Why is my left eye dropping so noticeably low? (photo)

Question

I've noticed over the past 2 months that my left eye is smaller than my right eye and is drooping significantly. The difference really shows up in pictures. I don't have any pain with the eye, but it does feel heavy and strained. There is slight swelling above the left eye lid. I did not have an injury that would have caused this so I cannot figure out what is going on. Any ideas on why my eye is drooping so low and is there an option to fix it??

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Most often, a droopy eyelid happens due to laxity in upper eyelid skin. Infrequently, if could be related to an abnormality in one of the upper eyelid muscles. I suggest that you move forward and consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon for an in-person examination that will provide you answers and options for improvement.
Best wishes,

Bahman Guyuron, MD · Answer

You may want to consult a plastic surgeon with craniofacial training who is likely to order a CT of your entire face with the focus on the upper face, to make the right diagnosis. There are a number of conditions that can cause facial asymmetry but most of them are benign and depending on the condition some simple procedure such as lifting your left eyebrow may deliver a significant amount of improvement. Although, aiming for an optimal outcome may require more complex procedures.

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

I would see your primary care physician to rule out any medical causes and you may need to monitor this for any further progression of disease prior to undergoing any plastic surgery. There is a progressive disease called Romberg which is hemifacial atrophy where one side of the face slowly gets small and changes over time during late adolescence and early adulthood. It tends to burn out by early adulthood. It looks like your entire eye socket is lower on the left than the right. A CT scan would be able to provide more detail of the underlying anatomy. A craniofacial surgery procedure called the orbital box osteotomy can reposition the eye socket to a more symmetrical position. Less invasive procedures include camouflaging the asymmetry with a left endoscopic forehead lift.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

See an oculoplastic specialist soon. You may have silent sinus syndrome with sunken eye, which is progressive but treatable. There are other rare causes as well. See following link.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

You have a significiant facial asymmetry.  This is a brow ptosis but it does not look like you have eyelid ptosis.  You might benefit from an endoscopic forehead lift.  However, the quality of your photo is not ideal.  Do your research and choose carefully.

Why is my left eye dropping so noticeably low? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Sunken eye from silent sinus syndrome ?

Answer: Sunken eye from silent sinus syndrome ?

Answer: There is simply no substitute for a personal assessement with an oculofacial specialist who does aesthetic surgery.

Answer: There is simply no substitute for a personal assessement with an oculofacial specialist who does aesthetic surgery.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Why is my left eye dropping so noticeably low? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Sunken eye from silent sinus syndrome ?

Answer: Sunken eye from silent sinus syndrome ?

Answer: There is simply no substitute for a personal assessement with an oculofacial specialist who does aesthetic surgery.

Answer: There is simply no substitute for a personal assessement with an oculofacial specialist who does aesthetic surgery.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.