Why Do Eyelids Droop? Understanding the Common Causes of Ptosis

Woman holding her eyes open due to ptosis in Amarillo, TX Have you ever noticed your eyelids drooping, making it harder to see, or giving your face a tired appearance? This condition, known as ptosis, can affect one or both eyes and varies from mild sagging to more severe cases that impair vision. Understanding the causes of ptosis is key to finding the right treatment and restoring both function and confidence.

Dr. W. John W. Murrell, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist and oculoplastic specialist with decades of experience treating conditions like ptosis. With advanced training and a commitment to patient-centered care, Dr. Murrell has performed thousands of eyelid surgeries, helping patients regain their vision and confidence.

What Is Ptosis?

Ptosis refers to upper eyelid drooping due to weakened muscles, nerve damage, or other factors. While it can occur at any age, it is more common as we age. The condition can be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause.

Common Causes of Ptosis

  • Aging (Involutional Ptosis): As we age, the muscles responsible for lifting the eyelid (levator muscles) can stretch or weaken, leading to drooping. This is the most common cause of ptosis in adults.
  • Congenital Ptosis: Some people are born with ptosis due to underdeveloped eyelid muscles. If untreated, this can sometimes interfere with vision development in children.
  • Nerve Damage: The eyelid muscles are controlled by the oculomotor nerve. Conditions such as Horner’s syndrome or nerve injuries can disrupt this connection, causing drooping.
  • Trauma or Injury: Accidents or surgeries near the eye can weaken the levator muscles or damage the surrounding structures.
  • Medical Conditions: Disorders such as myasthenia gravis or muscular dystrophy can impact the muscles and nerves responsible for eyelid movement.
  • Tumors or Growths: In rare cases, a growth in or near the eyelid can add weight, leading to drooping.
  • Contact Lens Use: Prolonged use of certain contact lenses can stretch the eyelid over time, contributing to ptosis.

Treatment Options

Ptosis treatment depends on its severity and underlying cause. Mild cases may not require intervention, but more pronounced ptosis may benefit from surgery, such as a blepharoplasty or ptosis repair, to strengthen the eyelid muscles.

Look Awake and Youthful with Eyelid Surgery in Amarillo, TX

If drooping eyelids hinder your vision or confidence, call us today at 806-351-1177 to schedule a consultation. Early intervention is key to protecting your eyesight and achieving natural-looking results.

Contact Us For All Your Health Related Queries!

Panhandle Eye Group Subspecialists

7411 Wallace Blvd
Amarillo, TX 79106

Amarillo Cataract & Eye Surgery Center

7310 Fleming Ave
Amarillo, TX 79106

Office Hours

We offer earlier morning appointment starting at 7:40am for those who choose to come in at an earlier convince. Our phone hours are as posted.

Monday
8:15 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:15 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday
8:15 am - 4:30 pm
Thursday
8:15am - 12:30pm
Friday
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This is the latest IOL for Dr. Murrell's cataract practice. The LAL is the first IOL that can be adjusted after the surgery. Dr. Murrell can customize your IOL so that you can have the vision that you desire.

The LAL is a premium IOL which will not be covered under your medical insurance hence will have to pay for this IOL.

 

What's coming to Dr. Murrell's practice in the next few months.
Embrace with Accutite and Facetite and Morpheus Prime and Morpheus8

Accutite and Facetite: - These are FDA approved cosmetic devices that can melt fat and mildly tighten skin. It requires only a small opening in the skin. The Accutite is for small areas such as the upper and lower eyelids. The Facetite is for the larger areas of the face such as the jowls, neck, and nasolabial folds.

Morpheus Prime and Morpheus 8 - These are FDA approved cosmetic devices that are applied to the skin to tighten the skin and collagen underneath the skin. The Morpheus Prime is for smaller areas smaller areas such as the upper and lower eyelids. the Morpheus8 is for the larger areas of the face. Both Morpheus Prime and Morpheus 8 takes 3 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart from each other.

The Accutite and Morpheus Prime can both be performed to the eyelids to maximize the cosmetic effect. Likewise, the Facetite and Morpheus8 can both be performed to maximize the cosmetic effect.

The Embrace is the device that rungs the Accutite, Facetite, Morpheus8, and Morpheus Prime. These treatments are not covered by insurance. The patient will have to pay for the procedure.

What's New in Dr. Murrell Practice in 2023

Light adjustable IOl (LAL) for Cataract Patients

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