You may feel insecure if your eyes are asymmetrical and clearly visible. In general, it is caused by some form of ptosis (or blepharoptosis), which is often referred to as drooping eyelids. In some cases, this condition can also cause vision problems. This article shows you several options to choose from for treating asymmetrical eyes, from proven medical treatments, to using cosmetic concealers and some unproven (but safe) home remedies. Whatever the situation, the first step you should take is to consult an ophthalmologist to determine the best treatment option.
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Method 1 of 12: Ptosis crutches
Step 1. Attach this device to the glasses to lift drooping eyelids
If you can't or don't want to have surgery, ptosis crutches are a good option. In general, crutches can be attached to the glasses and will hold the eyelids so that the eyes are more symmetrical.
- Consult an ophthalmologist about using this device, and ask if you can attach it to the glasses you wear.
- The ptosis crutches that are attached to the glasses will be slightly visible because they are metal or plastic rods that support the eyelids. However, this tool is integrated with the glasses in a hidden way.
- To put ptosis crutches on glasses, you have to spend around Rp. 1,400,000.
Method 2 of 12: Treatment
Step 1. Talk to your doctor about a new treatment for ptosis (drooping eyelids)
As of early 2021, Upneeg (prescribed eye drops) is the only drug approved for use in the US to treat drooping eyelids caused by aging (age ptosis). Use this remedy once a day for lasting effects. Consult an ophthalmologist to see if you can use Upneeq.
- Upneeq makes the drooping eyelid muscles tighten. This medicine will work immediately, but must be used every day for the effect to last.
- Upneeq is not effective in treating ptosis due to injury or other medical conditions.
- Upneeq is sold for around Rp. 1,200,000 to Rp. 1,700,000 which can be used for up to 30 days.
Method 3 of 12: Botox injections
Step 1. Botox can lift drooping eyelids by tightening the surrounding skin
This is an option that works quickly and doesn't cause excessive pain. Botox can tighten the skin around the eyes and relieve drowsiness. However, these injections weaken the muscle tissue and can make drooping eyelids worse if not injected properly. So, this procedure should be performed by an experienced and trained medical professional.
- You may only need one injection in the eyebrow area above the drooping eyelid, or another 1 or 2 injections in this area and the area in the middle of the eyebrow.
- The effects of botox injections will last for approximately 3 to 4 months.
- You have to spend around IDR 4,900,000 to IDR 7 million for each injected area.
Method 4 of 12: Eyelid lift
Step 1. This procedure is performed by removing the excess tissue in the drooping eyelid
During this procedure (blepharoplasty), the surgeon will remove the extra muscle, skin, and/or fat on the eyelids. This will lift and tighten the eyelids, which makes the eyes look bigger and symmetrical.
- Consult an ophthalmologist (ophthalmologist and eye structure specialist), an oculoplastic surgeon, or a regular ophthalmologist for more information about blepharoplasty. Ask if this procedure is appropriate for you and what the risks are.
- This procedure usually does not require the patient to stay overnight and is performed under local anesthesia.
- Some of the risks that may be experienced when undergoing a blepharoplasty procedure include: infection and bleeding, discoloration of the skin, difficulty opening the eyes, and scarring.
- The cost to carry out this procedure is around Rp. 42 million.
Method 5 of 12: Eyebrow lift
Step 1. Try this procedure together with blepharoplasty
If you have ptosis due to age, it is more likely that your eyelids and eyebrows will droop. If this is the case, try having an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) along with an eyebrow lift. Both surgical procedures require you to be hospitalized to remove excess tissue. As an alternative, you can choose one of the procedures as needed.
- This procedure leaves a light scar over the eyelid, but you can hide it with makeup. This scar tissue usually goes away within 1 year.
- Choose a qualified, licensed and experienced oculoplastic surgeon to perform the eyebrow or eyelid lift procedure.
- The cost to undergo an eyebrow lift procedure is around IDR 49 million.
Method 6 of 12: Ptosis surgery
Step 1. This procedure will tighten the muscle and tendon tissue in the drooping eyelid
Ptosis surgery usually requires the patient to be hospitalized and is performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon will make the two eyelids symmetrical. You won't feel any pain during this procedure, but your eyelids will feel sore for a few days after the surgery. Consult with your doctor to determine if this procedure is suitable for you.
- Ptosis surgery is a low-risk procedure. However, in some cases this procedure can cause scarring, bleeding, infection, or persistent dry eyes.
- Depending on your condition, the cost to undergo ptosis surgery is between Rp. 28 million and Rp. 70 million.
Method 7 of 12: Orbital (eyebrow) surgery
Step 1. This surgery will correct structural problems in the orbital bone and tissue
Most cases of asymmetric eye do not involve the true orbital bony structure, but congenital conditions or traumatic injury can cause the eye to become asymmetrical. If this occurs, orbital surgery can reconstruct the orbital bone and surrounding tissue to improve its function and appearance. Consult with an eye surgeon to see if this procedure is suitable for you.
- Orbital surgery is a more complicated and difficult reconstructive procedure than eyebrow lift, eyelid lift, or ptosis surgery. Consult with the ophthalmologist for details of the procedure and recovery time.
- Orbital surgery causes temporary bruising, swelling, and possibly scarring. This procedure in the short term can also cause blurred vision, double vision, and related problems. Long-term vision problems are less likely, but still possible.
- You may need about three weeks to fully recuperate.
- Orbital surgery is not cheap! The cost ranges between IDR 100 million and IDR 200 million.
Method 8 of 12: Cosmetics
Step 1. Hide asymmetrical eyes using eyeliner, eyeshadow, and/or mascara
Of course you can't overcome asymmetrical eyes with makeup, but you can minimize the asymmetrical look. Usually, this can be done by applying slightly thicker makeup on the smaller eyes. Try running one or more of the following:
- eyeshadow. Apply the eyeshadow powder a little higher on the small eyelids. Try using a lighter color, like champagne gold or pink to make your eyes look fuller and brighter.
- Eyeliner. Draw a thicker line in the drooping eye, and a thinner line in the normal eye. This line should be made further down to fill the gap in the eyelashes.
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Mascara. To make drooping eyelids look higher, apply mascara to the upper lashes on that side. Don't add anything to the other eye.
To curl your lashes upwards, use a heated mascara wand or heat the mascara with a hairdryer before you apply it
Method 9 of 12: Eyelid tape
Step 1. Try this ingredient once in a while to lift the eyelids in the short term
Eyelid tape is a small curved strip of adhesive that is attached to a sagging eyelid using a small applicator wand. Once affixed, these strips are almost invisible, especially if you apply makeup afterwards. These strips are available in various types and brands that can be found in beauty shops, supermarkets, or online stores.
- Ophthalmologists usually do not recommend the use of eyelid tape for fear of unwanted things, such as allergies to glue, the skin of the eyelids getting stretched, and possible interference with eye function. Consult your doctor first before you use this product, and if you still want to use it, only use it occasionally.
- The price of eyelid tape ranges from Rp. 140 thousand and Rp. 280 thousand.
Method 10 of 12: Sleep
Step 1. Sleep may not improve ptosis, but lack of sleep can make the condition worse
Your eyelids will feel heavier if you're tired, and your eyelids will feel tired too. If you have drooping eyelids, a lack of quality sleep can exacerbate the condition and make your eyes look more asymmetrical. A good night's sleep can help smooth and tighten the tissues around the eyes.
Everyone has different sleep needs. However, in general, people need a good 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep
Method 11 of 12: Natural remedies
Step 1. This method is usually safe, but it is unlikely to drastically treat asymmetrical eyes
You can find various natural remedies on the internet for drooping eyes. Some of the recommended ingredients include: cucumber slices, chamomile tea bags, aloe or egg white face masks, sticking ice, and even eating large amounts of grapes! Several methods can reduce swelling and tighten the skin around the eyes. However, all of them have no real efficacy for dealing with asymmetric eyes.
While these natural ingredients are unlikely to cause any harm, applying products (even natural ingredients) to the eye area can sometimes cause irritation, discomfort, and other unwanted effects. If this happens, stop using it and go to an eye doctor
Method 12 of 12: Facial exercises
Step 1. As with natural remedies, "facial yoga" is a safe option, even if it doesn't help
Ignore the odd claims about the benefits of facial exercises (often called "face yoga") for drooping eyelids. In general, exercise will not be able to strengthen and tone the muscles and eye tissue. However, "facial yoga" isn't a bad thing so it wouldn't hurt to try some of the exercises below:
- Use your thumb and index finger to make a circle around the eye. Next, alternately squint and furrow your forehead.
- Open your eyes as wide as possible in no time. Do this several times.
- Press your forehead with your fingers, then use your facial muscles to push your forehead up against the finger pressure.
- Squint repeatedly while pressing the inner and outer corners of the eye with two fingers.
- Open your eyes wide many times while sticking out your tongue, then return to the resting position.
