I Have One Eye That Opens More Than the Other? (photo)

Question

Sooo I have a lazy eye (my eyball) wonders around...I guess they call it cross eyed. But I also have my other eye open way more than this one .. Looks like I have a glass Eye ( i have been asked this many times..I find as I get older it is getting worse..When Im tired . The one that is lazy really gets bad..Can this be fixed..I had one doctor put a weight..into the lid of the eye that open to wide, It was surgically inserted..Didnt work, as the weight pushing againsts my eyeball caused blurred vision.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It's not unusual for patients to have orbital asymmetry. In your case, your right eye seems much smaller than your left eye. This appears to be related to a phenomena called eyelid ptosis.This condition occurs when the muscle that elevates the eyelid becomes detached or is weakened. This results in the characteristic drooping that's seen in your pictures. When this situation arises, it's not unusual for the opposite eyelid to elevate. This sympathetic response tends to make the opposite eye look larger.Although your pictures are helpful, a definitive diagnosis will depend upon a physical examination. For this reason, consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is appropriate. This surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your anatomic findings and achieves your aesthetic goals.

Benjamin Caughlin, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, this can be fixed. The long term effects are hard to change; however, you would need to see an ophthalmologist that does strabismus surgery. They can help correct the asymmetry in your eyes. Good luck!DrC

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

#drooping of the #eyelids and asymmetrythere is weakness in the right muscle that lifts the lid and the left side is overcompensatingcorrection of this muscle will help

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

Thank you for sharing the photo and your question. The right eyelid is drooping which can actually cause you to open the opposite lid even higher. There are 3 commonly performed surgical procedures by oculoplastic surgeons to correct the asymmetry. Your right eyelid can be elevated to the level of your left lid. Good luck.

Karan Chopra, MD · Answer

Hi @BigEye,
There are a few options to help with your prominent eyes. After properly performing a physical exam we would need to perform a field of vision test, measure your margin to light reflex on both sides and then determine if you have eyelid ptosis known as a "droopy eyelid" which is being compensated for on both sides. The other could be a retracted left upper eyelid which we can release to bring to a more normal position. 
Thanks!
K. Chopra, M.D.

Plastic Surgeon

Johns Hopkins Trained

Face, Body and Breast Expert

I Have One Eye That Opens More Than the Other? (photo)

Answers (5)