How can I strengthen my rt. eyelid? It started drooping over the last couple of years worse when I'm tired. (Photo)

Question

I have ptosis of the rt. eye that increases with fatigue, I think my left eye over compensates and leans inward and upward. I think it is my contacts, I also feel I do not have a proper prescription leading to my left eye being dominant. When I remove my rt. contact and leave the left contact in my rt. eye will open more; but surprisingly if I patch the left eye the rt. eye will still open more. Very confusing. I have astigmatism that my MD is not treating, could this be some of the issue?

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and posting your photo. Unfortunately, there are no eye exercises which correct ptosis. It requires treatment by a highly trained oculoplastic surgeon. See a specialist for comprehensive evaluation and discussion of treatment options. Good luck,

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, the levator muscle responsible for lifting the upper eyelid does not improve with exercise (unlike other muscles in the body). In the fact, the reason the eyelid gets droopy is because this muscle gets stretched from constant use (eyes opens 20,000 per day!).  The answer would be eyelid ptosis surgery where the muscle is tightened. See link below and see an oculoplastic surgeon.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Sure, long term contact lens wear does require daily manipulation of the eyelids and this can contribute to upper eyelid ptosis.  However, discontinuation of the contact lens does not fix the issue.  You have left upper eyelid ptosis and this requires a surgical correction.  See a fellowship trained oculoplastic surgeon.

Joseph M. Perlman, MD · Answer

you have to muscles that raise your eyelid. Typically towards the end of the day the one muscle called Mueller's muscle, doesn't fire as efficiently. my best advice would be to see an oculoplastic surgeon,or someone who specializes in eyelid surgery to evaluate whether your muscles need to be shortened or reconstructed. It doesn't look , from the photo, that you  have a lot of excess skin, that's causing the problem. That's usually the case more in older patients

John McCann, MD, PhD · Answer

Hi BriRaq,Thanks for your question and photo. It is not uncommon for patient's with a long history of contact lens wear to develop ptosis. Typically, the ptosis develops slowly and asymmetrically. Based on your photo, you appear to have left sided ptosis. The only way to correct this is with a straightforward surgical repair. Your astigmatism is not playing any role in the ptosis.I would recommend an evaluation with a skilled oculoplastic surgeon in your area. Good luck!

How can I strengthen my rt. eyelid? It started drooping over the last couple of years worse when I'm tired. (Photo)

Answers (5)

More Ptosis Surgery Questions

I had ptosis repair surgery 6 months ago. Is a revision surgery a good idea or could it make it worse? (Photo)

Ptosis overcorrection. Any thoughts as to what I should do? Will massage and time help correct this? (photos)

Negative Canthal Tilt/ptosis/scleral show/hereditary lateral canthal malposition? (Photo)

Is Exterior ptosis surgery more effective then interior?Are there any Dr's that don't charge super high for consultation?(photo)

Can a plastic surgeon repair upper eyelid ptosis?

How much does Ptosis surgery cost for one eye? (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS