Changes to the appearance of your skin are often one of the first signs of aging. These age-related changes can affect the skin on any part of the body, including the skin on your eyelids.
When eyelid skin begins to age and droop, a condition known as ptosis, it can affect both the appearance and the function of your eyes. Keep reading to learn more about what causes eyelids to droop with age and how the condition can be treated.
Why Does Aging Cause Eyelids to Droop?
Loss of Elasticity
One of the primary reasons that eyelids droop with age is the natural loss of skin elasticity. Over time, the body produces less collagen and elastin, the two key proteins responsible for the skin’s firmness and flexibility.
As collagen and elastin production slows, the skin becomes thinner, looser, and more prone to sagging. It is often most pronounced in areas where the skin is thin, such as the eyelids.
Muscle Weakness
Aging can also affect the strength of the muscles that lift the upper eyelid. With age, eyelid muscles can weaken or become stretched, compromising their ability to keep eyelid skin in place.
Shifting Fat Deposits
As people age, the deposits of fat that cushion and support the eyes can shift, resulting in puffiness or bulging. This can make the eyelids appear heavier and contribute to eyelid drooping.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle factors can also influence the rate and extent of eyelid droop. Years of sun exposure, lack of sleep, stress, and smoking can accelerate the signs of aging around the eyes and increase the severity of eyelid droop.
Is Eyelid Drooping Always Related to Aging?
While aging is often the cause of drooping eyelids, there are other, less common causes. These causes include:
- Inflammation caused by allergic reactions, eye trauma, or infections
- Neurological conditions that impair nerves or cause muscle weakness, such as myasthenia gravis or multiple sclerosis
- Eyelid cysts or tumors
- Scarring from previous eye injuries or surgeries
- Congenital ptosis, an inherited condition that is present at birth
When is Surgery for Drooping Eyelids Necessary?
Surgery for drooping eyelids, a procedure called blepharoplasty, is a medical necessity if the condition starts to impair a person’s vision, causes eye irritation, or affects eye function. During the procedure, a small incision is made along the natural crease of the upper eyelid to remove or reposition skin, muscle, and fatty tissue.
Blepharoplasty is also a common cosmetic surgery procedure. Although not covered by insurance, many people undergo the procedure to improve the appearance of their eye area and lessen the signs of aging.
Are There Non-Surgical Treatments for Droopy Eyelids?
There are several non-surgical treatments for droopy eyelids, but they are limited in their ability to permanently correct the condition. These treatments include eyelid crutches, cosmetic eyelid tape, and specialized eye exercises.
Non-surgical treatments can be a temporary fix, but they don’t address the underlying cause of drooping eyelids. They are best suited for people with mild symptoms, those awaiting surgical treatment, or those who are unable to undergo surgery.
Can Droopy Eyelids be Prevented?
Since age is the primary contributor to droopy eyelids, it is not possible to completely prevent the condition. Some of the things that may help lessen the severity of eyelid drooping are:
- Wearing sunscreen and sunglasses when outdoors
- Not smoking
- Staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet
- Getting plenty of sleep
- Avoiding excessive eye rubbing
- Managing seasonal allergies
The effects of aging, specifically loss of skin elasticity, muscle weakness, and shifting fat deposits, are the biggest causes of eyelid drooping. While it can’t be reversed, a blepharoplasty procedure performed by expert ophthalmologists at Rosenthal Eye Surgery can correct vision impairment, prevent irritation, and improve eye function.
Are you struggling with droopy eyelids and wondering if you’re a candidate for blepharoplasty? Schedule your appointment at Rosenthal Eye Surgery in Long Island, NY, today!
