An eye that droops is not the most attractive because it will look smaller than the other. We highlight the risk factors for Ptosis or drooping eyelids and point out their symptoms in this article. It also introduces exercises and natural remedies that will help you get rid of them.
Who gets drooping eyelids?
Anyone can get Ptosis, and there isn’t much difference between ethnicities. People of all ages may develop this condition.
That said, Ptosis is most common in older adults due to the aging process. The levator muscle weakens and stretches during this time, causing this condition.
What are the causes?
A few factors may explain drooping eyelids, most of which are treatable. Eliminating them in babies is possible and in fact, necessary to prevent hindering of the child’s vision.
1. Hereditary
Some people may have eyelids that droop because one of their parents has them too. Doctors recommend correcting them early to prevent blurred vision. Surgery can strengthen the eyelid muscles and prevent complications. The process is straightforward.
2. Damaged nerves
Some people may suffer from an eyelid injury or conditions impacting the nervous system. These conditions may cause drooping eyelids.
One of these conditions is Horner Syndrome. A person may develop it when damage occurs to the muscles that control the eyelid movement. This condition also shrinks the pupils and causes the face to stop sweating. Nerve damage as a result of diabetes may also cause Ptosis.
3. Muscle Problems
Muscles control eyelid movements, and the most essential of these is the levator muscle. Damage to it affects the way your eyelids open and close.
An inherited muscle disease, Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy (OPMD), a type of muscular dystrophy, affects eye movement and even limb muscles. Myotonic Dystrophy, another form of Muscular Dystrophy that develops in adults, also causes Ptosis.
4. Aging
Ptosis or drooping eyelids are a consequence of aging. This phenomenon has a name – aponeurotic ptosis.
Gravity moves the skin downward, and excess skin hangs over the eyelid and blocks vision. The problem is mostly cosmetic, however, and surgery can restore the eyelid to its usual vigor.
5. Surgery
Surgeons are so practiced that mistakes don’t happen often. That doesn’t mean that they aren’t possible. A droopy eyelid that occurs as a result of surgery is post-surgical ptosis.
The Levator Muscle separates from the eye after cataract surgery. Indeed, patients have reported having drooping eyelids after cataract surgery.
Symptoms
1. Hooded Eyes
Of course, the most visible sign of Ptosis is eyelids that sag. They give the eye a hooded, awkward appearance that makes a person look tired or older than he or she is. You may notice this happening in one or both eyes.
2. Obstruction of Vision and Gesturing
In some cases, the eyelid may droop so much that they obstruct vision. That may cause you to tilt your head back and raise your eyebrows. Drooping eyelids are uncomfortable and may cause you to gesture. You may find yourself raising your eyebrows.
3. Tired eyes and Absent Creases
Your eyes may ache or feel exhausted. Fatigue happens most often towards the end of the day. If your eyelids droop, the creases that are supposed to be in them may be missing.
Natural remedies for drooping eyelids
If corrective surgery sounds too painful, you may want to try other remedies for ptosis. Make use of what you have in your kitchen and other places in the home.
1. Cucumbers
First of all is cucumber, a hot favorite among vegetables. Cucumbers aren’t just for salads; they remedy drooping eyelids as well. They help because they are excellent sources of Vitamin C and Potassium.
2. Chamomile Tea Bags
Another remedy for ptosis is Chamomile, particularly Chamomile Tea Bags. Chamomile is an exceedingly popular anti-inflammatory agent. Leave a few in the refrigerator for some time, then leave them on your eyes for about 20 minutes. You will experience their benefits if you do this regularly.
3. Green Tea
Another home remedy you can count on to get rid of your drooping eyelids is green tea. Besides being full of antioxidants and an anti-inflammatory agent, green tea improves the elasticity of the skin.
You have polyphenols to thank for this. They keep the skin supple and prevent your eyelids from drooping.
4. Ice Cubes
Ice is an excellent remedy for eyelids that droop because it tightens the skin. You may wash your face with cold water or place a cold compress on it. Doing this will make the skin supple and give it elasticity.
5. Grapes
Stock up on these if you want to remove your drooping eyelids. Grapes have resveratrol, a natural phenol, which slows the aging process. Your skin will benefit if you add them to your diet.
6. Egg Mask
Your trusted egg mask is also on this list. Egg whites have natural enzymes that control the elasticity of your eyelids. They reduce sagging.
Collect the white of one egg. Whip it up and apply it to your eyelids. Leave them to dry, and wash the white off with cold water. It will bring relief to your eyelids.
7. Olive Oil
Olive oil repairs the skin, according to this study. Therefore, it corrects drooping eyelids as well.
Heat some olive and leave it to cool to lukewarm temperature. Once it does, massage your eyelids with it and leave it on your eyes overnight. It will restore the elasticity of your skin, and prevent your eyelids from drooping.
8. Hydrate yourself
Finally, don’t forget to drink water under any circumstances. You must drink at least eight to ten glasses of it daily to get rid of Ptosis.
Exercises for drooping eyelids
While applying natural treatments on the eyelids is essential, you mustn’t forget to keep them supple with a little workout. Here are a few you can do from the comfort of your chair.
Exercise 1: To strengthen the upper eyelids
This exercise targets the Levator Muscle, which manages the movement of the upper eyelid.
a. Put your index finger under your eyebrows. You should feel the Brow Bone if you’re doing this correctly.
b. Hold the finger in place firmly and close your eyes.
c. Feel a gentle tug from your eyebrow through to your eyelid.
d. Squeeze your eyelids together tightly to enable a strong pull.
e. Hold for five counts.
f. Relax, then repeat this exercise five times.
2. Lifting the Upper Eyelid
a. Place four fingertips, of each hand, just below your eyebrows.
b. Push up slowly until you can feel the brow bones underneath your finger pads.
c. Move your upper eyelids down until your eyes close.
d. Hold for five counts, then release your lids gradually to three counts.
e. Relax your eyes, then repeat this exercise five times.
3. Strengthening the forehead and lifting your brows.
This exercise strengthens the muscles in your forehead and lifts your brows.
a. Keep your forehead relaxed.
b. Now place your three middle fingers from each hand under each eyebrow with the pads of your fingers lined up along the lower part of the eyebrow
c. Put the middle fingers of each hand under each eyebrow. You should line up the pads of your fingers along the lower part of the brow.
d. Keep the palms of your hands relaxed. There’s no need to keep them at an angle.
e. Push your eyebrows upwards with three fingertips.
f. Push as high as you can and stretch towards the temples. Keep your eyes wide open.
g. Hold this position for five counts.
h. Push down with your forehead muscles. Doing this creates resistance to your fingertips. Hold for another five counts.
j. Repeat the exercise for another five to ten minutes.
4. Toning the eyelids
This exercise tones your eyelid muscles.
a. Keep your eyes closed.
b. Place the index finger of each hand across each eyelid.
c. Lift the elbows and keep them to the sides of the body.
d. Gently apply pressure to your eyelids with the fingerpads of your index fingers
e. As you do this, count to five.
f. Repeat this exercise five to ten times.
5. Strengthening your Eyebrows
Follow these steps if you wish to develop your eyebrow muscles.
a. Raise your eyebrows as high as you can.
b. Open your eyes wide and hold for five counts.
c. Lower your eyebrows and relax.
d. Repeat this exercise five to ten times.
In all, you can correct your drooping eyelids naturally. Try these simple yet effective remedies and exercises.
