Description
As we get
older, the lower eyelids sometimes start to droop away from the eyeball.
Drooping is the result of reduced muscle tone in the muscles that control the
eyelids.
If your lower eyelids droop outward, away from the eye
(ectropion), they may no longer be able to protect your
eyes, and your eyes may become dry and irritated. If your eyelids turn inward
(entropion), forcing the lashes onto the eye, this also
may cause irritation and possible damage.
Also, drooping
eyelids can prevent tears from draining normally, so tears may run down your
cheeks. Excessive tearing can also be a sign of increased sensitivity to light
or wind, an
eye infection, or a
blocked tear duct.
If your upper eyelids
droop low enough (ptosis), or the eyelid skin folds over
the edge of the lid, your vision may be impaired.
There is no home
treatment for drooping eyelids. But surgery can sometimes help.
When to Call a Doctor
Call a doctor if:
- Your eye is painful or there is swelling extending beyond the lid
margins.
- Your eyelids droop suddenly.
- Drooping eyelids
interfere with your vision.
- Your eyes are dry and irritated, or
your eyelids do not close completely while you are awake or
asleep.
- Your eyelashes start to rub on your eyeball.
Other Places To Get Help
Organizations
| Canadian Ophthalmological Society |
| 610-1525 Carling Avenue |
| Ottawa, ON K1Z 8R9 |
| Email: | cos@eyesite.ca |
| Web Address: | www.eyesite.ca/english/index.htm |
| |
The Canadian Ophthalmological Society is an association
of eye doctors dedicated to helping the public take good care of their eyes and
vision. This group provides educational information on eye conditions and
diseases and eye safety. |
|
| EyeSmart |
| P.O. Box 7424 |
| San Francisco, CA 94120-7424 |
| Phone: | (415) 561-8540 |
| Fax: | (415) 561-8533 |
| Email: | eyesmart@aao.org |
| Web Address: | www.geteyesmart.org |
| |
This website is provided by
the American Academy of Ophthalmology. It provides general information and
brochures on eye conditions and diseases and low-vision resources and
services. |
|
| National Eye Institute, National Institutes of
Health |
| Information Office |
| 31 Center Drive MSC 2510 |
| Bethesda, MD 20892-2510 |
| Phone: | (301) 496-5248 |
| Email: | 2020@nei.nih.gov |
| Web Address: | www.nei.nih.gov |
| |
As part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the National Eye
Institute provides information on eye diseases and vision research.
Publications are available to the public at no charge. The Web site includes
links to various information resources. |
|
References
Other Works Consulted
- Horton JC (2008). Disorders of the eye. In AS Fauci et al., eds., Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 17th ed., vol. 1, pp. 180–195. New York: McGraw-Hill.
- Sullivan JH, et al. (2008). Lids, lacrimal apparatus, and tears. In P Riordan-Eva, JP Whitcher, eds., Vaughan and Asbury's General Ophthalmology, 17th ed., pp. 79–97. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology |
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| Last Revised | April 13, 2011 |
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