Did you know eyelids affect more than your appearance?
Eyelid ptosis doesn’t just cause cosmetic problems. Eyelids are vital to good vision, mental health, and overall quality of life.
Wait… what?
Eyelid issues are more common than you think. And unless they start to noticeably droop down and sag or become problematic, many people go their whole lives without eyelid surgery.
What you’ll learn:
- Why eyelid health is more important than you think
- Why droopy eyelids affect your wellbeing
- Cosmetic eye rejuvenation and your wellbeing
- Do you need eyelid surgery? Signs your eyelids need help
Eyelid Health Is More Important Than You Think
Your eyelids serve many purposes.
Along with keeping your eyes lubricated and clear of debris, they help reset your brain every time you blink. That’s up to 30,000 brain resets per day!
When your eyelids start to droop, though, things take a turn for the worse.
Ptosis, or drooping eyelids, affect all ages. And recent ISAPS data shows that more people went to eye surgeons for cosmetic eyelid surgery than any other cosmetic procedure in 2024.
With over 2.1 million blepharoplasty surgeries worldwide and a growth rate of 13.4%, people are starting to realize that eyelids aren’t just about vanity.
Anyone researching cosmetic eye rejuvenation options should consider booking a free eyelid lift consult with an eye surgeon to learn more about their eyelid health.
Eyelids Affect Your Wellbeing When You Have Droopy Eyelids
Sagging eyelids can make you look tired and older.
But they can also cause you to lose vision, develop headaches, and feel fatigued.
When the skin on your upper eyelids begins to droop and sag down over the eyes, your peripheral vision is often affected.
It’s common to see someone with droopy eyelids tilting their head back to see better.
The strain doesn’t stop there, though.
Raise your eyebrows more than usual to lift your eyelids up? Boom. You’re likely overworking muscles in your forehead and developing tension headaches.
See things clearer when you’re reading or watching television by leaning in or sitting closer? Again, you’re likely developing headaches.
Dry eyes? Watery eyes? Exhaustion? Yep, those can be caused by droopy eyelids too.
Think about how you treat others when you perceive they look tired. Would you think they are sick? Tired? Get that together?
When you don’t quite look like ‘you,’ it can take a toll on your wellbeing. Several studies showed improvements in self-esteem, body image, and life satisfaction up to 5 years after eyelid surgery.
Cosmetic Eye Rejuvenation Surgery Can Help Your Wellbeing
Cosmetic eye rejuvenation might seem like a simple facelift for your eyes. While that is definitely part of it, it can also help your vision and ease some physical symptoms.
Eyelid surgery was once again in the top five most popular procedures of 2024. According to the 2024 ASPS statistics report, patients seeking this treatment want to:
- Look more refreshed
- Reduce puffiness
But when droopy eyelids are lifted, patients experience much more than that.
Yes, you will look more refreshed, awake, and alert. But many patients also told surgeons they:
- Could see better
- Had fewer headaches
- Eliminated eye strain
- Stopped tilting their heads back to see further down their field of vision
- Felt more confident
Everyone’s eyelids are different. That’s why it’s so important to consult with a board-certified surgeon to discuss your goals. Some patients only want to address their upper eyelids. Others may have concerns about puffiness in their lower eyelids.
Whatever your goals are, eyelid surgery can address your concerns by removing excess skin, fat, and even tissue from around your eyes.
Here’s the thing…
Eyelid surgery is one of the few cosmetic procedures that can be deemed medically necessary by your insurance. If your drooping eyelids are interfering with your vision, there’s a good chance your surgeon will work with you (and your insurance company) to help.
Cosmetic eye surgery is an investment that can enhance your appearance AND your health.
Do You Need Eyelid Surgery? Signs Your Eyelids Need Help
Curious if your eyelids need a little help?
Keep reading to find out!
Symptoms related to vision:
- Do you feel like your eyes are blocked when looking at something directly in front of you?
- Do you find yourself tilting your head back to see better?
- Do you feel like you have to raise your eyebrows to open your eyes all the way?
- Are you blinking more to see clearly?
- Does it feel like your eyes don’t open all the way when you look in the mirror?
If you answered yes to any of the above, your eyelids may be causing:
- Headaches (from tilting head back to see)
- Eye strain
- Dry eyes
- Watery eyes
Symptoms related to how you look:
- Do you feel like you look tired even after a good night’s rest?
- Do you feel like your upper eyelids look heavy or puffy?
- Do you feel like you can’t apply eye makeup without it creasing or being difficult to apply?
If your answer is YES to any of these questions, then your eyelids may be eligible for surgery.
Don’t worry. There’s a catch.
What if your eyelids just drooped overnight? That’s a problem entirely different from cosmetic concerns.
Suddenly drooping eyelids can be a sign of a stroke. If you experience this, along with headaches, neck pain, or vision problems, head to the emergency room or call 911.
However, if your droopy eyelids developed gradually over time, your skin is most likely to blame. As we age, our skin loses its elasticity. The same thing happens with the muscle responsible for lifting your eyelid (called the levator muscle). Over time, fatty deposits can also build up behind the eyelids.
All of these things can be treated with eyelid surgery.
Wrapping Up
Eyelids may be small, but they play a big role in your day-to-day life.
Eyelid health is crucial to your overall wellbeing. When they’re functioning properly, you’ll notice an improvement in your vision. You’ll feel more comfortable throughout the day, too. Fewer headaches and more confidence are just a few of the other benefits patients experience after cosmetic eye rejuvenation.
Let’s recap real quick:
- Droopy eyelids can cause vision problems
- Compensation causes headaches, eye strain, and neck pain
- Cosmetic eye rejuvenation can fix the appearance of your eyelids and help them function properly
- Patients who undergo eyelid surgery are happy with the results
- Eyelid surgery can help you feel more confident and improve your quality of life
If your eyelids are causing problems, don’t hesitate to find help. It may be easier than you think!
