Droopy eyelid (ptosis)

What it is

Ptosis is when the upper eyelid sits lower than normal and can partly cover the eye. It may be mild or, if severe, block part of your vision. It can be present from birth or, far more commonly, develop gradually with age.

Common symptoms

Symptoms relate to the drooping lid and to compensating for it.

• One or both upper eyelids sitting low
• A reduced upper field of vision
• Aching brows from lifting the lids
• Tilting the head back or raising the eyebrows to see

Causes and risk factors

The most common cause is age-related stretching of the muscle that lifts the eyelid. It can also be present from birth, follow eye surgery, or, less often, be linked to a nerve or muscle condition.

When to seek care and treatment

See a clinician urgently if a droopy eyelid comes on suddenly, especially with double vision, a severe headache, a change in the pupil size, or weakness elsewhere, as this can rarely signal a serious problem. Long-standing ptosis that affects vision or appearance can be corrected with surgery to lift the lid.