Ptosis – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Ptosis, commonly known as drooping eyelids is a medical condition where a portion of the upper eyelid falls to a lower position than what would be considered normal. When the upper eyelid droops, it can at times interfere with your ability to see. The field of vision maybe partially or completely obstructed in certain cases and the individual may require surgery from a plastic surgeon to resolve the issue.

What causes Ptosis?

Ptosis can be a result of a number of factors and these invariably affect the nerves, muscles and the skin tissue of the eyelids. The most commonly attributed reason for ptosis is ageing. The eyelids which contain the levator muscles eventually weaken over time causing the eyelids to droop more than normal. The condition can also be congenital where infants are born with ptosis. Children diagnosed with the disorder are known to tilt their heads frequently to enhance their field of vision. Ptosis can also be a result of an accident or injury sustained in one’s lifetime. Any nerve damages suffered may cause the levator muscles to function improperly. Ptosis can also be a symptom of other medical conditions. This includes Horner syndrome, diabetes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, myasthenia gravis, cluster headaches and also certain forms of lung cancer.

Symptoms Of Ptosis

The primary symptom of ptosis is the drooping of the upper eyelid. This condition can affect young children as well as adults and can be occurring in one or both eyes. People with ptosis generally tend to have a tired sort of appearance and the disorder can often result in dry or watery eyes. The condition forces a lot of people to constantly lift their eyelids or tilt their head backwards to enhance their line of vision.

Treatment Options

Ptosis can be treated by a qualified plastic surgeon. The levator muscle in the eyelid is tightened to help it regain its effectiveness and thereby restore full field of the vision for the individual. An incision will be made into the upper portion of the eyelids to tighten the muscle. Depending on the severity of the case, the surgeon may also recommend a blepharoplasty procedure to remove fat or excess skin from the region. The surgeon would also usually request the patient during surgery to open and close the eyelids. This is to simply check if the eyelids are back to functioning normally. The procedure is usually completed within a day and the patient can revisit the surgeon a week later to determine the results. This condition is easily treatable through surgery and can help to restore full vision for the patient.