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What is Lid Lag?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Lid lag is a condition in which the upper eyelid is unable to follow the rotation of the eye. The condition is usually evident when the eyelid is unable to move at all, or when the movement of the lid is noticeably behind the movement of the eye. This condition is also known as Von Graefe's sign.

In many instances, the individual suffering with lid lag may not be aware of his or her condition. This is because the lag may develop incrementally over time, which minimizes the opportunity for the individual to perceive any difference in what is considered normal eyelid movement. However, the condition can be readily observed by loved ones as well as by a physician.

When the upper eyelid is unable to follow the rotation of the eye, it is referred to as lid lag.
When the upper eyelid is unable to follow the rotation of the eye, it is referred to as lid lag.

A qualified physician can determine if lid lag is truly present and also run tests to identify the origin of the condition. In many cases, the lid disorder is associated with an overactive thyroid. Hyperthyroidism associated with lid problems can usually be treated by the administration of medication to compensate for the activity level of the thyroid.

In some instances, the upper eyelid is unable to follow the rotation of the eye.
In some instances, the upper eyelid is unable to follow the rotation of the eye.

In situations where the overactive thyroid does not respond well to medication, it may be necessary to remove a portion or the entire thyroid in order to deal with the nervousness, anxiety and inability to control various muscle groups in the body, including lid lag. However, this is considered to be a form of treatment that is only employed when other methods have failed to produce results.

In many cases, lid lag disorder is associated with an overactive thyroid.
In many cases, lid lag disorder is associated with an overactive thyroid.

Lid lag may also be due to some type of unusual development involving the cranial nerves. In cases of this type, some form of aberrant regeneration of the individual fibers that make up the ocular nerve may be the underlying cause. The aberration in turn causes the ability to elevate and lower the upper eyelid to be impaired or impossible.

A basic lid lag test is easy to conduct. An object such as a pen is held in front of the individual, slightly higher than eye level. As the object is moved downward and the eyes follow the movement, it is simple to observe how the eyelid responds. If the lid does not exhibit any movement in relation to the movement of the eye, or if the lid moves in short jerks, there is an excellent chance that this condition is present.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

BabaB

@Esther11 - Your post contained some interesting information. I have noticed some people who clearly have drooping eyelids. They must have lid ptosis.

In cases where the person might not realize it, it would be wise to discreetly let them know your suspicions. Surgery in the early stages would be much less complicated.

Esther11

Two of my elderly aunts had what is called drooping upper eyelid or upper eyelid ptosis.I remember how tired they always looked. It is quite different from lid lag. In many cases of lid lag, the thyroid is involved. With eyelid ptosis, cataract surgery, accidents, or mechanical dysfunction are likely causes.

In many cases, people with drooping lids don't notice the problem in the early stages. There are definite symptoms that worsen as time goes on - a high fold in the upper eyelid, many wrinkles on the forehead, problems with vision, and deterioration in facial appearance.

At the present time, surgery is the only way to effectively manage this problem. There are a number of different procedures that can be used depending on the degree of severity.

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    • When the upper eyelid is unable to follow the rotation of the eye, it is referred to as lid lag.
      By: blueringmedia
      When the upper eyelid is unable to follow the rotation of the eye, it is referred to as lid lag.
    • In some instances, the upper eyelid is unable to follow the rotation of the eye.
      By: Kesu
      In some instances, the upper eyelid is unable to follow the rotation of the eye.
    • In many cases, lid lag disorder is associated with an overactive thyroid.
      By: Dario Lo Presti
      In many cases, lid lag disorder is associated with an overactive thyroid.