Why Neres and Huijsen have half-closed eyes: congenital ptosis | OneFootball

David Neres from Napoli and Dean Huijsen from Real Madrid share a visual peculiarity that has intrigued fans and media: their seemingly "half-closed" eyes.

Congenital Ptosis: Why Neres and Huijsen Have Half-Closed Eyes and What It Means

The cause is a condition known as congenital ptosis, a muscular anomaly that prevents the proper lifting of the upper eyelid.

What is Congenital Ptosis

Congenital ptosis is present from birth and occurs when the muscle that lifts the upper eyelid is underdeveloped or does not function correctly. It can affect one eye (unilateral ptosis) or both (bilateral ptosis). Although often perceived as an aesthetic detail, congenital ptosis can have repercussions on vision, especially if left untreated.

Both Neres and Huijsen have inherited this condition: in the case of the Dutch defender, he explained in a recent interview that his "sleepy eyes" come from his mother.

Main Symptoms

The most evident sign of congenital ptosis is the drooping eyelid, which can appear more or less pronounced. Other symptoms, often related to the severity of the condition, include:

Partially obstructed vision or visual fatigue

The need to lift the eyelid with the forehead, causing muscle tension

Possible postural changes of the head to compensate for the drooping eyelid

Genetic and Neurological Causes

The origins of congenital ptosis are predominantly genetic: mutations affecting the levator muscle can cause the condition. In some cases, ptosis is associated with more complex syndromes, such as BPES (blepharophimosis, ptosis, and epicanthus inversus), which involves alterations of the eyelids and facial structure.

Some neurological conditions can also promote the development of congenital ptosis, such as congenital paralysis of the third cranial nerve, which impairs the nerve impulse to the eyelid muscles, complicating diagnosis and treatment.

Implications for Footballers

Despite this visual condition, both Neres and Huijsen have developed high-level careers without significant limitations in sports performance. However, understanding congenital ptosis helps to better comprehend seemingly unusual physical characteristics and raises awareness of the complexity of this condition, which concerns not only aesthetics but also visual functionality.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.