What Is Floppy Eye?

According to emedicine.com, floppy eyelid syndrome (FES) is an eye disorder that causes the eyelid to be “floppy” and “rubbery” and easily everted (turned outward). Floppy eyelid syndrome can lead to other eye issues if it is not treated.

Obesity

• Emedicine reports that, although FES has been reported in people who are not obese, the majority of people diagnosed have been obese. It is also more common for men to have FES.

Sleep Apnea

• Floppy Eye Syndrome is associated with sleep apnea. Sleep apnea--when a person's breathing briefly pauses during sleep--is a serious condition that can lead to high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmia.

History

• Patients with floppy eyelid syndrome typically have a history of unilateral or bilateral ocular irritation. They might also have a history of sleep apnea or snoring.

Causes

• Floppy eyelid syndrome is thought to be related to a decrease in elastin. Patients who usually sleep on one side more than another will typically be most infected on the side they sleep on.

Mortality

• Floppy eyelid syndrome is not fatal, but sleep apnea can cause death. If you suspect that you are experiencing sleep apnea, then you should contact a physician immediately.