The drooping eyelids are not usually a serious health problem. For many people, it is an aesthetic problem that they want to solve to avoid looking older. In general, droopy eyelids occur due to weakness of the eyelid muscle, which can affect aging due to a deficiency of collagen and elastin. It can also be due to several conditions and diseases that affect tension or the nerves of this muscle.
The eyelid can droop in one or both eyes, and the hang can be constant; it can increase over time or be intermittent. When the eyelid of one eye falls, it is much easier to find the cause of the fall than when the eyelids of both eyes fall. This FastlyHealarticle is dedicated to reviewing the causes of this condition due to the number of people who ask themselves, “why do I have a droopy eyelid” daily.
Table of Contents
Ptosis or drooping of the eyelid
In medicine, drooping of the eyelids is known as ptosis, and it represents the excessive sagging of the upper eyelid, which, in extreme cases, can obstruct visual capacity. When the eyelid falls, it is due to two factors: the end of the eyelid reaches lower than it should, and the eyelid has an excess of puffy skin (dermatochalasis).
When the drooping eyelid occurs only on one side, it is easier to diagnose or discover the cause since it allows comparing the eyelid with ptosis with the healthy eyelid. On the contrary, when ptosis occurs in both eyelids, it is necessary to carry out more tests and examinations that help the specialist discover why a person has droopy eyelids.
Why do I have a droopy eyelid?
The fall can be stimulated by several conditions. It is almost always due to muscle weakness that elevates the eyelid, loose skin on the upper eyelids, or damage to the nerves that control the power. Likewise, ptosis can be congenital; that is, the person is born with it, it can be due to aging, the decrease in the production of collagen and elastin, or it can be the result of an injury or disease. Among the pathologies that usually cause drooping of the eyelids are:
- Diabetes.
- Tumor around or behind the eye.
- Horner syndrome.
- Acute myasthenia.
- Accidente cerebrovascular (ACV).
- Inflammation of the eyelid due to a stye.
When the eyelid falls in both eyes, it can be due to:
- Acute myasthenia.
- Aging.
- A neurological disorder that affects nerves and muscle movement.
When the eyelid falls in one eye, it is usually due to:
- Un neoplasm.
- Stem-like condition.
- Aging.
- Nerve injury
- Minor health complications.
The ptosis congenital occurs when the baby is born with a drooping eyelid. Some of the causes of this condition can be:
- Trauma during birth.
- Problems with the brain and nervous system.
- Tumors
- Eye disorders
Symptoms of droopy eyelid and diagnosis
The symptoms that this condition suggests are very scarce, so it has always been said that its main consequence is aesthetic since it can make the person look older than they are. In addition to cosmetic products, drooping eyelids can cause interference with vision, visual heaviness, and excessive tearing.
To discover what is the exact cause that is causing the drooping eyelids or ptosis, it is necessary to visit a medical specialist to examine the eyes and eyelids. It is widespread for the expert to suggest medical tests to offer a comprehensive diagnosis. Some of the analyzes that this condition refers to are:
- Slit-lamp examination.
- Stress test for myasthenia gravis.
- Visual field exam.
When to visit the doctor?
The drooping eyelid affects the visual field when the eyelid closes suddenly, when there is pain or double or blurred vision, and when the eyelid is constantly changing.
Treatment of droopy eyelid
When the answer to why I have a droopy eyelid is a disease that is causing muscle weakness, the treatment will be to control this condition to reverse the ptosis or, at least, improve it.
The most effective treatment for droopy eyelids is surgery, as it can repair the sagging and remove excess skin or bag. Surgery for droopy eyelids is recommended in the following cases:
- In slight falls to improve the aesthetic appearance of the person.
- In severe cases, to correct the interference of the drooping eyelid with the person’s visual field.
- In newborns with ptosis, correcting a condition called lazy eye causes the loss of the ability to see clearly through one eye. This is the most common cause of vision problems in children.
Home remedies for droopy eyelid
Chamomile: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties, so it is recommended to treat droopy eyelids naturally. The procedure consists of preparing the chamomile and storing the sachets in the refrigerator. When the bags are cool enough, place them on the lids and sit for at least 20 minutes.
Homemade cream: when the eyelid is drooping, it is urgent to reaffirm it to restore lost muscle tension. You can prepare a firming cream with two tablespoons of oatmeal, four tablespoons of natural yogurt, aloe vera crystal, and five slices of potato without shells. Process all the ingredients in the blender and then apply the cream to the eyelids and let it rest for 20 minutes.
Vital liquid: one of the best home remedies for droopy eyelids is cold water. If you have droopy eyelids, you should change your hygiene routine to improve your appearance: wash your face daily with ice water! Coldwater stimulates the tension of the skin, allowing it to remain firm.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Why do I have a droopy eyelid , we recommend that you enter our Eyes and Vision category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.