A droopy eyelid, also known as ptosis, is a prevalent condition that affects the upper eyelids and results in a noticeable asymmetry in their position. As a consequence, one eye looks smaller than the other. However, in some individuals, both eyelids may be droopy. In such cases, the person appears to be sleepy or tired. Eyelid ptosis can be congenital, meaning it appears since birth, or it may be acquired later in life. The latter is usually a manifestation of age-related weakness of the muscle responsible for raising the eyelid.
The first step towards treatment for a droopy eyelid consists in making a differential diagnosis with excess skin (dermatochalasis) and a droopy eyebrow. Once the proper diagnosis has been made, the surgeon operates to raise the eyelid to its normal position. The goal is to achieve symmetry in eyelid height.
In this interview, Dr. Gómez explains the causes of droopy eyelid and how to make a distinction between ptosis and excess eyelid skin. He also explains the different alternatives to treat these conditions.
|