My eyelid is drooping
This may be compatible with ptosis, but the description alone is not a diagnosis.
Learn about ptosisOphthalmology · Oculoplastics · Genoa
Ophthalmology and oculoplastic surgery, with precision and restraint.
Dr Chiara Del Noce is a medical doctor and specialist in Ophthalmology whose work focuses on oculoplastic and eyelid surgery, as well as cataract care.
The information on this website can help you prepare for a consultation, but it does not replace a medical assessment.
- Ophthalmology50/50 with honours
- PhDTranslational medicine
- FEBOFellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology
- OculoplasticsFormer Unit Lead
- UniversityTeaching activity
- Research18 scientific entries in the CV
Approach
Function, harmony, expression.
The eyelid protects the surface of the eye, contributes to vision and shapes the balance of the gaze. An oculoplastic assessment therefore considers function, anatomy and individual proportions together.
The purpose of the consultation is to understand the cause of the problem and discuss a proportionate clinical pathway. Surgery is considered only when indicated, with a clear explanation of the possibilities, limitations and alternatives.
About oculoplasticsFeatured
Clinical expertise, contemporary language.
Three areas presented with illustrative images, without patient photographs or promises of results.
The images in this section were generated with artificial intelligence for illustrative purposes. They do not depict real patients or clinical cases and do not represent or guarantee the outcome of treatment.
Finding your way
Which symptom would you like to start with?
Everyday words can help begin the conversation. Similar symptoms, however, may have different causes, and diagnosis requires an examination.
I have too much skin above my eye
Excess skin may be dermatochalasis; it must be distinguished from ptosis and the rarer condition blepharochalasis.
Eyelid assessmentOne eye looks more closed
Asymmetry, eyelid position and excess skin may contribute in different ways.
Where to beginMy eyelashes rub against my eye
With entropion the eyelid turns inwards, but irritation and discomfort always need assessment.
Learn about entropionMy eyelid turns outwards
This may be ectropion, although exposure, watering and incomplete closure can have different causes.
Learn about ectropionI can see more white in the eye
This phrase is ambiguous: it may mean more visible sclera or a white pupil or reflection, which are very different situations.
Read where to startMy vision is cloudy or blurred
This can occur with cataract, but also with other conditions. Examination and functional assessment are needed.
Learn about cataractNote. These pathways are for information only and are not self-diagnosis tools. If a symptom is sudden or severe, see the urgent warning further down this page.
Expertise
Areas of practice
Every recommendation follows a clinical assessment and is defined for the individual patient.
Eyelid ptosis
Assessment of eyelid position and possible interference with the line of sight and visual field.
Dermatochalasis and eyelid surgery
Assessment of excess skin and any functional or aesthetic indications.
Entropion
Assessment of inward rotation and eyelashes rubbing against the ocular surface.
Ectropion
Assessment of an outward-turning eyelid and symptoms of exposure or watering.
Functional and reconstructive oculoplastics
Pathways for the eyelids and periocular structures, respecting function and anatomy.
Cataract
Diagnosis, assessment of the effect on vision and a surgical recommendation when appropriate.
Blepharospasm and botulinum toxin
Treatment of benign essential blepharospasm and temporary use in selected cases of involutional entropion.
Chalazion surgery
Assessment of eyelid lumps and surgical treatment of persistent or symptomatic chalazia when indicated.
Eyelid tumours and reconstruction
Assessment of lesions, surgery when indicated and reconstruction focused on function, protection and anatomy.
Specialist practice
Additional areas, the same precision.
Three distinct eyelid pathways, presented clearly and without images of real patients.
The images were generated from scratch with artificial intelligence for illustrative purposes. They are not derived from patient photographs and do not represent a procedure or clinical outcome.
Profile
Dr Chiara Del Noce
Medical doctor · Specialist in Ophthalmology · PhD · FEBO
She completed her specialist training in Ophthalmology at the University of Genoa with 50/50 and honours, and holds a PhD in Biotechnology in Translational Medicine. She is a Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology.
She was Head of the Oculoplastic Unit at the DINOGMI Eye Clinic, University of Genoa and IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, and an RTD-A researcher. Her curriculum also documents university teaching and clinical research activity.
Image policy. This version does not use patient photographs. Every synthetic illustration carries this notice: “AI-generated illustrative image. It does not depict a real clinical case and does not represent or guarantee the outcome of treatment. Appearance and outcomes vary from person to person.”
Care pathway
From the clinical question to a care pathway
Three steps to understand the problem, discuss the options and organise follow-up.
-
Specialist assessment
Discussion of symptoms, an ophthalmic and eyelid examination, and any further investigations appropriate to the individual case.
-
Individual recommendation
Discussion of treatment possibilities, including alternatives, limitations and factors to consider.
-
Treatment and follow-up
Surgery is considered only when clinically indicated, and follow-up is planned individually.
Research
A selection from the curriculum vitae
The CV lists 18 scientific entries published between 2016 and 2025. Three are presented here.
-
Characterization of Conjunctival Microflora and Antibiotic Sensitivity Patterns in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery.
-
Effect of Liposomal-Lactoferrin-Based Eye Drops on the Conjunctival Microflora of Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery.
-
Evaluation of peripapillary vascular flow in patients with Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy (TAO) by OCT Angiography.
Locations
Clinic locations
Access arrangements, addresses and contact details are provided on the dedicated page.
Genoa
Vista Vision S.p.A.
Information and contactGenoa
Casa di Cura Villa Montallegro
Information and contactFrequently asked questions
Before your consultation
General answers to help you prepare. A clinical assessment remains essential for any individual recommendation.
What is the difference between a drooping eyelid and excess skin?
With ptosis, the eyelid margin sits lower; with dermatochalasis, there is excess skin. These are different conditions, they can occur together, and they require a dedicated assessment.
Why might one eye look more closed than the other?
Eyelid position, excess skin, anatomical asymmetry and other conditions can alter the apparent eye opening. An examination identifies the main factor rather than relying on appearance alone.
“I can see more white in the eye”: what does this mean?
The phrase is ambiguous. It may refer to more visible sclera because of eyelid position, or to a white pupil or reflection. The latter sign, particularly in a child, needs prompt medical assessment.
Does cloudy vision always mean cataract?
No. Blurring, glare or less vivid colours can occur with cataract, but also with other conditions. Diagnosis and any recommendation for surgery depend on the examination findings and functional impact.
Does an oculoplastic consultation always lead to surgery?
No. The consultation clarifies the problem and available options. Surgery is discussed only when indicated, taking account of expected benefits, limitations, alternatives and individual circumstances.
When not to wait
Some signs need prompt assessment
Sudden loss of vision, sudden-onset ptosis, new double vision, severe eye pain, trauma, contact with chemicals, a red painful eye, or a white pupil or reflection in a child must not be managed through the website form.
Seek appropriate medical care promptly. This website is not an emergency service, and online enquiries are not monitored for urgent problems.
Request an assessment
We begin with the problem, not a predetermined solution.
The consultation helps clarify the clinical picture and discuss the most appropriate pathway.
Disclaimer. This information is educational and does not replace a medical consultation, diagnosis or personalised treatment recommendation. Appearance, clinical course and outcomes vary from person to person.