While a baby truly having "no eyelids" is an extremely rare congenital condition, the appearance of an eyelid that seems absent or is severely closed often refers to ptosis, a medical term for a drooping upper eyelid.
Ptosis can make it seem as though the eyelid is missing because it covers a significant portion of the eye, sometimes even the entire pupil.
Understanding Drooping Eyelids (Ptosis) in Infants
Ptosis in infants and children is often due to a problem with the muscle that raises the eyelid. This specific muscle, known as the levator palpebrae superioris, might not have developed properly or could be weakened. A nerve problem in the eyelid can also cause it to droop. Ptosis may also occur due to other conditions.
Common Causes of Ptosis in Babies
The underlying reason for a baby's droopy eyelid can vary, from congenital issues present at birth to conditions that develop later.
| Cause Type | Description