My Drooping Eyelids Are Affecting My Eyesight: Can You Help?

If your drooping eyelids are affecting your eyesight, you’re not alone. Both children and adults can develop drooping eyelids. This condition, known as ptosis, can be both a cosmetic concern and a functional issue. 

If your eyelids droop and limit your vision, don’t hesitate to schedule an exam here at Eye Q Optique in Chicago and Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

Are you ready to address this problem and improve your vision and appearance with the help of Dr. Debbie Simon, Dr. Emily Davis, and Dr. Romaya Ahmed? Here’s what you should know:

Do you have ptosis?

Ptosis occurs when the muscles that raise your eyelid are weak or the nerves controlling these muscles are damaged. It can affect one or both eyes and may be present at birth or develop later in life. 

Many conditions can contribute to drooping eyelids. This includes age-related changes, injuries, side effects of glaucoma medication (e.g., itching due to antiglaucoma drug-associated allergy), stroke, third nerve palsy, and more.

Ptosis is easily diagnosed. Your Eye Q Optique provider starts with a comprehensive eye examination to determine the cause and severity of your drooping eyelids. This exam may include checking your vision (including your peripheral vision), measuring the height of your eyelids, and evaluating the strength of your eyelid muscles.

Treatment for ptosis

Help for ptosis falls into two categories: nonsurgical and surgical. Your Eye Q Optique provider reviews your options during your appointment and can help recommend the right approach based on your specific needs and the underlying cause of your ptosis.

Nonsurgical treatment for drooping eyelids

In mild cases, you might find relief with nonsurgical options. These can include prescription eye drops (that contain oxymetazoline) to temporarily lift the eyelids. These medicated drops work by tightening the muscles in your eyelids.

You might also benefit from specialized glasses with a crutch to hold the eyelid up. Glasses are ideal if you aren’t a candidate for surgery or if your ptosis is caused by temporary conditions.

In addition to eye drops and special eyeglasses, you might benefit from exercises to strengthen your eyelids.

Surgery for drooping eyelids

For severe drooping that blocks your vision, surgery might be the best solution for you. Ptosis surgery involves tightening and repositioning the levator muscles to lift your eyelid into a more natural position. 

Surgery has two goals: to significantly improve your vision and to improve the appearance of your eyelids. 

After surgery, you may experience some swelling and bruising, but these typically subside within a few weeks. Most patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision and eyelid appearance. 

Concerned about your vision? We can help!

If drooping eyelids are affecting your eyesight, don’t hesitate to visit our team here in Chicago or Buffalo Grove, Illinois. We can examine your eyelids, check your visual acuity, and create a treatment plan to help restore your vision. 

Call either office or click here to request a ptosis consultation.