Hereditary ptosis?

[Nancy T]

I've been organizing old family photos and notice that a number of people in one line have one eyelid a bit droopy.

From what I gather on an Internet search, this can indeed be hereditary.

I see it in my great-great-grandmother, her son, and two of HIS sons, though not his other two children.

Does anyone know how common it is?

[JohnHaganMD]

remember congential ptosis is different that acquired ptosis that comes on latter in life. That has other causes and needs other tests.

[JohnHaganMD]

Yes it can be hereditary. It needs to be checked by an pediatric ophthalmologist ideally no later than age 3. Not so much that lid surgery needs to be done but there is an increased incidence of eye muscle problems and amblyopia in the eye under the droop eyelid.  

It is a frequent problem in pediatric ophthalmology but I cannot give you the incidence in the general population.

[Nancy T]

Very interesting; thanks, Dr. Hagan. I see in one old portrait that my great-great-grandmother's sister had it as well. Interestingly, the sisters' mouths are drawn upward on the same side as the eyelid droop. Gives them a slightly scary appearance!