Can Your Eyelids Affect Your Vision?

People don't think much about their eyelids unless they're irritated, swollen, or drooping, but the eyelids have an important job. The lids help spread your tears with each blink and protect the surface of your eye, keeping it comfortable. 

Changes in the position or function of your eyelid can also cause vision problems, such as irritation or even obstructed vision. 

A common reason for eyelid changes is aging. However, changes in your eyelid can occur for other reasons as well. If eyelid problems interfere with your vision, you have treatment options. 
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How do the eyelids help protect your eyes?

The eyelids help protect your eyes in the following ways: 

• Help distribute tears across the surface of the eyes
• Protect the eyes from debris and injury
• Decrease tear evaporation when your eyes are closed
• Clear particles from the eyes during blinking 

If your eyelids turn outward or inward, or do not close completely, it can interfere with those functions. This can lead to irritation, dryness, and excessive tearing. 

How do your eyelids change with age?

The muscles, skin, and the connective tissue around your eye typically change as you age. This leads to a variety of changes in the position of the eyelid and the quality of the skin, including: 

• Changes in eyelid position
• Eyelids turning inward or outward
• Looser eyelid skin
• Drooping of the eyelids 

Some age-related eyelid changes are primarily cosmetic and do not significantly affect vision. However, depending on the type and severity, other lid changes can affect eye comfort or even your vision.
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What is ptosis?

Ptosis is the drooping of the upper eyelids. It can occur when the supporting structures that lift the eyelid weaken. The most common cause is age-related. 

Typically, it starts gradually and can cause the upper eyelid to appear lower. It may affect one or both eyes. If the lid droops low enough to cover part of the pupil, it can interfere with vision. 
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If drooping starts suddenly, seek immediate medical evaluation, as it can develop due to a neurological condition. 

Can the eyelid turn inward or outward? 

In addition to drooping, changes can cause the eyelid to turn inward or outward. This may occur due to aging as the muscles and tissues weaken and shift the eyelid out of its normal position, such as the following:

Entropion: This is the medical name for an eyelid that turns inward. It can cause the eyelashes to rub against the surface of the eyes, leading to irritation. 

Ectropion: This is the medical term for an eyelid that turns outward. It can interfere with how the tears spread across the surface of the eyes. 
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When should you see an eye doctor about an eyelid change?

It is best to see an eye doctor in the following situations: 

• New or worsening eyelid droop
• Problems completely closing your eyes
• Eyelid drooping that interferes with vision
• Eyelashes that rub against the eye
• An eyelid that turns inward or outward

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How are eyelid problems treated?

Treatment for eyelid problems may depend on the cause, which is why an examination is important. Treatment may include something simple such as using lubricating eye drops to ease dryness. To correct problems with the position of the eyelids, options may include: 

• Upper blepharoplasty to remove excess skin 
• Targeted Botox to elevate brow and eye areas
• Procedures or surgery to correct eyelid position when appropriate

Changes in your eyelids aren't always simply cosmetic as you get older. If you notice a change in the position of your eyelids or eyelashes, a comprehensive eye examination can help determine the cause and whether treatment is needed.

We hope the above information is helpful. We are happy to answer any additional vision-related questions you may have. If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors, please call our office at 508-746-8600.