This site provides general eye-health education. It cannot replace individual assessment by a registered doctor, and does not offer personal diagnosis, prescriptions, bookings, sales or referrals.
If translations differ or are incomplete, the Traditional Chinese (zh-Hant) text on this site prevails.
Eyelids and tear film · W
Ptosis (drooping upper lid)
Levator · aponeurosis
Last reviewed: 2026-10-06 · 潘家健醫生
Key points
Ptosis often involves the levator or its aponeurosis; causes need examination.
New ptosis with a dilated pupil, double vision or headache — A&E now to exclude third-nerve palsy and other emergencies.
Tumour, myasthenia or neurologic emergency come first — not “always do a lid job.”
This cannot replace a visit with a registered doctor.
What it is
The upper lid sits too low. Causes include ageing aponeurosis, nerve palsy, muscle disease and childhood ptosis.
New droop with a dilated pupil, double vision or headache — A&E now (rule out third-nerve palsy)
Childhood ptosis needs early assessment because of amblyopia risk
Video source: Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society (HKOS) “Eyes Decoded” YouTube (public education)
This site is not affiliated with, and is not the same organisation as, the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society (HKOS).
This is general medical information, not a diagnosis, and cannot replace an in-person consultation with a registered ophthalmologist, refraction, or a dilated fundus exam. It is not advice to use any medicine or undergo any procedure. Medicines (including off-label use), laser or surgery must be decided by a registered doctor after examination, according to indications and Hong Kong registration. Figures from the literature are published averages, not any clinic’s results. This site does not book, prescribe or refer. Do not change treatment on your own.
