Floppy Eyelid Syndrome

As the name implies, patients with floppy eyelid syndrome have unusually loose eyelids. If the lower lid is too loose, the eye may be more exposed and the tear drain opening often shifts out of place. Symptoms of a gritty sensation and a watery eye may be present. If the upper lid is too loose, the lid may be droopy (ptosis), the lashes may point down (lash ptosis) into the field of vision, and the eyelid may even flip during sleep. When this happens, the inside of the eyelid rubs on pillows and bedsheets, causing chronic irritation, a red eye, and discharge - symptoms of a conjunctivitis. Dr. Mettu helps patients with floppy eyelid syndrome by tightening the affected eyelids surgically to improve symptoms. Dr. Mettu also recommends that patients with floppy eyelid syndrome see their primary care doctors for consideration of a sleep study given the association of floppy eyelid syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea - a sleep disorder with significant effects on health.