Understanding Ptosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Surgical Solutions
What is Ptosis?
Ptosis occurs when the upper eyelid droops or falls over the eye due to a malfunction of the levator muscle, which lifts the eyelid. Depending on the severity, this can partially or entirely block vision. Ptosis occurs in one or both eyelids and may be more pronounced in one eye. It is also known as blepharoptosis, upper eyelid ptosis, or droopy eyelid.
Types of Ptosis
Ptosis can affect both children and adults.
In children, it is called congenital ptosis and is caused by issues with the development of the levator muscle.
In adults, it is known as acquired ptosis and occurs when the levator muscle weakens or detaches from the eyelid later in life.
What are the Symptoms of Ptosis?
You can usually identify ptosis by the appearance of the eyelid, which may partially or entirely cover the pupil. Other symptoms include excessive eye rubbing, increased tearing, decreased or impaired vision, and tiredness or achiness around the eyes. Children with ptosis may also tip their heads back to see better.
What Causes Ptosis?
The causes of ptosis depend on its type. Some babies have ptosis in one or both eyelids (congenital ptosis). In adults, ptosis can occur later in life (acquired ptosis) due to weakened muscles or ligaments from injury, disease, or damage to the nerves controlling the eyelid muscles. Diseases and conditions that may cause ptosis include styes, Horner syndrome, myasthenia gravis, stroke, tumors, and external ophthalmoplegia. Often, ptosis occurs with aging as the eyelid skin and muscles stretch and weaken. Previous eye surgery can also accelerate this change by stretching the eyelid during the procedure.
Diagnosis of Ptosis
Ptosis repair depends on how well your eyelid muscles function. If your vision is not affected and the appearance doesn’t bother you, treatment may not be necessary. However, if ptosis impacts your vision or appearance, your ophthalmologist may suggest ptosis correction. The type of treatment depends on whether the cause is a disease or aging. The condition caused by aging typically requires eyelid ptosis surgery.
Ptosis Surgery
Ptosis surgery is done under local anesthesia with sedation, so you are awake but do not feel the procedure. There are two types of surgery to repair a droopy eyelid:
- The surgeon opens the skin of your upper eyelid to access and tighten the tiny muscle that raises your eyelid, then closes the incision with stitches.
- The surgeon performs the surgery underneath your eyelid by flipping it and tightening the muscle without making a skin incision.
After eyelid ptosis surgery, your surgeon will explain how to care for your eye and schedule follow-up appointments several days to one week later to check the results.
Complications
Ptosis correction surgery poses several complications. Right after the surgery, your eyelid height and shape might be uneven, and the surgeon may have under or overcorrected the condition, which should improve over time. Other possible complications include bleeding from the wound, infection in the surgical area, damage to the cornea, incomplete or abnormal eyelid closure, and recurrent ptosis.
Eyedrops for Ptosis
Oxymetazoline is a prescription eye drop medication for adults with some kinds of acquired ptosis. It targets the levator muscle, helping some people’s eyelids open wider. The drops must be used daily to remain effective. They don’t work for all types of ptosis repair, so consult your ophthalmologist to see if they suit you.
When to Seek Help?
Visiting an ophthalmologist is vital if ptosis affects your vision. Also, seek ptosis correction if the condition bothers you, one eyelid suddenly droops or closes, or you experience discomfort and double vision. Children affected with ptosis should visit a specialist immediately to assess their condition. Treatment may be recommended right away to prevent vision development issues. Regardless of immediate treatment, regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist are necessary to monitor their vision.
If you or your child has trouble seeing out of one or both eyes and notices that the eyelids are drooping, they might need a ptosis correction surgery. This condition can be frustrating, especially if you find yourself tilting your chin up to see. You don’t have to live with this inconvenience, as untreated ptosis can lead to complications like astigmatism and amblyopia. Contact an eye care specialist to discuss your condition and explore treatment options. To know more about ptosis treatment costs, visit Shri Venkatesh Eye Institute’s official website today.