Medical Edge Newspaper Column

Treatment for Drooping Eyelids

July 16, 2007
Readers:
You expected vision changes with age, but you hadn't anticipated vision problems because of drooping eyelids.

Drooping eyelids are common with aging. The skin around your eyes is naturally thin and delicate. Over time, the eyelids typically stretch, the muscles weaken and fat gathers over and under the eyes. The result is sagging eyelids that can affect vision and make you look tired -- no matter how much you rest.

The condition can be treated. Blepharoplasty (BLEF-uh-ro-plas-tee) is a surgery that may be done to improve both your ability to see without obstruction and your appearance. Insurers usually pay for the surgery if drooping eyelids are interfering with vision.

For a drooping upper eyelid, an incision is typically made along its natural crease. Excess skin and fat may be removed through the incision. The incision is closed using a technique that hides the stitches to the extent possible. In lower eyelid surgery, the incision is made just below the lashes in the skin's natural crease.

Blepharoplasty generally takes one to three hours, usually as an outpatient.