Drooping EyelidsSkip to the navigation
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 Works Consulted
- Horton JC (2015). Disorders of the eye. In DL Kasper et al., eds., Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th ed., vol. 1, pp. 196-211. New York: McGraw-Hill Education.
- Vagefi MR, et al. (2011). Lids and lacrimal apparatus. In P Riordan-Eva, ET Cunningham, eds., Vaughan and Asbury's General Ophthalmology, 18th ed., pp. 67-82. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Current as ofDecember 3, 2017
To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.
© 1995-2018 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.