Droopy Eyelid (Ptosis)

Both the top and bottom eyelids are susceptible to sagging, but ptosis refers to excessive drooping of the upper lid. In general, a drooping eyelid is caused when the skin above the eye becomes loose, when the levator palpebrae superioris  muscle that raises the eyelid is weakened, or from damage to the eye muscles. If severe enough, ptosis can block or reduce vision and may require corrective surgery to lift the lid or more intrusive surgery to reattach or strengthen the eye muscle.

Children and adults of all ages can suffer from ptosis, and it can be present from birth. For adults, the drooping of the eyelids often is a natural part of the aging process. Adult ptosis usually is caused by the levator muscle tendon stretching or separating away from the eyelid, sometimes due to surgery. Complications from neurological diseases and other disorders affecting the levator muscle can cause adult ptosis as well. Diseases known to contribute to adult ptosis include brain tumors, diabetes, strokes, Horner syndrome, and myasthenia gravis. In children, a poorly developed levator muscle usually is responsible for the condition known as congenital ptosis, which can lead to amblyopia, or lazy eye.

Why UAB

The specialists at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital use the most advanced technology and are known for working together to treat the full range of both common and complex corneal problems. From cataract and corneal surgeries to highly specialized contact lenses, Callahan features the expertise, experience, and cutting-edge equipment needed to treat the most challenging corneal conditions. Patients come here from around the world and nation because we don’t just treat eye disease – we empower patients to take control of their eye health.

Callahan is the only full-service facility in Alabama specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of the eye and one of only a few worldwide that is entirely devoted to advancements in ophthalmology. That reputation is supported by 16 operating rooms dedicated to eye surgery and a 24/7 eye emergency room that is the region’s only Level I Ocular Trauma Center. More than 11,000 surgeries are performed at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital each year, and we conduct more reconstructive eye procedures than any other facility in the world.

Our facility is home to more than two dozen ophthalmologists, many of whom are named among the top doctors in their fields nationally. Callahan is widely recognized for excellence in patient care, having consistently earned prestigious awards from health care consulting group Press Ganey, and in 2017 Callahan was named as one of the “100 Great Places to Work in Healthcare” by Becker’s Hospital Review.

Callahan also is known for pioneering developments in surgical instruments, devices, and procedures used by ophthalmologists across the globe. As part of the UAB Medicine academic medical center, Callahan is actively involved in ongoing research and clinical trials. Many of our ophthalmologists have received funding from prestigious research organizations and institutions and collaborate in clinical care to bring the latest in scientific discovery to our patients.

Images and Videos

Priscilla Fowler, MD Assistant Professor and Director of the Cornea Service in the Department of Ophthalmology at UAB, discusses how easily "red eye" can be misdiagnosed.

UAB pilot program brings glaucoma screenings closer to home.

UAB Callahan Eye Hospital helped save a young baseball player’s career and, most importantly, his sight.

After being hit in the eye with a bottle rocket, Dianne Peterson underwent sight-saving surgery at UAB Callahan Eye Hospital. 

RELATED SERVICES

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for the diagnosis and treatment of ptosis. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.

View Clinical Trials