Ptosis and Drooping Eyelid

Eyes | Ophthalmology | Ptosis and Drooping Eyelid (Symptom)


Description

The drooping eyelid or ptosis is the detachment of the upper eyelid. This symptom can be caused by the damage of an eyelid or by a third pair of nerve damage or nerve centres of the brain. This condition can occur on both sides (bilateral) or only one side (unilateral). Congenital ptosis is the drooping of the eyelid that is present at birth, but when it develops later it is known as acquired ptosis.

Causes

The sagging skin and connective tissues occur during normal aging, which can lead to drooping eyelids. Ptosis can be caused by the action of drugs or clinically, with a symptom such as diabetes mellitus, myasthenia gravis or Horner syndrome. The most common cause of congenital ptosis is an isolated dystrophy of one or both levator muscles.

Ptosis of neurogenic nature can arise from paralysis of oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III). The mechanical ptosis is generated by the compression caused by edema or hematoma periorbital trauma to the orbit or skull.

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