Droopy eyelid – causes, types, symptoms, makeup. Drooping eyelid surgery

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When you look in the mirror do you see that your eyes are sleepy? Maybe your upper eyelids droop a little or cover the pupil. It can be a problem with drooping eyelids, a fairly common skin condition around the eyes. People with drooping eyelids seem to be squinting and tired all the time. Why is this happening and how to deal with it?

Droopy eyelid – what is it?

When a person suffers from a drooping eyelid, their upper eyelid involuntarily closes or droops. There are different types of this condition and both children and adults can experience it. The condition affects the levator eyelid muscle. The muscle is not staying in the correct position or moving properly. Several factors can contribute to the abnormal function of this muscle, causing the eyelid to drop.

A droopy eyelid problem can affect both eyelids or just one eyelid. If just one is affected, doctors can often make a diagnosis just by looking at the differences in a person’s eyelids. If both eyelids are affected, or the drooping is very subtle, further tests may be required to diagnose the condition.

Once the doctor has made an accurate diagnosis, he or she will recommend appropriate treatment. One of the most common is surgery. It is important to understand the potential risks of surgery before starting it.

See also: Plastic surgery of the eyelids – indications, contraindications and course. How much does blepharoplasty cost?

Dropping eyelid – symptoms

When someone has this condition, ptosis is the most noticeable symptom, but other symptoms are possible as well. They may include:

1. blinking problem;
2. eye strain;
3. difficulty closing the affected eye;
4. squint;
5. tearing;
6. double vision.

Droopy eyelid – types

The degree of eyelid drooping varies greatly. For some people, this can be subtle and not always noticeable. For other people it can make it difficult to see. In the most severe cases, the eyelid may completely cover the pupil.

Congenital ptosis is the type that is present from birth. This is a rare condition and will not go away without proper measures. Although the condition is mild, it can cause aesthetic and psychological problems and hinder the child’s functioning. It is worth mentioning that this type of ptosis can affect one or both eyes.

The second type of ptosis is acquired. There are several subtypes that fall into this category. The types of acquired ptosis include, but are not limited to:

1. Myopathic type. This type occurs as a result of certain conditions such as myasthenia gravis, congenital myopathies, and myotonic dystrophy. Levator muscle dysfunctions that prevent the eyelid from being raised to the correct position.
2. In the course of eyebrow drooping. This type of ptosis is usually seen in the elderly (over 50). The levator tendon and the muscle itself lose tension. Then, as a result of aging, they suffer from gravity, which causes the eyelid to droop.
3. Mechanical type. With this type, the muscles cannot lift the eyelid because it is too heavy. It may be caused by loss of orbital fat, or a result of a tumor on the upper eyelid. The lesions may be benign or malignant (they include: hemangiomas, leather cysts or neurofibromas).
4. Neurogenic type. This type occurs as a result of damage to the sympathetic or oculomotor nerve. Central nervous system damage can also cause this type of ptosis.
5. Post-traumatic type. The levator may be dislodged by some type of trauma, causing this type of drooping eyelid.

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Drooping eyelid – causes

In some people, eye corrective or cataract surgery can cause drooping eyelids as a complication of the procedure. If the levator muscles have a functional or anatomical abnormality, it can cause eyelid ptosis.

The most common causes of ptosis are:

1. levator muscle weakness;
2. loose skin of the upper eyelids;
3. damage to the nerves associated with the levator muscle.

Certain medical conditions can also cause ptosis:

1. diabetes;
2. myasthenia;
3. barley or any other problem that can cause swelling of the eyelids;
4. a tumor behind or around the affected eye;
5. Horner’s syndrome;
6. stroke.

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Dropping eyelid – diagnostics

For some people, all the doctor will need to do is perform a physical examination. In such cases, droop is obvious, so no further diagnostic testing is necessary. However, if your doctor suspects a medical condition may be the cause, further tests may be needed.

During the evaluation, the doctor may take pictures of the person for future comparisons to determine the success of treatment or progression of ptosis.

If further eye examination is required, a slit-lamp examination may be considered. The doctor usually applies a dye to the eyes, and may also use another medication to dilate the pupils. Your doctor may perform this test to examine various eye structures, including the conjunctiva, eyelids, lens, cornea, iris, and sclera.

Loss of peripheral vision can occur with a variety of disorders of the brain and eyes. Field of view testing is a way to measure someone’s peripheral vision. In most cases, the doctor tells the person to cover one eye. The other eye is to focus on something in front of you. The doctor asks the patient what he can see at the edges of the field of view.

American specialists sometimes consider the Tensilon test if the myasthenia gravis is suspected of causing ptosis. For this test, the person is given the drug Tensilon. If this drug strengthens a person’s muscles, they test positive.

See also: How are eye examinations and treatments carried out in the COVID-19 era? What has changed and how is infection prevented?

Dropping eyelid – treatment

Drooping eyelids rarely cause discomfort or other health problems, so treatment is often not required. Treatment may be desirable for cosmetic purposes or to correct visual impairment.

It is worth paying attention at this point to the fact that treatment for children and adults may differ. When determining the best treatment for children, your doctor will consider the following:

1. the age of the child;
2. height of the diseased eyelid;
3. diseased eye movements;
4. whether the condition affects both eyelids or only one;
5. the strength of the eyelid muscles.

Most children undergo surgery to improve their drooping eyelid. This procedure can tighten the levator muscle to improve its function.

In some cases, the surgeon will bypass this muscle and attach the eyelid to another. Ultimately, the surgeon focuses on improving the child’s vision.

Some children also have a lazy eye along with ptosis. In this case, you can prescribe special glasses or an eye patch. In some cases, eye drops can also help. The goal is to strengthen the weaker eye.

In adults, a surgeon may perform a procedure also called blepharoplasty. The doctor makes small incisions and cuts out any excess skin above the eyelid. The scars are hidden in the natural crease of the eyelids. After the surgery, it is good to use cold compresses on the eyelids and eye drops. It is very important not to wear your eyes or lenses during the first week. After a week, the seams are removed. It is recommended to avoid intense sun, training and drinking alcohol for some time after the treatment.

It should be added, however, that there are also options for non-surgical treatment. In such cases, for example, ultrasounds are used, which can penetrate the outermost layers of the skin and act in its deeper parts. As a result, collagen fibers are stimulated and the production of new particles of this protein is increased. The results can be seen immediately after the procedure, but the final improvement in the appearance of the eyelids can only be observed after about 3 months.

A laser is also used in the non-surgical treatment of a drooping eyelid. It exfoliates part of the skin of the eyelid and causes changes in the collagen fibers. After the treatment, the treated area will be red and irritated for several days. The final effects of the laser treatment can be seen after one to three months.

Another option is to use plasma or even radio waves. The plasma acts punctually within the eyelids, thanks to which it evaporates the surface layers of the epidermis. As a result, the skin becomes taut and the eyelid is lifted. The end result can be seen after two to four weeks. In the second case, high-frequency radio waves are used. They provide the skin with thermal energy, thanks to which the activity of fibroblasts is stimulated, and this increases the formation of new collagen fibers. Thanks to this, it is possible to increase the tension of the skin of the eyelids and to correct their drooping.

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Dropping eyelid – potential risk of surgery

When someone undergoes drooping eyelid surgery, there is always a risk of complications or side effects that may occur after the operation is completed. Rarely, it is possible to lose the movement of the eyelid on which the surgeon is operating. There is also a chance that the eyelids may not look symmetrical after the procedure.

Although it is very rare, surgery may also lead to:

1. the so-called the oculo-cardiac reflex, i.e. slowing down of the heart rate due to pressure on the eyeballs;
2. wounds spreading;
3. ectropion, i.e. the inversion of the eyelid (a skin graft may be necessary).

