Hooding or hanging upper eyelids

Aging causes your skin to lose its elasticity. When this occurs in the upper eyelid, it is called dermatochalasis (der-muh-to-kal-ay-sis), or hooding. Hooding in the upper eyelid ranges from a mild loss of the normal eyelid fold to extensive sagging. In this case the eyelid can completely cover the eyelashes and eyes therefore interfering with vision. Usually hooding isn't serious enough to warrant correction. Cosmetic or plastic surgeons can perform a surgery for hanging upper eyelids, during which the muscles that are attached to the lids are tightened. Usually both eyes are done at the same time, so the eyes will look even.

Another form of hanging upper eyelid involves the entire eyelid not just the de-elasticized skin and this is called ptosis (TOE-sis). This condition occurs when the nerve that works the muscle that raises the eyelid is damaged. The most common reason for this condition to occur is either by a stroke or during surgery, especially cataract surgery. Surgery is also the remedy for ptosis, but as with all surgical procedures complications can arise. One such post surgery complication is that you may not be able to close your eyelids all the way! Another potential complication is that your eyes will no longer match with one eyelid being higher than the other. This will just lead to further surgery so before you contemplate having any form of surgery, discuss your concerns with your doctor, and make sure you understand the risks and potential side effects involved.