Other names: Acquired Blepharoptosis; Droopy Eyelid; Ptosis; Ptosis of Eyelid

Blepharoptosis (also known as ptosis or droopy eyelid) is a drooping of the upper eyelid that can cause limited field of vision. It can affect one or both eyes. It usually occurs from a partial or complete dysfunction of the Müller’s muscle, which in conjunction with the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, elevates the upper eyelid.

Blepharoptosis can generally be classified as congenital (present at birth) or acquired (present in later life), with the most common type being age-related aponeurotic ptosis.

Symptoms of blepharoptosis may include crossed or misaligned eyes, difficulty in closing the eye completely, double vision, drooping eyelid, eye fatigue, and tilting of the head.

Blepharoptosis can be corrected with surgery to tighten the levator muscle. Surgery to remove excess eyelid tissue (blepharoplasty) may also be performed. Blepharoptosis can also be treated with oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution (Upneeq), which is believed to selectively target Müller’s muscle and elevate the upper eyelid.

Drugs used to treat Blepharoptosis