---
title: "Droopy eyelid (ptosis) | Eye Health Guide"
description: "Why an upper eyelid droops, the common age-related cause, when a sudden droop is a warning sign, and how surgery can lift the lid. Clinically reviewed."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/ptosis/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Droopy eyelid (ptosis)

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Ptosis is a drooping of the upper eyelid that can affect one or both eyes. It is most often caused by age-related stretching of the eyelid muscle and is treatable with surgery if it affects vision. A sudden droop, especially with double vision or a headache, needs urgent assessment.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Common symptoms
4. Causes and risk factors
5. When to seek care and treatment
6. Related conditions
7. Related symptoms
8. Treatments & Surgery
9. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

Ptosis is when the upper eyelid sits lower than normal and can partly cover the eye. It may be mild or, if severe, block part of your vision. It can be present from birth or, far more commonly, develop gradually with age.

## Common symptoms

Symptoms relate to the drooping lid and to compensating for it.

- One or both upper eyelids sitting low
- A reduced upper field of vision
- Aching brows from lifting the lids
- Tilting the head back or raising the eyebrows to see

## Causes and risk factors

The most common cause is age-related stretching of the muscle that lifts the eyelid. It can also be present from birth, follow eye surgery, or, less often, be linked to a nerve or muscle condition.

## When to seek care and treatment

See a clinician urgently if a droopy eyelid comes on suddenly, especially with double vision, a severe headache, a change in the pupil size, or weakness elsewhere, as this can rarely signal a serious problem. Long-standing ptosis that affects vision or appearance can be corrected with surgery to lift the lid.

## Related conditions

## Related symptoms

## Treatments & Surgery

## Frequently asked questions

### What causes a droopy eyelid?

Most droopy eyelids are due to age-related stretching of the eyelid muscle. Less commonly they are present from birth or linked to a nerve or muscle condition.

### When is a droopy eyelid serious?

A sudden droop, especially with double vision, a severe headache, a changed pupil, or weakness, needs urgent assessment, as it can occasionally signal a serious underlying problem.

### Can a droopy eyelid be fixed?

Yes. When it affects vision or appearance, ptosis can be corrected with a minor operation to tighten or reposition the muscle that lifts the eyelid.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [Ptosis (droopy eyelid) - Moorfields Eye Hospital](https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/eye-conditions/ptosis-droopy-eyelid)