Eyelid ptosis or extra skin?

I am going to see an eye surgeon in two weeks but I wanted to have an idea what to ask before I go. I am 26, I was told by my mother that my right eye drooped when I was younger. Now it appears to be my left eye, but when I pull the right eye down a bit and it folds over the eye brow, it appears to be lower then the left eye. Is my problem a ptosis or extra skin? Should I mention this to my doctor or see what he says first? It is more noticeable when I am tired.

Eyelid ptosis or extra skin?
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11 answers to “Eyelid ptosis or extra skin?”

A: Asymmetry on both upper lids

William Portuese, MD

There is asymmetry on both upper lids. The eyelid crease on the left eye is higher than the right, and this is what you were born with. Asymmetrical upper eyelid surgery can be performed more so on the right eyelid than the left to make them more symmetrical.

A: Eyelid ptosis or extra skin?

Peter A. Aldea, MD

Your picture is not head on but taken from your upper left side down. From this angle you demonstrate a normal eye asymmetry but, in my opinion, you do have mild ptosis of your left upper lid. I cannot tell from this picture if the upper eyelid creases are at the same level. A higher crease on the left than... more

A: Orbital dystopia

Steven Wallach, MD

 Eye asymmetry is very common. This can be the result of different orbital bony shapes, volumes, eyeball size, etc.. This is normal. The eyelid creases can be different as a result.  Without a formal exam it is difficult to offer specific advice.  

A: Asymmetric eyes - orbital dystopia

Brent Moelleken, MD

Often, asymmetry of the eyes is not due to ptosis, but due to orbital dystopia.  That is a different "set" of the eyeball within the bone.  One eyeball is literally deeper in the bone than the other. In your case, it appears that the right eye "bulges" more.  This causes a... more

A: Droopy Eyelid and Ptosis?

Marc Cohen, MD

It is difficult to tell for sure from one picture.  However, I do not think that you have ptosis.  One way to tell is to measure the distance from the light reflex on your eye to the edge of the upper eyelid.  It appears to me that the distance is the same on both sides. You do have some facial... more

A: Droopy eyelids

Brett S. Kotlus MD, MS

The position of the eyelid margin of the left upper lid is lower as compared to the right upper lid. This is termed ptosis (or blepharoptosis). There are different varieties of ptosis with different causes. Luckily, these are often corrected with the appropriate procedure. With a history of ptosis on the other... more

A: Asymmetry is the answer

Scott E. Kasden, MD

Looking at your picture, I see several interesting things. First both lower lids are a bit droopy, but right more so than left.  Note increased scleral (the white of the eye), especially laterally.  Consideration to a lower lid tightening and repositioning procedure should be entertained. Next, the... more

A: Ptosis of the Eye

Amir M. Karam, MD

 I agree, your left eye does appear to be ptotic.  It is best to see an occuloplastic surgeon to have this evaluated and treated. Ptosis surgery can be tricky so make sure your surgeon does this operation frequently. 

A: You have a ptosis of your left upper eyelid

J. Timothy Heffernan, MD

From the history and photographs that you provided it appears that you have a ptosis of the left upper lid. This can best be observed with the the high eyelid crease on the left and the fact that the lid margin is lower on the left eye versus the right. You also have extra skin, dermatochalasis of... more

A: Ptosis

Stephen Prendiville, MD

The higher position of your left upper eyelid crease is very suggestive of ptosis.  One of the most common findings in ptosis is elevation of the lid crease.  In many cases, ptosis is bilateral. If the left eye alone is corrected, there is potential for the ptosis in the right eye to be unmasked... more

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