At Richens Eye Center in St. George, Utah, and Mesquite, Nevada, Dr. Sharon Richens, MD, FACS, and her team of board-certified ophthalmologists and optometrists can help you understand what’s happening and what treatment options make sense for you.
What Is Ptosis?
Ptosis occurs when the upper eyelid droops lower than it should. This often happens because the muscles that lift the eyelid weaken over time, or the nerves that control those muscles are affected.
Ptosis can develop gradually with age, or it can appear suddenly due to injury, nerve conditions, or other medical issues. In some cases, ptosis can even block part of your vision.
Treatment usually involves a minor surgical procedure to tighten or repair the eyelid muscles.
What Is Dermatochalasis?
Dermatochalasis is caused by excess eyelid skin that becomes loose and folds over the eyelid margin. It’s often related to aging, genetics, or loss of skin elasticity.
While it doesn’t usually affect the eyelid muscles, it can make your eyes feel heavy, tired, or create a hooded appearance. When the skin starts to obstruct vision, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may be recommended to remove the extra tissue.
How to Tell the Difference
Although both ptosis and dermatochalasis cause drooping eyelids, the reasons behind them are different. Ptosis happens when the eyelid muscle weakens. You might notice that one eyelid looks heavier or lower than the other, or that your eyes seem uneven in photos.
Dermatochalasis is related to the skin rather than the muscle. The eyelid is in the right position, but loose skin folds hang down and create a hooded appearance.
Since these two conditions can look similar, only an experienced ophthalmologist can determine which one is affecting you.
Seek Care at Richens Eye Center
During an eye exam, Dr. Richens or one of her team members will check eyelid position, muscle strength, and skin laxity to recommend the best treatment plan.
Call 435-986-2020 (Downtown St. George), 435-628-1112 (Sunset St. George), 702-346-2950 (Mesquite), or 435-900-3937 (Little Valley) to schedule your consultation today.
