What causes ptosis?Ageing
The most common cause of ptosis is the stretching of the levator muscle due to ageing. As the muscles around the eyes weaken, the upper eyelids may begin to droop.
Illustration: Drooping eyelids causing the typical tired look and raised eyebrows
Congenital ptosis
Ptosis which is present at birth is called congenital ptosis. This is usually a result of improper development of the levator muscle which lifts the upper eyelid.
Illustration: Congenital ptosis
Children with ptosis often tilt their heads or lift their eyebrows frequently to see properly.
Eye injury, trauma or disease
Sometimes, an eye trauma, injury or disease can cause ptosis. Generally, this occurs when there is either damage to the levator muscles that hold the eyelids up, or damage to the nerves which control these muscles.
It is also not uncommon to develop ptosis after cataract surgery or after contact lens wear. Other causes of ptosis include third cranial nerve palsy and neurological muscular disorders such as myasthenia and muscle dystrophies.
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