Why is one of my eyes still smaller and droopy? The other one appears to have a bigger eyelid. (photos)

Question

I was socked in my eye which resulted as a black eye for 4 weeks. It's the eye that's smaller. It's also droopy. The other eye, that appears bigger, I had a Stye about 5 years ago and my upper eyelid still look puffy.

Hagen Schumacher, PhD, FRCS(Plast), FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello,

This could be due to an orbital floor fracture which can be caused by an injury and lead to displacement of eye-socket contents downwards. Do you have any double vision?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For significant improvement, hooded eyelids require surgery if there is enough skin. For nonsurgical treatments: Radiofrequency (Thermage or Venus Legacy/Viva), injectable fillers, and a Botox brow lift can help contour the eyebrows and lift the eyelid skin. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Your right eyeball appears more bulging (or left side more sunken). Best to see an oculoplastic specialist for evaluation. CT scan of your orbits may be needed. Treatment depends on the cause.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The bones behind the eye are very fragile and with impact, break to protect the eye.  A CT scan would establish the diagnosis.  In some cases, a repair of the orbital fracture is not needed.  However, when there is a visible change in the prominence of the eye, it is likely that a repair would be beneficial.  I recommend seeing an oculoplastic surgeon for an assessment.  My free ebook has information about how we repair these injuries.

Curtis Perry, MD · Answer

One of two explanations is likely. One is that since everyone has some degree of asymmetry you have always had this asymmetry and simply not noticed it until the injury caused you to examine yourself in more detail. The other is that the blow caused a fracture to the floor and maybe the inner side of the orbit. This is called a "Blowout Fracture". There is also a possibility the the rim of the orbit might also have a slight fracture. If you suffered any of these injuries you would most likely have numbness throughout your cheek and double vision when you look up or to the side. If you feel you had any of these injuries or damage to your vision see a surgeon with experience treating facial trauma.

Paul Nazemi, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Based on the photos provided, there is asymmetry between the two eyelids, and the left eye appears more sunken relative to the right.  The two sides of the face are not exact mirror images and subtle differences can often be noticed. Given your recent history of trauma to the eye, I would follow up with a specialist for a comprehensive exam and possible CT scan to rule out an orbital bone fracture.  Best wishes.

Why is one of my eyes still smaller and droopy? The other one appears to have a bigger eyelid. (photos)

Answers (6)

More Eyelid Surgery Questions

Eyelid surgery: Is it okay to take Zyrtec D along with Bromelain?

Should I be using eye drops after my blepharoplasty, what can I use to stop the puffiness? (photos)

Blue vein under eye after lower blepharoplasty with fat transfer? (photo)

How long is the wait time after upper and lower eye surgery before I can have lash extensions applied?

What are the causes of permanent eyelash ptosis? And how to repair it?

Will a Müllerectomy for mild ptosis also fix the uneven eyebrows caused by the ptosis?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS