Droopy eyelids otherwise termed ptosis, can occur due to a variety of different causes. But whatever the cause, if you look in the mirror and notice that your eyelids are sagging, you may want to consider trying an exercise that could reduce droopy eyelids.
What Causes Ptosis?
Some people are born with droopy eyelids while others may develop droopy eyelids later in life. They can be caused if there is damage to the nerves that control your eyelid muscles or they may develop following an injury or disease, such as a tumor in the eye, that may have weakened the muscles and ligaments that are necessary to raise your eyelids.
Medical procedures, such as cataract or vision-correcting laser surgeries, performed on the eye can stretch the eyelids and also cause ptosis. But very often, age is the culprit that causes your eyelids to begin drooping.
Age-Related Ptosis
The levator muscle around the eye is responsible for lifting your eyelids. As we age, that muscle can stretch and lose strength and your eyelids will begin sag. Another downside of aging is that the production of elastin and collagen, the proteins necessary for keeping our skin taut, flexible, and elastic, slows down which will cause the skin around our eyes to wrinkle.
A combination of wrinkles around the eyes with a weakened levator muscle can result in droopy eyelids. But no worries, there are some exercises that you can do to strengthen those eye muscles and reduce droopy eyelids.
How Can Exercise Reduce Droopy Eyelids?
In just 3 to 4 weeks time, you can strengthen your eyelids with simple exercises done at home. All you need is a few minutes a day and a little bit of effort for this natural eye lifting process to take effect. Eyelid exercises can naturally firm and tighten the skin around your eyes while avoiding any cosmetic surgery procedures to correct the droopiness.
By implementing these eyelid exercises to your daily routine, your upper eyelids will look refreshed and rejuvenated and puffiness around your lower lids will slowly disappear giving you a more youthful appearance.
7 Exercises That Could Reduce Droopy Eyelids
1. Upper Eyelid Exercise
Sit or stand in front of a mirror and place your index fingers just beneath each eyebrow, curving your fingers along the contour of your brow line. Lift your eyelids up toward the bone of the upper part of your eye socket against the resistance of your fingers. Then slowly lower your upper eyelids for a count of 5 until your eyes are closed. Keep your eyes closed for a count of 6 and open them again. Do 3 more repetitions of this exercise once a day.
2. Strengthen and Tone the Levator Muscle
Just like any other muscle in your body, the muscles in your eyes will benefit by strengthening and toning exercises. Place your index and middle fingers together on each temple just at the corners of your eyes and slightly pull the corners of your eyes towards your ears.
Then rapidly open and close your eyes 5 to 10 times. This exercise will tighten the skin around the outside of your eyes while strengthening and thickening the muscle tissues which will help reduce any droopiness.
3. Eyebrow Exercise
Sitting in a comfortable chair in straight upright position, look straight ahead with your eyes open. Lift your eyebrows while simultaneously closing your eyelids about halfway. Pause for a moment, then lift your eyelids activating the muscles in your eyelids and beneath your eyebrows.
Relax and repeat about 5 times until you have gradually increased to 10 repetitions per day. During the second phase of this exercise, you should be able to see the whites of your eyes above your pupils, so using a mirror may be helpful until you grow accustomed to the proper movement.
4. Eyelid Pull-Ups
Firmly close both eyes and place your index fingers on the top lid of the corresponding eye. Attempt to open your eyes to the resistance of your fingers. Once you have opened your eyes against the applied pressure from your fingers, hold your eyes open for 10 seconds and repeat a few times throughout each day.
5. Strengthen Your Forehead
While relaxing your forehead, place the three middle fingers of each hand beneath the corresponding eyebrows with the pads of your fingertips lining the lower part of your brows. Relax the palms of your hands down towards your face so that your hands are parallel to your face. Using your three fingertips, begin gently pushing up against your browline.
Push up as high as possible and begin extending the stretch outward towards your temples while keeping your eyes wide open. Hold the position for a 5 count. Next, push down with your forehead muscles while creating resistance with your fingertips and hold for another 5 count. Relax and repeat this exercise 5-10 times a day.
6. Eyebrow Raises
While raising your eyebrows as high as you possibly can also open your eyes as wide as you can and hold for a count of 5. Slowly lower your eyebrows and relax. Repeat 5-10 times daily.
7. Trataka Yogic Eye Exercise
This yoga based exercise will help to improve vision, focus, and concentration in eyes affected by droopiness. Simply sit on the floor in a comfortable position with your posture straight. Find an object in front of you to fix your gaze on and hold the gaze without blinking for a comfortable period of time. Relax and repeat daily.
Wrap Up
Besides exercises that could reduce droopy eyelids, it is also important to sleep well, exercise the body, consume a healthy diet, and rest your eyes from too much exposure to television and computer screens. By taking proper care of your eyes and your overall health, you can help to prevent some of the symptoms of aging such as droopy eyelids. If you suffer from ptosis and find that is affecting your vision, you may want to consult your physician for alternative methods to correct drooping eyelids.
