My Drooping Eyelids Are Affecting My Vision: Can You Help?

Sagging and drooping lids are a common problem for many people as they age, making you look tired, worn out, and older. For many people, though, sagging lids are more than a cosmetic problem — they can wind up blocking your vision.

At Rejuvenate Plastic Surgery, Rishi Jindal, MD, offers advanced eyelid surgery techniques designed to improve not only the aesthetic effects of droopy lids but the vision problems, too. If your dropping lids are interfering with your vision, here’s how he can help.

Why sagging lids happen

Also called ptosis, droopy eyelids can be divided into two types: congenital dropping, which occurs at birth, and acquired ptosis, which occurs later. Eyelid sagging that happens with age is acquired ptosis.

Causes of acquired ptosis can vary, but generally, they can be divided into five subgroups:

• Myogenic ptosis caused by muscle problems
• Neurogenic ptosis caused by nerve problems
• Mechanical ptosis caused by issues with lid anatomy
• Traumatic ptosis associated with injury to the lid or muscles
• Aponeurotic ptosis (or involutional ptosis) associated with aging

Age-related ptosis typically happens when the muscles that support your lid are stretched or weakened as you get older. Aponeurotic ptosis symptoms can be exacerbated by chronic eye rubbing or some types of eye or facial surgery.

Fortunately, ptosis can be corrected through a surgical procedure called blepharoplasty. This surgery aims to remove excess skin while repositioning the lid and the muscle that supports it.

Blepharoplasty for better vision

Blepharoplasty is a type of surgery that uses techniques specifically designed for lid issues, including age-related ptosis. Surgery is performed on an outpatient using minimally invasive techniques and sedation combined with local anesthetics or, in more complex cases, general anesthesia.

During surgery, Dr. Jindal makes tiny incisions to access the lid’s underlying tissues. While the risk of scarring is minimal, Dr. Jindal makes incisions in the eyelid folds or creases, meaning any scars you may develop will be hidden.

Next, he removes excess skin and tightens the muscles responsible for lid movement and elevation, restoring the lid’s normal position. Finally, he closes the incisions with tiny sutures and applies an antibiotic ointment to the lid. Most surgeries take 1-2 hours.

After surgery, it’s common to experience bruising, mild swelling, and discomfort in the initial stages of healing. Over-the-counter pain medicine and keeping your head elevated while you rest can provide relief. You need to avoid lifting and strenuous physical activity for about a week and stop wearing contact lenses for a month or so to avoid irritation.

Lower lids, too

It’s worth noting that blepharoplasty can be used to tighten up sagging lower lids, too. While droopy lower lids may not interfere with vision, they can still make you look older, and in some cases, they can lead to dry eye syndrome or make symptoms worse. Lower lid blepharoplasty can be performed on its own or in combination with upper lid treatment.

Restore your lids, restore your vision

Like other age-related issues, ptosis can worsen with age if it’s left untreated. Eventually, drooping lids can make it difficult to use a computer, watch TV, read, or even drive. 

If sagging lids are impeding your vision, prompt treatment is important. To learn how we can help, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Jindal and the team at Rejuvenate Plastic Surgery in San Diego, California, today.