Eye drops can be helpful for drooping lids

Edward S. Lee, MD answers: Botox caused eyelid to almost close?

After Botox, my lid is almost closed. My doctor must have hit a nerve. How long will it take to look normal again? What should I do?


Edward S. Lee, MD
9 months ago

The most likely explanation is that the Botox drifted lower than where it was initially placed. The Botox then paralyzed the levator muscle which raises your eyelid. Without this muscle your eyelid can't open fully and looks like it's halfway shut no matter what you do.

Alphagan are eye drops that can help with this problem. There is a second smaller muscle that can help to lift your eyelid - Muller's Muscle. This is stimulated by Alphagan. So, the eyedrops will get your Muller's muscle to contract and make the eyelid go up a little bit more. It's often not enough to make the paralyzed side look exactly like the unaffected side. But it helps.

The eyedrops may also cause irritation; so if you notice any discharge, pain, or redness to your eye, stop the drops for a few days until the symptoms clear. Paralysis of the levator goes away over time. It can take anywhere from 3-4 weeks to 2 months. Good luck and try to be patient. It will get better.

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