What is ptosis?

Ptosis refers to the condition where one eyelid droops lower than the other. This can occur due to various reasons, including muscle or nerve issues that affect the eyelid's ability to lift properly. For example, ptosis can result from weakness in the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, which is responsible for elevating the upper eyelid.

Understanding ptosis is essential in clinical practice as it can be a sign of underlying conditions, such as neurological disorders or muscle diseases. Recognizing this sign during an eye exam helps healthcare providers assess the extent of eyelid function and potentially guide further evaluation or treatment.

The other options refer to different conditions or states related to the eye and eyelids. An infection of the eyelid—typically referred to as a stye or blepharitis—does not specifically describe the drooping of the eyelid. Inflammation of the conjunctiva, known as conjunctivitis, affects the membrane covering the eye and eyelid but does not involve eyelid position. Excessive tear production is a different phenomenon that relates to the lacrimal glands and does not imply any positional change in the eyelids. Understanding ptosis allows for more effective assessments in HEENT examinations, focusing on eyelid