Drooping Eyelids (Ptosis)

Drooping eyelids often are caused by aging, and can lead to both aesthetic and functional issues.

Your eyes are the windows to your soul, affecting both how you see the world and how the world sees you. Yet, when you have an eye condition, often caused by heredity or aging, you may experience drooping eyelids (also known as ptosis), and your eyes and eyebrows can give a sad or tired appearance.

Causes of drooping eyelids

Over time your upper and/or lower eyelids may become “droopy” or “baggy” because:

• The eyelid skin stretches
• Eye muscles weaken
• Fat pockets bulge and become more prominent around the eyes

Ptosis most commonly occurs because of the aging process but also may be a hereditary condition. Your eyebrows also may sag or droop as part of this same process.

Functional problems of drooping eyelids

Aesthetically, drooping eyelids and other similar conditions may detract from the overall attractiveness of your eyes and cause a “tired” or older appearance. When severe, these conditions also may cause functional problems, including:

• Decreased field of vision (baggy upper eyelids)
• Difficulty wearing glasses (baggy lower eyelids)

Specialists in eyelid surgery

If you have drooping eyelids, ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery can remarkably improve your vision and the appearance of your eyes, restoring a more youthful you. Our specialists in eyelid surgery will provide you with the highest quality care, close to your home.

At Henry Ford, patients come first.

The Henry Ford Department of Ophthalmology is committed to providing our patients with compassionate, personalized care. We feature the most advanced treatments in eye care and are dedicated to vision research – always staying at the forefront of innovation. A leader in Michigan, as well as one of the largest ophthalmology practices in the United States, we treat more than 55,000 patients per year at 12 locations throughout southeast Michigan. In addition, our team works closely with Henry Ford Medical Group physicians in other departments, providing multidisciplinary, coordinated care for those patients who need it.