Follow-Up: 26 yo. Recently noticed right eyelid is extra droopy. Makes me wonder if I have lazy eye or something. Help? (photo)

Question

I have had Tmj since middle school on that same side but I don't think I ever noticed droopiness before..

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Lazy eye refer to amblyopia and strabismus.  That is not what you have.  This is right upper eyelid ptosis. You will need a detailed assessment for this.  You may or may not be a candidate for a Mullerectomy.  That is a very easy surgery for the surgeon but not always the correct procedure for the patient.  This can be determined during your detailed consultation.  If the doctor does not spend time examining you, you are in the wrong office.  The American Society for Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery maintains a regional directory on their website that can help you find a highly qualified surgeon close to home.

Damon B. Chandler, MD · Answer

Your photos demonstrate a weakness of the eyelid muscle (Ptosis pronounced "toe-sis") on one eyelid. TMJ has nothing to do with this conditon at all. Ptosis is a challenging condition to correct properly. Anyone who tells you this is easy or quick to correct is not the right doctor for you. You need to have a consultation with a board-certified, fellowship trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon who specializes in cosmetic eyelid surgery and ptosis repair. This is a delicate and precise operation that few surgeons perform well. Be realistic about the difficulty in achieving perfect symmetry between the eyelids -- it is something that i strive for every day in my career!  Best of luck in your search.
Damon B. Chandler, MD
Harvard-Penn Trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon

Louis W. Apostolakis, MD · Answer

Hello,You appear to have levator ptosis of the eyelid  This means that the muscle that opens your right eye is not firmly attached to the eyelid itself.  This can be age related or congenital.  There are a couple of different surgeries that can correct this condition.  Often in a younger person like yourself the approach from the backside of the eyelid is used since no skin needs removal.  Making a skin incision has a higher success rate and may be needed if the other approach fails.  Of course you will need a proper examination since there are some more serious but rare conditions that must be ruled out.Regards,Dr. A

Talmage J. Raine, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

You have about 1-2 mm of eyelid ptosis. I would seek a plastic surgeon that does a lot of those. Don't expect perfection, but some improvement.Best,Talmage Raine MD

Follow-Up: 26 yo. Recently noticed right eyelid is extra droopy. Makes me wonder if I have lazy eye or something. Help? (photo)

Answers (4)

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