04/28/2026
Ptosis—also known as a droopy eyelid—is more than just a cosmetic concern. It can affect vision, cause eye strain, and even lead to compensatory behaviors like raising the eyebrows or tilting the head back to see more clearly.
It can happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it’s age-related, as the muscle that lifts the eyelid stretches over time. Other times it can be present from birth, related to contact lens use, prior surgery, or underlying neurologic or muscular conditions.
Common signs include:
• One or both upper eyelids sitting lower than usual
• A tired or heavy appearance
• Difficulty keeping the eyes open, especially later in the day
• Needing to lift your brows or use your forehead to help see
The good news is that ptosis is very treatable. A proper evaluation determines whether it’s truly ptosis or excess skin (dermatochalasis), and treatment is tailored accordingly. In many cases, a precise surgical adjustment of the eyelid muscle can restore both function and appearance.
If you’ve noticed changes in your eyelids or feel like your vision is being affected, it may be worth having it evaluated.
