Ptosis (Eyelid Drooping)

Ptosis (Eyelid Drooping) refers to the lowering of one or both upper eyelids due to weakness or dysfunction of the muscles or nerves that lift the lid. It may be congenital or acquired, with common causes including levator aponeurosis dehiscence (age-related), neurogenic or myogenic disorders, mechanical factors such as scarring or masses, or trauma; symptoms range from a subtly tired appearance and eyelid asymmetry to obstruction of the visual axis that interferes with sight.

Assessment typically involves a clinical ophthalmic examination to measure eyelid position and levator function and to look for underlying neurological or muscular causes. Treatment depends on cause and severity: mild cases may be observed or managed with temporary measures like a ptosis crutch on glasses, while significant or vision‑threatening ptosis is often treated surgically with procedures such as levator advancement/resection or a frontalis sling; as with all eyelid surgery, planning considers medical history and potential risks such as under- or overcorrection, asymmetry, and dry eye, with a recovery period of gradual improvement.