Cindy Crawford Opens Up About Her Ongoing Health Battle at 60

Cindy Crawford, the iconic supermodel, has opened up about a health challenge she has faced since turning 50. Now 60, Crawford disclosed on Tuesday that she has been living with blepharoptosis, a condition she has managed for the past decade.

Blepharoptosis, more commonly referred to as ptosis, is characterized by the drooping of the upper eyelid. According to Yale Health, this condition can result in the eyelid descending lower than usual, sometimes covering the pupil and impairing vision.

The causes of ptosis can vary, often attributed to aging, weakened muscles, nerve concerns, or even genetic factors, as noted by medical experts.

Crawford, whose image graced countless Vogue covers, mentioned that this condition has particularly affected her ability to participate in early morning photo shoots, as the drooping of her eyelids interfered with close-up shots.

However, in 2024, the supermodel from Illinois discovered a method to manage blepharoptosis, which has greatly enhanced her self-assurance and allowed her to continue engaging with her profession on her own terms.

Then in 2024, the Illinois native found a way to deal with blepharoptosis which has boosted her confidence.

‘I remember probably 10 years ago after I turned 50 when I would be doing early morning calls, they would be like, “Are you fine to start at 6:00?”‘ she shared with People.

She was honest with her photo shoot team. ‘I can get up whatever time you want, but my face doesn’t wake up until 9:00, so just don’t plan any closeups or anything,’ she shared.

‘I could see on camera that my eyes just weren’t quite as perky as they once were,’ the wife of Rande Gerber added. Sometimes a makeup artists would ‘have to pick up [my lids] to get the makeup in there.’

But two years ago her dermatologist told her about Upneeq, an FDA-approved prescription eye drop used to temporarily lift droopy upper eyelids..

He told her ‘it was something that could help your eyes just look a little bit more wide open and awake.’

So she tried it. At first, she was only using it for photo shoots.

‘But when I realized you can use it every day, I was like, “Why not?” It’s [one of] those little things we can do to feel like the best version of ourselves. And, when women feel more confident, they present themselves in the world in a more confident way.’

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman, who did not treat Crawford, explained to People that ‘as we age, there’s a phenomenon called acquired blepharoptosis, where the muscle that controls the upper eyelid gets weakened. In addition to the natural drop in the eyebrow positioning, this results in a smaller eye aperture or opening.’ 

‘The thing I love about Upneeq is it’s not a big commitment. You’re not going under the knife,’ Crawford shared.

She also revealed her morning routine to the site.

‘I get up, I put my Bible app on and while I’m listening to that, I dry brush, gua sha, then I go do my red light. Then I go outside and when I come back in I have a cup of coffee, work out, then I shower.

Presley Gerber, Kaia, Crawford and Rande Gerber at RE/DONE x Kaia Gerber ‘Short/Cuts’ event in LA on May 20

‘When I get ready for the day, usually around 9:30 in the morning after my workout, that’s when I use my Upneeq eye drops. 

‘And then my skincare, which is Meaningful Beauty. I can do my face in less than two minutes. Even if I’m home, I get ready for the day.’

She also has a healthy attitude about getting older.

‘Aging has its challenges and its gifts. I think, for instance, 50 was really hard for me. That was the one that I was like, “Wow, there’s nothing girlish about 50.”

‘So how I handled that was by writing my book. I was like, “I’m not going to run from this or try to hide it, I’m just going to write about my lessons that I’ve learned over these 50 years.”‘