Gravity and time have an effect on all of us, and for some people aging comes with increasingly heavy or drooping eyelids. Droopy eyelids are technically called ptosis, which is a condition that isn’t just about appearances. Droopy eyelids can also affect your vision.
Eyelids become heavy or droopy when the levator muscle, which lifts the eyelid, stretches and weakens over time. As the levator muscle weaks, it becomes harder to keep the eyes fully open.
This may occur in one or both eyelids as we age. In addition, ptosis can also be congenital if an infant’s levator muscle doesn’t develop fully, or it can be caused by an eye injury or nerve damage.
Your vision will be compromised if a droopy eyelid covers part of your pupil. You may lose some peripheral vision, or you may notice that you have to tilt your head up to see better. When droopy eyelids affect your vision, treatment is considered medically necessary and insurance typically covers the procedure.
Ptosis surgery, or blepharoplasty, is an outpatient procedure that’s performed in your ophthalmologist’s office. The surgeon makes adjustments to the levator muscle to help the eyelid lift properly so that it no longer covers part of the pupil. The result is a rejuvenated appearance and improved vision.
There are also nonsurgical procedures that can help correct the appearance of droopy eyelids. Precisely placed Botox injections and hyaluronic acid fillers can help tighten sagging skin above, around, and under the eyes.
If you’re concerned about droopy eyelids affecting your vision or your appearance, talk with Dr. Anzeljc at Baptist Eye Surgeons. Dr. Anzeljc performs both functional and cosmetic procedures such as blepharoplasty to lift eyelids for improved vision and appearance.
Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN, dedicated to providing quality eye care to patients whose needs range from routine comprehensive eye examinations to complex eye surgeries. To meet our doctors and learn more about our specialities, visit our website or give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
