What is ptosis?

Also known as: droopiness of the lids.

Ptosis is a drooping eyelid with the upper eyelid falling to a lower position than normal. It may be congenital (at birth or occuring during the first year of life-congenital ptosis) or acquired later in childhood. Congenital ptosis is usually mild involving one eye only, however both eyelids may be affected and not necessarily symmetrically. Most congenital ptosis is mild however it can be severe with the eyelid covering part of the pupil and affecting sight. Ptosis that develops over days to weeks may indicate a neurological problem and needs further evaluation.

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Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM