Floppy eyelid syndrome is commonly associated with which systemic condition?

• A. Diabetes mellitus
• B. Sleep apnea
• C. Hypertension
• D. Hyperlipidemia

Answer: (B)

Floppy eyelid syndrome is most strongly associated with obstructive sleep apnea. The eyelids, especially the upper lid, are unusually lax, which allows repeated mechanical rubbing and irritation of the ocular surface during sleep. Many patients with this eyelid condition also have sleep-disordered breathing, and a notable number have undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. Obesity and male gender are common correlates, reinforcing the link between these eyelid changes and sleep-related breathing issues. While diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia can occur in the general population and may co-occur, they are not the hallmark systemic association for floppy eyelid syndrome.