the ptosis. Surgery is usually very successful in restoring appearance and function.
Calling your health care provider
Get a referral to an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor who is trained to diagnose and treat eye problems, for:
Drooping eyelids in children
New or rapidly changing eyelid drooping in adults
References
Custer PL. Blepharoptosis. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby Elsevier; 2008:chap 12.5.
Yanoff M, Cameron D. Diseases of the visual system. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 431.
Review Date:
8/14/2012
Reviewed By:
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
