 | | | | Medical Health Encyclopedia | |
Eyelid drooping
Definition:
This is excessive drooping of the upper eyelid(s). See also drooping eyelid disease (ptosis). Considerations:
Text Continues Below
Drooping eyelids can be constant, progressive (getting worse with time), or intermittent (comes and goes). It can be one-sided, or on both sides. When drooping is one-sided (unilateral), it is easy to detect by comparing the two eyelids. Drooping is more difficult to detect when it occurs on both sides, or if there is only a slight problem. A furrowed forehead or a chin-up head position may indicate that someone is trying to see under their drooping lids. Eyelid drooping can make someone appear sleepy or tired. Drooping lids are either congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life. A drooping eyelid is not a reason to panic, but should be reported to the doctor. Common Causes:
Both eyelids - Normal variation of the eyelids
- Normal aging process
- Migraine headaches
- Medical problem such as myasthenia gravis
One eyelid drooping - Normal variation
- Normal aging process
- Nerve injury
- A growth in the eyelid such as a stye
- Medical problem
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
|
.gif)
