Laxity of the eyelids refers to drooping of the upper or lower eyelid. It is a common cause for people who are over 40 years old, but it can occur in younger people as well if they have had eye injuries or undergone eye surgery.

Laxity of the eyelids can be treated with surgery, and most patients see an improvement in their appearance after treatment. This article will discuss what laxity of the eyelids is, how it impacts your appearance, and why you might need to get treatment for this condition.

What is Eyelid Laxity?

Eyelid laxity is when an upper or lower eyelid has a decrease in elastin. This can cause the eyelid to droop or sag and cause a decrease in the amount of eyelid skin that covers the white part of the eye (the sclera). This can make your eyes look older and tired.

Conditions Associated with Eyelid Laxity

Ectropion- This is when the lower eyelid and lashes sag and turn outward. Symptoms can be crusting, excessive tearing, discharge, and irritation.

Entropion- This is when the lower lid and lashes are sagging and turning inward. Symptoms can include crusting, excessive tearing, discharge, and irritation.

Trichiasis- This is where the eyelashes point backward, growing back toward the eye. Cornea infections and damage to the other parts of the eye are often prevalent with this condition.

Floppy Eyelid Syndrome- the eyelid is oversized and loose. This can turn into irritation and inflammation of the cornea and other areas of the eye.

Causes of Eyelid Laxity

The most common cause of eyelid laxity is aging. As you age, the elastin in your body breaks down and causes a loss of elasticity. Other causes include:

• A large amount of weight gain or weight loss over time
• Repeated facial trauma (like getting hit in the face)
• Eye surgery or eye injury
• Post-inflammatory response
• and more.

Symptoms of Eyelid Laxity

The main symptoms of eyelid laxity are sagging of the upper or lower eyelids, which can cause your eyes to look older. Other symptoms include

• dryness in the eye area
• irritation and redness in the eye
• blurry vision
• sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• crusting on the lashes
• itching around the eyes
• and more.

Treatment Options

When it comes to treating eyelid laxity, there is a corrective surgery that helps with the treatment and correction of eyelid laxity. Call Dr. Davis today for a consultation on eyelid laxity surgery.

Eye Health with Dr. Mayli Davis

Our team at The Advanced Eyelid Surgery Center is highly knowledgeable about eye health. We can answer any questions you may have about your health and how to handle ptosis. Dr. Mayli Davis will assist in finding the best treatment for each client. To contact The Advanced Eyelid Surgery Center, please call us at (817) 778-4444.

We look forward to working with you.