Ptosis, or blepharoptosis, is the medical term for a drooping upper eyelid. Ptosis can affect one eye, both eyes, or both eyes but with different degrees. If someone’s upper eyelid appears noticeably lower than the other, they likely have asymmetrical ptosis.
Sometimes, the difference is only subtle and may probably be a cosmetic concern. However, sometimes, the drooping is more pronounced and interferes with the upper part of the person’s vision. In those cases, an eyelid surgeon may help determine whether surgery is the best course of action. Can one eye droop more than the other? Your consultation can help address this question.
Can One Eye Droop More than the Other?
Several possible reasons may cause one eye to droop more than the other.
Age-Related Changes
This is one of the most common causes of acquired ptosis. The levator aponeurosis, the tissue that connects the main eyelid-lifting muscle to the eyelid, can stretch or separate from its normal attachment over time. This can cause one eyelid to sit lower than the other.
Differences in the Strength or Function of the Eyelid Muscle
Ptosis can also result from differences in eyelid muscle strength or function. Some muscle disorders affect one or both eyelids. Myasthenia gravis, for instance, can cause ptosis that may fluctuate and become more noticeable when the person is tired.
Nerve Problem
Conditions such as Horner syndrome, which affects the third cranial nerve or sympathetic nerve pathway, can cause ptosis. Trauma or prior eyelid surgery can also affect the structures that lift the eyelid.
Can Ptosis Start in Just One Eye?
Ptosis can start in only one eye, particularly when it results from a localized problem involving the eyelid, muscle, nerve, or surrounding tissues. It can also happen in both eyes, but it may be more obvious on one side.
The brain can increase the nerve signals sent to the eyelid-lifting muscles to compensate for a drooping eyelid, which can make the other eyelid unusually raised. During an eye exam, however, the opposite eyelid may drop slightly, revealing previously hidden symmetry when the drooping eyelid is lifted.
When Should Uneven Ptosis Be Evaluated?
A long-standing eyelid difference is not usually an emergency, especially if it has been stable for years. However, a new or rapidly developing ptosis deserves to be medically evaluated.
An eye doctor may examine the eyelids, pupils, eye movements, vision, and eyelid muscle function to determine the likely cause. Your doctor may require additional testing depending on the findings.
If you observe sudden drooping of your eyelids, especially when it is accompanied by double vision, changes in the pupil, significant headache, eye pain, weakness, or other neurological symptoms, seek medical attention right away. These combinations can sometimes indicate a problem with the nerves or other structures around the eyes and should not be ignored.
Treatment Depends on the Cause
No standard treatment can address every patient’s condition. If the drooping causes vision problems or significant functional or cosmetic concerns, see an oculoplastic specialist to discuss appropriate options.
Depending on the cause, you may need to address an underlying medical condition or undergo an eyelid procedure to improve eyelid position.
Discover the Best Treatment Option for Your Eyelids
Yes, ptosis can affect one eye more than the other, with one eye drooping significantly while the other appears normal, or both eyelids may be affected to varying degrees. If you have drooping eyelids, especially if it is new, worsening, or accompanied by other symptoms, visit a specialist for an eye examination as soon as possible. Schedule a consultation with our eye surgeon today and discover the best treatment option for you.