Do I Have Ptosis? One Eye Seems More Closed Than the Other. (photo)

Question

Hi, I am 20 years old and have noticed a problem with my eyes in photographs. I am not sure what is wrong with them. At the beginning of the year I started wearing glasses and contacts. (-1.00). I went back to my photos and it seems in my school photographs my left eye has been slightly smaller since grade 7. I am not sure what is wrong but I have done a bit of research on droopy eyelids.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Your pictures and history demonstrate the presence of a unilateral left sided eyelid ptosis. This situation occurs when the muscles that elevate the eyelid become detached or weakened. This results in the left sided droopy eyelid phenomena that you describe. It's not unusual for this problem to occur unilaterally.Repair of eyelid ptosis can be performed under general or local anesthesia. A variety of techniques can be utilized to correct this problem. The technique chosen will depend upon the patient's anatomic deformity.If you're concerned about eyelid ptosis, consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is appropriate. This surgeon should be able to outline a treatment plan that addresses your anatomic deformity and achieves your aesthetic goals.

Benjamin Caughlin, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Silent Sinus Syndrome is when one sinus is smaller than the other. That is the most common cause for what you are experiencing; it is not a pathological concern. It is a very difficult condition to treat. You would need a good physical exam and possibly some imaging to confirm. Best of luck!DrC

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the photos. It does look that one is lower than the other.  It sounds by your description that you may have drooping, (ptosis) of the eyelid.  Please see a board certified plastic surgeon or oculoplastic surgeon.  they will listen to you and do an exam to see if you need a standard blepharoplasty, or an operation to raise your eyelid.

Jose Rodríguez-Feliz, MD · Answer

Thank you for posting your photos. It appears from this photo that you may have a mild case of ptosis on the left eyelid. Ptosis is the medical term for droopy eyelid. A physical exam is important when dealing with ptosis to determine potential causes, and treatment option as they will vary based on the function of the levator muscle, which is the muscle that lifts up the eyelid. Hope this was helpful. Good luck!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It appears that this asymmetry is probably a result of ptosis, but that is best determined time at the examination and consultation by an oculoplastic surgeon. Cosmetic blepharoplasty will be of no benefit to you.

Do I Have Ptosis? One Eye Seems More Closed Than the Other. (photo)

Answers (6)