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Medical Encyclopedia

Encyclopedia -> Symptoms -> E -> Eyelid drooping

Eyelid drooping

Alternate Names: Drooping eyelid

Considerations: Drooping eyelids can be constant, progressive, or intermittent. It can be one-sided or on both sides. When drooping is one-sided (unilateral), it is easy to detect by comparing the relative position of the eyelids. Drooping is more difficult to detect when it occurs on both sides or if there is only a slight problem. A furrowed forehead or a tipped-back head may indicate that someone is trying to see under their drooping lids.

Drooping lids are either congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life.

A drooping eyelid is not a reason to panic but should be reported to the doctor.

Common Causes:

Home Care: For eye drooping caused by nerve injury, consult your doctor about surgical correction.

For eye drooping caused by an allergic reaction, consult your doctor about antihistamine or steroid treatment.

For eye drooping caused by aging, no treatment is necessary.

For eye drooping from all other causes, follow your health care provider’s recommendations.

Call If:

  • eye drooping is adversely affecting lifestyle.
  • it is associated with other symptoms.

What To Expect: The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting drooping eyelids in detail may include:

  • Are both eyelids affected or just one?
  • How long has this been present?
  • Is it getting worse or staying the same?
  • Is it present all of the time or only sometimes?
  • What other symptoms are also present?
The physical examination may include a detailed assessment of nerve functioning.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:Interventions:
Surgery may be necessary to correct levator muscle dysfunction (problems with the muscles that open the eyelid).

Special spectacle frames that suspend the eyelid by traction with a wire may be provided. Usually these frames are used to help patients with temporary, partial paralysis or those who are not good candidates for surgery.

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to eyelid drooping to your personal medical record.

Disclaimer: The text presented on these pages is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It may not represent your true individual medical situation. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified health care provider. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.

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