Drooping Left Eyelid Really Bothers Me and Wondering if It Can Hurt Vision if It Starts Covering the Pupil, Even So Slightly.

Question

The last year, I have just noticed my left eye seemed to droop. I started getting really bad anxiety attacks and the doctors ruled out it being anything major like myasthenia gravis. I think I get panic attacks because subconciously I am worried I might be going blind. No one has ever said anything to me about it. It does not cover the pupil at all in different gazes. I read that if the eyelid covers the pupil, it could permanantely affect your vision if not corrected. When do I have to worry?

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Significant ptosis, covering the pupil, can affect the vision permanently ONLY if you are a child (less than 8 years old) when the brain visual pathways are developing, resulting in amblyopia.  You are well passed that stage and your ptosis is very mild.  If it is something that really bothers you, you can have your eyelid lifted.  Consult an oculoplastic surgeon.

	Mehryar Taban, MD

Ramtin Kassir, MD, FACS · Answer

Your ptosis does seem significant and will not affect your vision.  When and if ever it does, you can consider surgical correction.  Stop worrying!

	Ramtin Kassir, MD NY/NJ Facial Plastic Surgeon

Keshini Parbhu, MD · Answer

You do not have visually significant ptosis- if you wanted any lid surgery it would be cosmetic in nature. Having a droopy lid in adulthood does not cause permanent vision loss and is correctable. If you're very concerned seek consultation with an oculoplastics surgeon.

Michael McCracken, MD · Answer

Stratus,

	If your eyelid position does not change during the day, then your ptosis appears very mild in your photo.  You are not at any risk of permanent vision loss due to your eyelid position.  Any correction would be cosmetic in nature, and not covered by insurance.

Ernest D. Cronin, MD (retired) · Answer

Most adult onset ptotic (drooping) eyelids result from stretching of the levator muscle or its connecting fibers. Correction envolves outpatient surgery to shorten or repair these structures.You probably do not have enough to bother with at this time and it may be that it will be many years if ever before you will need surgery.The only effect on vision has to do with mechanical blockage; there is no efffect on the eye itself.

Drooping Left Eyelid Really Bothers Me and Wondering if It Can Hurt Vision if It Starts Covering the Pupil, Even So Slightly.

Answers (6)