Lid lag

Lid lag is a medical condition where the upper eyelid fails to descend when a person moves their gaze downward. It is often associated with Graves' disease, a type of thyroid disorder, but can also occur due to other conditions such as nerve damage or muscle weakness.

Causes

The most common cause of lid lag is Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid. Other causes can include:

• Nerve damage: Damage to the nerves that control the muscles of the eyelid can result in lid lag.
• Muscle weakness: Weakness in the muscles that control the movement of the eyelid can also cause this condition.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of lid lag is the inability of the upper eyelid to move downward when a person shifts their gaze from looking straight ahead to looking down. This can result in the white of the eye being visible above the iris when looking down. Other symptoms can include:

• Eye irritation
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of lid lag is typically made through a physical examination. The doctor may ask the patient to move their eyes in various directions while observing the movement of the eyelids. Further tests may be conducted to determine the underlying cause of the condition.

Treatment

Treatment for lid lag depends on the underlying cause. If Graves' disease is the cause, treatment may involve managing the thyroid disorder. If nerve damage or muscle weakness is the cause, treatment may involve physical therapy or surgery.

See also

• Graves' disease
• Thyroid disorders
• Nerve damage
• Muscle weakness