Hooded eyelids
Hooded eyelids describe upper-lid skin that folds over the natural crease, sometimes reaching the lash line. This can be a normal inherited feature or become more noticeable with age. It should be distinguished from brow descent and ptosis, where the eyelid margin itself sits too low.
What you may notice
- A partly hidden upper-eyelid crease
- Skin resting close to the lash line
- Heaviness that may increase later in the day
- Asymmetry between the two eyes
- Reduced upper visual field in more marked cases
Why it can happen
Inherited eyelid and brow anatomy is common. Ageing can reduce skin elasticity and tissue support, while brow descent adds apparent upper-lid fullness. True ptosis has different muscular or neurological causes and cannot be diagnosed from a photograph alone.
What may help
Makeup adjustments may change appearance. When skin texture is the main issue, selected resurfacing treatments may offer limited improvement. Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin, while brow lift or ptosis repair may be more appropriate when brow position or the eyelid margin is responsible. Assessment should include eye dryness, eyelid closure, brow position and visual function.
When to consult
Seek urgent advice if an eyelid droops suddenly or with double vision, weakness, severe headache or eye pain. Persistent obstruction of vision, irritation or difficulty opening the eye warrants clinical assessment. Cosmetic consultation should establish whether skin, brow or ptosis is the main cause.
Evidence and sources
- DermNet. Dark circles under the eyes [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet New Zealand Trust; 2015 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/dark-circles-under-the-eyes (new tab)
- DermNet. Facial lines and wrinkles [Internet]. Auckland: DermNet New Zealand Trust; 2004 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/facial-lines-and-wrinkles (new tab)
- National Health Service. Eyelid problems [Internet]. London: NHS; 2023 [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/eyelid-problems/ (new tab)
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Eyelid surgery [Internet]. Arlington Heights (IL): American Society of Plastic Surgeons; [cited 2026 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/eyelid-surgery (new tab)