Blepharoplasty for Droopy Eyelids (Ptosis)


Medically termed 'ptosis,' droopy eyelids can cover part or all of the pupil, affecting vision and causing problems such as amblyopia (diminished vision) and astigmatism (blurred vision).  There are several types/causes of ptosis including:

  • Aponeurotic Ptosis - Also known as senile or age-related ptosis, it is the most common type of ptosis.  It is caused by the levator muscle of the eyelid naturally weakening and loosing its ability to hold the eye open over time, due to the effects of gravity. 
  • Muscle Diseases - Hereditary muscular diseases can cause ptosis and affect eye motion.  
  • Congenital ptosis - In rare occasions people are born with ptosis.  This is usually treated early in life, to prevent long term sight loss. 
  • Disease or Disorder - Myasthenia gravis can cause progressive muscle weakness and ptosis is one symptom of this rare disorder.  Other diseases such as diabetes may also result in drooping eyelids.
  • Nerve Problems - Injury to the brain caused by conditions such as a stroke or brain tumour, can affect the nerves that control the eyelid as well as the brain itself and lead to ptosis.
  • Eye Problems - Other causes of ptosis include infection, tumours, eye injury and eye surgery.

An obvious sign of ptosis, is if you experience yourself tilting your head back in order to see under your eyelid, or if you find yourself raising an eyebrow to lift the eyelid higher.  It is advisable to contact a health care professional if you are seriously concerned with the appearance of your eyelids, if your vision is obstructed by a drooping eyelid, if the onset of a droopy eyelid is rapid and when it is associated with other symptoms such as double vision.

<<<previous page
next page>>>


Laser Eye Surgery Enquiry Form

Complete this form if you would like information about laser eye surgery including costs & suitablity.