Mr Sohail Ahmed
book a consultation

Droopy Eyelids

What are droopy eyelids?

Droopy eyelids, medically known as ptosis, occur when the muscles that lift the eyelid weaken or the skin of the eyelids becomes excessively stretched. This condition can affect one or both eyes and may be present from birth or develop later in life. While droopy eyelids can sometimes just be a cosmetic concern, they can also impair vision if the eyelid significantly obstructs the field of view. Aging, genetics, and certain medical conditions can contribute to the development of ptosis. Symptoms often include a decreased ability to keep the eyelids open, increased effort to raise the eyelids, and fatigue from the constant muscle strain. In more noticeable cases, individuals might tilt their heads back to see more clearly.

Symptoms

Symptoms of droopy eyelids, or ptosis, can range from mild to severe, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life. Individuals with ptosis often experience a noticeable sagging of the eyelids, which may require them to strain or manually lift their eyelids to see more clearly. This can lead to increased eye fatigue and discomfort, especially after prolonged periods of activities that require visual focus, such as reading or working on a computer. One of the more significant impacts of this condition is on driving, especially if the drooping is severe enough to obstruct the field of vision, making it difficult to see road signs, other vehicles, or pedestrians clearly. This can potentially compromise safety while driving, highlighting the importance of addressing severe ptosis.

Reduced field of vision

Eye strain

Headache

What causes a droopy eyelids?

Congenital

Present from birth, this form of ptosis occurs when the muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid develops improperly.

Acquired

Develops later in life due to factors such as aging, injury, or medical conditions affecting the muscles or nerves of the eyelid.

Excess Skin

Caused by the skin of the upper eyelid stretching and sagging over time, often due to natural aging or significant weight loss.

Pseudoptosis

Appears as droopy eyelids but is typically caused by other factors such as asymmetry in the eyelid position, brow position, or issues within the eye itself that affect eyelid appearance.

Droopy Eyelid Treatment

Treatment for droopy eyelids, or ptosis, varies depending on the severity and underlying causes. For mild cases, regular monitoring may suffice. However, significant vision impairment or cosmetic concerns often necessitate surgical intervention. Ptosis repair, which tightens the levator muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid, is a common procedure aimed at improving vision and symmetry. In contrast, blepharoplasty involves removing excess skin and fat, primarily for cosmetic enhancement or to remove obstructions from the visual field. Brow suspension is another surgical option used especially in cases of severe ptosis or weak levator function, where the eyelid is mechanically elevated by attaching it to the brow. Non-surgical options include special eyeglasses with a crutch to support the eyelid, and addressing any health issues contributing to the drooping is crucial for effective management and prevention of progression.
Book Now

What are the risks?

Ptosis surgery is generally safe and effective in correcting droopy eyelids to improve vision and appearance. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications that patients should consider.

Risks associated with ptosis surgery include:

Although rare, as with any surgery, there is a risk of infection at the site of the operation.
One of the more common risks is that the eyelids may not appear symmetrical post-surgery, even though the goal is to make them as even as possible.
There is a possibility that the surgery might not raise the eyelid to the desired position, requiring further intervention. Alternatively, the eyelid may be elevated too much, which can also require additional surgery.
Any surgical cut on the skin can lead to scarring. In most cases, these are not noticeable, but in some instances, they may be visible.
In rare cases, changes in how the eyelid moves can occur, affecting blinking and eye closure.
Some patients may experience increased eye dryness and discomfort following surgery, which can usually be managed with eye drops or other treatments.
Very rarely, the surgery can affect the muscles or nerves around the eyes, leading to temporary or permanent changes in vision.

4 Tips to Improving Success

Achieve better outcomes with expert surgeons, advanced procedures, and a commitment to quality care. Our focus on precision, efficiency, and timely surgeries ensures your vision restoration is in trusted hands.

The Surgeon

The expertise of your eye surgeon is crucial for the success of ptosis surgery. I am a consultant eye surgeon with extensive experience in eyelid procedures, ensuring a meticulous and safe surgical experience. You can trust that your procedure will be performed with precision, aiming for the best possible outcome.

The Procedure

Ptosis surgery is generally very safe and is performed on an outpatient basis. The surgery involves adjustments to the muscles or tendons that lift the eyelid, done under local anesthesia. I will guide you through the entire process, explaining each step in a clear and straightforward manner to ensure your comfort and understanding.

Quality Surgery

Achieving optimal results in one go is crucial. As a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon with specialized expertise in eyelid surgeries, I am committed to delivering the highest quality care and achieving the best possible vision and aesthetic outcomes for you.

Prompt Treatment

For ptosis, addressing the condition promptly when symptoms affect your vision or quality of life is essential. I ensure a swift process from your initial consultation to the surgical correction, often scheduling your procedure within a short time frame to restore your eyelid function and appearance effectively.

Droopy Eyelids FAQs

Ptosis surgery is a procedure to correct drooping eyelids by tightening the muscle that lifts the eyelid or by adjusting its attachment for better function.
Blepharoplasty, often referred to as eyelid surgery, involves removing excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids to improve vision and appearance.
As with any surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, asymmetry, and, rarely, changes in vision. Discuss all potential risks with your surgeon prior to surgery.
Immediately following the surgery, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the treated area. Cold compresses can help minimize swelling, and your doctor will likely prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort.
Scars from eyelid surgeries are usually well-concealed within the natural folds of the eyelid region and typically fade over time to become barely noticeable.
While the results of eyelid surgery are long-lasting, aging and lifestyle factors can affect the longevity. Most patients enjoy the benefits for many years.
Most patients are able to return to work and light normal activities within a week to ten days, depending on the extent of the surgery and their individual recovery rate. You should avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending over for at least 2-3 weeks. Follow your doctor’s specific instructions, as activity levels can vary depending on the specifics of the surgical procedure.
Contact your doctor if you experience severe or increasing pain, sudden vision changes, excessive swelling that does not decrease after a few days, signs of infection (such as increased redness, pus, or warmth), or any other symptoms that concern you.
Swelling and bruising are normal parts of the healing process and typically subside within a week or two. Continue using cold compresses with an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel for 20 minutes every couple of hours for the first 48 hours post-surgery, and ensure you get plenty of rest.

Your first follow-up visit is typically scheduled within two weeks after surgery to ensure proper healing. Subsequent visits may be scheduled over the next several months to monitor progress.

Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes when outdoors. Also, steer clear of smoking as it can impede the healing process. It’s important to avoid any activities that could strain your eyes, like reading, using the computer, or watching TV, for long periods in the first few days after surgery.
The incisions usually heal within about a week, although complete internal healing might take several weeks. Visible scarring should fade significantly over the next few months.

You should avoid applying makeup around the eye area for at least two weeks after surgery to prevent infection and allow the incisions to heal properly.

It’s best to wait until your eye doctor confirms it is safe to resume wearing contact lenses, typically a few weeks after surgery, once the swelling has subsided and the area has healed sufficiently.

Transform your vision with expert care, advanced treatments, and personalized solutions for better sight.
Linkedin Instagram
Quick links
Services
Get In Touch
  • Designed & Developed by احمد