Drooping Eyelids

Drooping Eyelids

Overview

As people get older, their lower eyelids sometimes start to droop away from the eyeball. Drooping is the result of reduced muscle tone in the muscles that control the eyelids.

Drooping eyelids may cause your eyes to become dry and irritated. And they can prevent tears from draining normally, so tears may run down your cheeks. This tearing can also be a sign of increased sensitivity to light or wind, an eye infection, or a blocked tear duct.

Surgery can sometimes help with drooping eyelids.

Credits

Current as of: October 12, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine