The eyelids are controlled by a combination of three cranial nerves:
- Oculomotor nerve (CN III): This nerve is responsible for raising the upper eyelid via innervation of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle. It also controls other eye movements and pupil constriction.
- Facial nerve (CN VII): This nerve controls the muscles responsible for closing the eyelids, specifically the orbicularis oculi muscle.
- Sympathetic nerves: These nerves play a role in widening the eyelid opening, although their direct control over eyelid movement is less significant than the oculomotor and facial nerves.
Damage to any of these nerves can result in eyelid drooping (ptosis), twitching, or other issues.
