Droopy eyelids, also known as ptosis, occur when one or both of your upper eyelids hang lower than normal. Saggy eyelids can lead to compromised vision, cosmetic insecurities, and issues with the proper functioning of the eyelid.
Eyelids commonly droop due to age, as the muscles supporting your lids weaken and the skin around your eyes loses elasticity. The result is excess fat or skin buildup above your eyes that causes droopy eyelids. Ptosis tends to give you an older, tired, and stressed look.
Other Causes of Droopy Eyelids
Apart from the natural aging process that causes ptosis, there are many other reasons why you may develop droopy eyelids, such as:
- Genetics
- Neurological conditions
- Continuously and aggressively pulling or rubbing the delicate eyelid skin
- Previous injury or illnesses/diseases like diabetes, thyroid disease, an eye tumor, or history of having a stroke.
Symptoms of Droopy Eyelids
The most obvious sign of ptosis is drooping eyelids. Other symptoms include:
- Dry eyes
- Difficulty blinking or closing your eyes
- Watery eyes
- Eyestrain
- Tension headaches
- Eye fatigue, particularly when reading
- Eyebrow ache from raising your eyelids constantly
- Trouble seeing
- Tilting your head back to see under your eyelids
How to Manage Drooping Eyelids
Severe ptosis can restrict or block your vision, making it hard to perform activities like reading and driving safely. Drooping eyelids can also cause you to appear fatigued even when you’re not.
They can also cause you to appear older than you are. Both of these situations can affect your self-confidence.
Your ophthalmologist can improve the appearance and function of droopy eyelids through a procedure called blepharoplasty. Blepharoplasty is a type of eyelid surgery that is an outpatient procedure performed to reduce excess skin on drooping lids.
During the procedure, your surgeon will use a CO2 Ultrapulse laser to create an incision in the natural creases of your eyelid. This enables them to remove excess fatty tissue and trim saggy skin.
Occasionally a scalpel may be used instead of the CO2 laser, however, your surgeon will discuss your options with you prior to your procedure. Using a laser will result in a faster recovery time, minimize bleeding, bruising, swelling, and discomfort while reducing the risk of scarring.
Finally, your eye surgeon closes the incision using very fine stitches. Before leaving, they will give you post-op instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
You may have some slight discomfort and swelling for a few days following your surgery. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s instructions to heal as quickly as possible.
While recovery varies from patient to patient, you should be able to resume your regular routine within one to two weeks after your procedure.
Benefits of Blepharoplasty
When performed by an expert eye surgeon, like those at VisionPoint Eye Center, blepharoplasty is a highly effective way to treat droopy eyelids.
With no baggy skin on your eyelids, you’ll likely look younger, refreshed, and may appear more well-rested. In addition, the procedure will restore clear, unobstructed vision and may alleviate the symptoms that come with droopy eyelids.
Blepharoplasty at VisionPoint Eye Center
Are you tired of looking tired? Schedule a consultation with our skilled surgeons at VisionPoint Eye Center in Bloomington, IL, today to see if you may be a candidate for a blepharoplasty!
