While "bedroom eyes" may be sexy, droopy eyelids medically known as PTOSIS, can be a real turn-off. Unfortunately, they are usually just another unavoidable sign of aging. As we grow older, the tendon-like tissue on top of the eyes tends to stretch and our eyelids droop. Age-related ptosis typically affects both eyes and is usually nothing to worry about. However, the lids may droop so low they can block a peron's vision.
Sometimes droopy eyelids are not age-related but a sign of Hypothyroidism (see Bags Under The Eyes,
CLICK HERE) or Myasthenia Gravis (MG), an autoimmune disorder that causes muscle weakness in various parts of the body, especially the eyes. Other early sign of MG are double vision, difficulty swallowing, and slurred speech. It is most common in women under the age of 40 and men over the age of 60.
Ptosis can also be a marker for Bell's Palsy, a type of facial paralysis in which the nerve that controls facial expressions (the 7th cranial nerve) is damaged by injury or disease. The facial paralysis or weakness can come on quite quickly and usually affects only one side of the face. Other common eye signs of Bell's Palsy are having difficulty closing your eyes or blinking, which in turn can result in excess tearing or dry eye. (see Watery Eyes,
CLICK HERE and Dry Eyes,
CLICK HERE). The good news is that the paralysis from Bell's Palsy is rarely permanent; it usually resolves without treatment in 2 to 3 weeks. Only about 10% of sufferers experience a recurrence often on the opposite side of the face.
A single droopy eyelid can be part of a cluster of nerve damage related signs that, taken together, are known as HORNER'S SYNDROME. Typically, Horner's affects just one side of the face. The eye on the damaged side will have a constricted (small) pupil, an eyeball that recedes into the face, and an iris that changes color. (see Eye Color Changes,
CLICK HERE). Interestingly, that side of the face does not sweat (anhidrosis). Horner's usually signals a serious cord disorder, a brain tumor, or even lung cancer. In rare cases, Horner's is present at birth.
Having one droopy eyelid may also be an early warning sign of a number of serious neurological or systemic disorders, some of which can be life-threatening. For example, a droopy eyelid on one side of the face may be an early warning sign of a Stroke, Infection, Tumor, Diabetes, or brain Aneurysm (a thin, weakened area in a blood vessel wall that may rupture).
If your previously normal eyelid suddenly droops, call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room. You may have a brain injury or tumor. If your drooping eye is accompanied by double vision, weakness in your facial muscles or other parts of your body, severe headache, or difficulty speaking or swallowing, you may be having a stroke.
That is correct. The most common cause of droopy eyelids is aging, although it can also be a sign of a major health problem. It can range from mild sagging of the skin around the eye to severe drooping, which can obstruct the vision. In some instances, a portion of the pupil is blocked, and this will cause loss of the upper vision. In severe cases, the muscles in the eyelid may have limited function, resulting to the inability to lift the eyelid at all. If you noticed that your lids are affecting your eyesight, go see a doctor immediately so that he can give you a proper diagnosis.
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