Eyelid drooping typically occurs in the upper eyelid, and may affect one or both eyelids. If left untreated, it can adversely affect the vision. In many cases, the condition of ptosis or eyelid drooping will be barely noticeable, or will come and go intermittently. Therefore, it is critical to know the symptoms, and seek medical attention in a timely manner.
Dr. Trang Vo-Nguyen (Dr. V) is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing surgical and non-surgical treatments for eyelid drooping to patients in Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and surrounding locations.
Common Symptoms
If the condition of sagging eyelid occurs only one side (unilateral), it becomes easier to notice because of the obvious difference between the eyes. Congenital ptosis will be present at birth, and the symptoms may be barely noticeable in the beginning. Even among adults, sometimes the symptoms are more or less prominent, depending on the severity of the condition.
The most common sign of a drooping eyelid is that the person will experience a limited field of vision or partial vision obstruction. Over time, this condition may also produce excess tears in the affected eye. The patient suffering from ptosis will often find it difficult to keep their eye open. They may typically tilt their head back or repeatedly raise their eyebrows in an effort to lift the droopy eyelid.
When the patient is tired, the drooping usually becomes more conspicuous because the muscles fatigue. While many patients will have watery eyes due to ptosis, in some cases, the affected eye may become extremely dry. The patient’s face also looks tired or weary.
Some patients complain of aching around the eyes, which can also make them appear tired. In more severe cases, the patient may tend to tilt their head back at all times when speaking, even while having a normal conversation. The treatment provider will also assess symptoms such as migraines or other issues that may indicate any underlying conditions as the cause of eyelid drooping.
In most severe forms of ptosis, the vision can be completely obstructed because the upper eyelid sags so much that it tends to cover the pupil. Experienced facial plastic surgeon Dr. V receives patients from Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and nearby areas for ptosis treatments.
Dry Eye Symptoms
If the one or both eyes constantly feel dry, sandy or gritty, the patient may be suffering from dry eye, which could be caused due to drooping eyelids. Other symptoms include sore, irritated or red eyes, and difficult in wearing contact lenses. Sometimes the eyes may become watery due to dry eyes because the body produces excessive tears in response to the dryness.
Watery Eye Symptoms
Constantly watering eyes may occur due to drooping eyelids. While the body naturally produces tears to keep the eyes lubricated, but too many tears may be the result of conditions such as ptosis. A medical professional will determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment to address the symptoms.
For more infomation please contact Dr. V. Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen, known to her patients as “Dr. V,” is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing the latest surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures in Northern Virginia, Leesburg, Loudoun, Fairfax, Warrenton, Fauquier, Arlington, Manassas, Middleburg, Prince William, and other areas. https://thevirginiainstitute.com/contact-us/
