This occurs when the tiny muscle and tendon that lifts the eyelid becomes weak or slack, causing the upper eyelid to hang too low over the eye. This often impairs vision. In order to see better, people with ptosis sometimes lean their head back, raise their eyebrows or physically lift the lid with their finger.
Ptosis can be congenital, meaning that a person was born with the condition.
Ptosis can also be acquired, as a result of aging. Acquired ptosis can occur as a result of cataract or other eye surgery, when the tendon may become weakened. Blepharoplasty is the name of the surgery that is performed to repair droopy eyelids.