It’s common for one of our eyes to be slightly different from the other. While facial asymmetry is usually natural, understanding the potential causes can provide valuable peace of mind and insight into your health.
Often, these subtle differences are simply inherited traits or a normal part of the aging process. Lifestyle factors, such as long-term sun exposure, can also influence the appearance of the delicate skin around your eyes over time.
In some instances, a change in eye symmetry can be linked to an underlying health condition. A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to identify the root cause, address related symptoms like dry eye, and ensure your overall well-being.
Your Eye Doctor in Brooklin is here to help you fi nd clarity. We welcome retired community members and those with fl exible schedules to book appointments during the quieter middle of the day for a relaxed and unhurried assessment.
As your optometrist in Brooklin, we take the time to address your concerns. To learn more about the reasons for uneven eyes and the professional solutions available, read our full blog on the topic.
What Causes One Eye to Be Bigger Than the Other?
Have you ever looked at a photograph of yourself and noticed that one eye seems slightly larger or differently shaped than the other? This is relatively common, and for most people, subtle differences are usually no cause for alarm.
While many factors contribute to this appearance, it’s helpful to understand the range of possibilities. Differences in eye size are often genetic or a result of aging, but they can also point to an underlying health condition. It’s always wise to get a professional evaluation . Understanding the cause of these differences by speaking to your optometrist is the first step toward finding peace of mind.
Common Reasons for Uneven Eyes
Facial asymmetry is very common, and most of the time, it’s a natural part of what makes you unique. Here are a few typical reasons why one eye might appear different from the other.
Genetics & Family Traits
Just like the colour of your hair, the symmetry of your eyes can be passed down through your family.
If your parents or other relatives have slightly uneven eyes, you might too. This is a common and harmless inherited trait.
The Natural Eff ects of Age
As we get older, the skin and soft tissues in our face change. Skin loses some of its elasticity, which can lead to one eyelid drooping more than the other. These gradual changes are a normal part of the aging process.
Lifestyle Factors Like Sun Exposure & Sleep
Certain habits can influence the appearance of the skin around your eyes. For instance, because long-term sun exposure can damage the delicate skin around the eyes, it may affect one side of your face more than the other.
Health Conditions That Can Affect Eye Symmetry
In some cases, a noticeable difference in eye size or position can be related to a health condition. It’s helpful to be aware of other signs that may appear alongside such changes, which is why we offer thorough eye disease diagnosis and management.
Bell’s Palsy & Ptosis
Bell’s palsy causes a temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face, which can make one eye appear to droop. Ptosis is the term for a droopy eyelid, and it can happen in one or both eyes due to age, nerve issues, or muscle problems.
Graves’ Disease
This thyroid condition can cause the eyes to bulge forward—a condition known as proptosis. Sometimes, it affects one eye more than the other, creating a noticeable asymmetry.
Trauma & Sinus Issues
An injury to the face or eye socket can cause the eye to look sunken, which is called enophthalmos. Knowing how to handle potential eye emergencies is crucial in these situations. Chronic sinus conditions may also sometimes lead to this change in appearance over time.
Sudden Changes in Eye Size & When to Act
If you notice a rapid change in your facial symmetry, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention, as it could be a sign of a serious issue.
Strokes
A stroke is a medical emergency that can cause sudden facial drooping on one side. If eye asymmetry appears suddenly and is accompanied by other symptoms, it requires immediate care. Recognizing the signs of serious medical emergencies can help you act quickly:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg—especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion or trouble speaking
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- A sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Concussions
Concussions result from trauma to the head, and they often result in one pupil becoming noticeably larger than the other. Other symptoms of a concussion include:
- Dizziness and headache
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Feeling sick to the stomach
- Trouble with balance
- Pressure in the head
If you or a loved one exhibit such symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Professional Solutions & Treatments
If your uneven eyes are caused by a medical condition or if you’re interested in cosmetic options, there are several paths you can explore with a professional.
Address the Underlying Health Condition First
The first step is always to address the root cause. For example, managing a condition like Graves’ disease or getting treatment for an eye injury can often improve the symmetry of your eyes. A comprehensive eye exam helps identify what’s really going on.
Cosmetic Options Like Botox & Brow Lifts
For those interested in cosmetic adjustments, non-surgical options like Botox injections can help lift a brow to create a more even look. Surgical procedures like a brow lift or blepharoplasty—eyelid surgery—are also options for a more lasting change.
Address Related Symptoms Like Dry Eye
Some conditions that cause eye asymmetry can also be linked to other issues, such as dry eye. It’s important to discuss all your symptoms so you can get complete care for your eye health and comfort. For example, targeted dry eye therapy can improve how your eyes feel and look.
Whether you have a long-standing concern or have noticed a recent change, a comprehensive eye exam is the best first step. We can perform a thorough evaluation to explore the cause of your asymmetrical eyes and rule out any underlying health issues. We set aside time in the middle of our days specifically for seniors and other people with flexible schedules who prefer a quiet, unhurried appointment.
At ERC Optometry, your Eye Doctor in Brooklin will check your vision, assess your eye health, and discuss any related symptoms. From there, we can explore all your options together and create a plan that works for you. Contact us to book your optometry appointment and get a clear path forward for your vision and peace of mind.