Why don't my eyes look as big as they did before? They look a lot smaller now! Can someone tell me why is this happening?

Question

I used to have big eyes but now they look small. Could it have been because I used to wear glasses? I also have droopy eyelids could that be the reason too? Can someone help..!

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

Felixa9,There are a number of possible reasons for this.  Without a photo or knowing your approximate age it's hard to predict what is the cause.In general, however, it could be droopy eyelids, or droopy eyebrows.  Both of these can make the eyes look smaller.  Both of these can be treated with a quick surgical procedure, but sometimes they can be treated with just an injection of a medication right in the office.It's worth having somebody take a look.Best of luck!

Rodger Shortt, FRCSC · Answer

With time our brows and lids droop. Each person has different amounts of each. Elevating the lateral brow and removing extra lid skin opens up the eyes and makes them look bigger. Dr Rodger ShorttOakville Ontario Plastic Surgeon

Naveen Somia, MBBS, PhD, FRACS · Answer

Dear Felixa9Without a photograph it is hard to comment.But in principle, if you have droopy eyelids, with fat bulges and a heavy eyebrow your eyes can look smaller.The corners of the eye can stretch that adds to the appearance of your eyes being small.You should see an eyelid specialist for a face to face assessment and consultationAll the best

Cody A. Koch, MD, PhD · Answer

Felixa9,Thank you for your question.  The reason your eyes look smaller could be due to a few different reasons but it is unlikely related to wearing glasses.  There are three main things that I look at when evaluating someone who feels that their eyelids are droopy or eyes are smaller.  The first is whether they have a condition called ptosis which is a problem with a muscle called the levator inside the eye.  This muscle pulls the eyelid margin up and if it has become weak or attenuated the eyelid margin droops covering up the colored part of the eye and even the pupil in some cases.  The second thing I look at is the position of the eyebrow.  The position of the eyebrow for a female should be slightly above the bone that it rests on.  If it is abnormally low it can push the eyelids down causing the eyes to look smaller.  Finally, I look at the amount of skin on the upper eyelids.  If it is excessive this can also push the eyelid margin down causing the eyes to look smaller and even potentially block your vision.  All three of these conditions can be improved or corrected with surgery.  I recommend that you see a board certified facial plastic or oculoplastic surgeon that is comfortable correcting all three conditions to find out which problem you are having.Best of luck,Cody Koch

Stuart H. Bentkover, MD (retired) · Answer

I cannot answer the question without photos.  Could be your eyelids or brows.  Could be excess skin or a droopy brow.

Why don't my eyes look as big as they did before? They look a lot smaller now! Can someone tell me why is this happening?

Answers (5)

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