Drooping Eyelid (Ptosis) What Is It? A drooping eyelid is also
called ptosis or blepharoptosis. In this condition, the border
of the upper eyelid falls to a lower position than normal. In
severe cases, the drooping eyelid can cover all or part of the
pupil and interfere with vision. Ptosis can affect one or both
eyes. It may be present at birth (congenital ptosis), or it may
develop gradually over decades. Sometimes ptosis is an isolated
problem that changes a person's appearance without affecting
vision or health. In other cases, however, it can be a warning
sign that a more serious condition is affecting the muscles,
nerves, brain or eye socket. Ptosis that develops over a period
of days or hours is more likely to signify a serious medical
problem. Some of the causes of ptosis include: - Congenital
ptosis. In this condition, an infant is born with ptosis because
of a developmental problem involving the muscle that raises the
upper eyelid (levator muscle). In approximately 70% of cases,
the condition affects