Other possible risks of surgery may include corneal damage, dry eye, and hematoma. A hematoma is characterized by the accumulation of blood at the site of surgery. If someone experiences dry eye, they should avoid wearing lenses until the condition has subsided. Your doctor may also prescribe a drop to help reduce any discomfort.

It is relatively rare, but infection and bleeding are risks that can occur with all surgeries. For one to two weeks after the treatment, swelling and bruising are possible. These are not uncommon cases as surgery causes trauma in this area.

Drooping eyelids may worsen over time, remain constant, or come and recur. The cause of the disease plays a major role in the expected outcome. For this reason, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible in the early stages of the disease.

Dropping eyelid – prevention

It is difficult to stop the development of ptosis, especially if it is congenital. Acquired ptosis can have causes that cannot be prevented. An example of acquired eyelid ptosis is the weakening of the eyelid muscles due to the natural aging process. Other factors, such as eye trauma, surgery, or the development of muscle and nerve damage, may also be difficult to avoid.

A 2015 study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal found it was unrelated to lifestyle factors including smoking, alcohol consumption, or body mass index. Avoiding using contact lenses and rubbing your eyes excessively, however, can reduce the risk of acquired eyelid ptosis.

A 2016 article, published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, notes that botox injection, often by inexperienced people, is mostly associated with eyelid ptosis in aesthetic medicine. Choosing a professional with extensive experience usually reduces the chances of developing drooping eyelid when the patient receives an injection between the eyebrows.

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A drooping eyelid – makeup

In addition to the aforementioned treatments, many women try to cover up the effect of a drooping eyelid with makeup. This method will not remove excess fat and skin on the eyelid, but will create an aesthetic appearance.

In the case of such make-up, the main role is played by chiaroscuro, which is supported by two shadows in similar colors. It is worth reaching, for example, for Illuminated and beautiful Bioherba cream.

In addition, mascara is also very important. The ink is designed to visually enlarge the eye and give the impression of lifting its outer corner. Women who emphasize the eye with a line on the eyelid should draw it more upwards.

For make-up, it is worth using the Soothing Day Fluid SPF 15 B-RESPECT Sensilis, which supports covering up the problem with drooping eyelid, improves skin firmness and delays aging processes.

Always remember to cleanse your skin of makeup before going to bed. For this purpose, use the Simple Face Wash FEEDSKIN face wash gel with physiological pH.

Droopy eyelid exercises

Although plastic surgery is the usual treatment for ptosis, especially if it interferes with your vision, there are several exercises you can try to prevent or improve the appearance of droopy eyelids.

However, it should be noted that There have been very few studies evaluating the effectiveness of exercise eyes or lids in improving the appearance of sagging skin or wrinkles. In one recent encouraging study, participants reported real improvements in 18 of the 20 areas of the face and found they were very satisfied. However, trials to date have been small, so there is little medical evidence to support the idea that facial exercises can improve the appearance of the eyelids.

Scientists caution that to see any benefits, take some time – as much as 20 or 30 minutes a day for six or seven days a week if you are hoping to see a change.

In the case of exercises, those performed during yoga can help. One such exercise includes:

First: Sit in a meditative position on the floor or on a hard chair. Keep your head straight and shoulders down.

Second: With your eyes open, look straight ahead at one point.

Third: Without moving your head, slowly move your gaze to the right shoulder and leave your gaze there for a few seconds without blinking.

Fourth: Slowly shift your gaze back to the center position, and then repeat the entire movement on the left side.

There are different adaptations of this exercise. In addition to the above movements, the following looks can be included – all of which start and end staring at a fixed point and require keeping your head still:

1. Look up and down;
2. Focus your eyes on the tip of your nose;
3. Try to look up as if you can see between the eyebrows;
4. Rotate your eyeballs slowly clockwise and counterclockwise.

If we feel pain while doing any of these exercises, we should either reduce the number of repetitions performed or try something else.

See also: Disturbances in the position and movement of the eyes