Upper Eyelid Drooping (Ptosis) Causes and Risk Factors | Singapore National Eye Centre
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Upper Eyelid Drooping (Ptosis)

Upper Eyelid Drooping (Ptosis) - How to prevent?

Upper Eyelid Drooping (Ptosis) - Causes and Risk Factors

What causes ptosis?
Ageing

The most common cause of ptosis is the stretching of the levator muscle due to ageing. As the muscles around the eyes weaken, the upper eyelids may begin to droop.


Illustration: Drooping eyelids causing the typical tired look and raised eyebrows

Congenital ptosis

Ptosis which is present at birth is called congenital ptosis. This is usually a result of improper development of the levator muscle which lifts the upper eyelid.

  
Illustration: Congenital ptosis

Children with ptosis often tilt their heads or lift their eyebrows frequently to see properly.

Eye injury, trauma or disease

Sometimes, an eye trauma, injury or disease can cause ptosis. Generally, this occurs when there is either damage to the levator muscles that hold the eyelids up, or damage to the nerves which control these muscles.

  
Illustration: Congenital ptosis

It is also not uncommon to develop ptosis after cataract surgery or after contact lens wear. Other causes of ptosis include third cranial nerve palsy and neurological muscular disorders such as myasthenia and muscle dystrophies.

Upper Eyelid Drooping (Ptosis) - Diagnosis

Upper Eyelid Drooping (Ptosis) - Preparing for surgery

Upper Eyelid Drooping (Ptosis) - Post-surgery care

Upper Eyelid Drooping (Ptosis) - Other Information

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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