Ptosis (Drooping Upper Eyelid)

What ptosis is

Ptosis is when the upper eyelid sits lower than it should because the muscle that lifts it has weakened or stretched. The lid covers part of the colored part of the eye, and it can affect one side or both. Many people with ptosis raise their eyebrows or tilt their head back without realizing it, just to see clearly, which can lead to forehead strain and headaches by the end of the day.

What causes it

Some people are born with it, but most ptosis develops in adulthood. The usual cause is the tendon of the lifting muscle stretching with age. Years of contact lens wear, rubbing your eyes, previous eye surgery, and injury can also contribute.

If an eyelid droops suddenly, especially with double vision, a headache, or weakness anywhere else, get medical care right away. That can be a sign of a serious condition.

How it's corrected

Dr. Kim performs ptosis correction by tightening or reattaching the lifting muscle through a small incision hidden in the eyelid crease. The lid sits higher, both sides look more even, and many people find their upper vision improves. If there's also extra skin, it's often combined with upper blepharoplasty.

Ptosis vs. hooded lids

They're easy to confuse. Ptosis is a muscle problem, while hooding is extra skin, and many people have some of both. A careful exam makes sure surgery addresses the actual cause.