Droopy Or Baggy Eyelids?

By Baltimore Washington Eye Center

Many people have excess skin or “drooping” of one or both upper eyelids. In most cases, this loose eyelid skin is due to aging and gravity. Sagging of the eyebrows can create a similar appearance to the eyelids, often resulting in a “tired” look.

Dermatochalasis and

Ptosis Symptoms

Extra skin on the eyelids (dermatochalasis), or droopy eyelids or eyebrows (ptosis), can affect the upper field of vision. Patients may notice that they have difficulty seeing traffic signals above them while driving, and some feel the urge to lift or “tape” up their eyelids to see the TV or perform other activities. Extra eyelid skin or brow drooping can also interfere with eyelash function and cause chronic eye irritation and rubbing, which loosens the skin even more and compounds the problem.

Diagnosis, Screening

and Tests For Surgery

Patients who are bothered by droopy eyelids should be evaluated by a board certified ophthalmologist. During your appointment, your eyelid function will be assessed and measured. A simple visual field test can be performed to determine whether visual field loss has occurred. Facial photographs may also be taken. If the cause of your symptoms is thought to be medical, lab tests or special x-rays may be obtained, but this testing is not often required.

Functional Eyelid Surgery

During your visit, it is important for your doctor to establish whether your symptoms are due to excess eyelid skin or brow descent. If the main problem is excess skin, a blepharoplasty may be performed that removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids. If the problem is brow descent, the brow can be lifted surgically by removing a flap of skin from above the eyebrow (direct brow lift). If the eyelids are droopy, but there is no excess skin or brow decent, you likely have ptosis. There are many causes of ptosis, but the most common is age-related slippage of the muscle that lifts the eyelid. This muscle attachment can be strengthened, and the eyelids can usually be lifted to improve visual function.

Final Thoughts

Excess eyelid skin, brow descent, and eyelid ptosis can cause a loss of the upper field of vision and chronic irritation. These conditions are correctable with surgery.