What Can You Do About a Droopy Eyelid?
Droopy eyelids, a type of eyelid malposition, can be so much more than an aesthetic issue. Over time, eyelid malposition can lead to serious problems for the eye, including the development of corneal ulceration.
If you have a droopy eyelid, there are treatments available. Below, you’ll discover more about eyelid malposition and the most effective treatment available.
What is eyelid malposition?
Eyelid malposition is a term used to describe a variety of conditions that cause the eyelids to be in the wrong position. This includes eyelids that turn outwards or inwards, alongside droopy eyelids.
Often, it occurs with age due to natural sagging of the skin. If the upper eyelid starts to droop, it can lead to ptosis (or blepharoptosis), which is a medical condition. If the lower eyelid droops, it can cause tears to frequently run down the face. Although it does largely occur in older age, some children can also be born with the condition.
Symptoms and risks
In mild cases, you may not experience any symptoms. However, moderate to severe cases of ptosis may cause the following:
- The upper field of your vision is partially blocked
- A tired, aching feeling around the eye
- Eyesight becomes completely blocked
If you notice any issues with your eyesight, you will need to seek immediate treatment. Droopy eyelids can actually be a symptom of other medical conditions. They can also occur after cataract surgery or LASIK eye surgery. In some cases, droopy eyelids can be a sign of something more severe such as cancer, or neurological disorders.
What treatment options are available?
There are several treatment options to help correct droopy eyelids. The treatment best suited to you will depend upon several factors.
If they are caused by something else, treating the underlying problem will typically correct the droopy eyelids too. If they are caused by older age and they start to affect the eyesight, surgery may be recommended.
Blepharoplasty, or an eyelid lift, is the main surgical procedure used to correct the problem. It can involve removing excess fat, skin, and muscle. You can have it carried out on one, or both eyelids. If there is drooping of the eyebrow, you might choose to have an eyebrow lift at the same time (or instead), to maximise results. Mr Tulley can advise on which procedure/s will deliver the best results for you.
A non-surgical option are Muscle Relaxing Injections to help tighten and smooth the skin around the eyes. However, this is only a temporary solution if done as a standalone treatment, and it will need to be carried out on a regular basis to ensure the results last. But this can also be done in combination with facial surgery to produce optimal results.
To find out which treatment option is best for you, book a consultation with Mr Tulley today.
