What is Ptosis?
Ptosis (pronounced toe–sys) is a drooping of the upper eyelid. A droopy eyelid can cause blurring of vision. It can affect the superior field of vision causing patients to raise their eyebrows constantly (leading to headaches) or tipping their head back in an attempt to gain clear vision. It can also become a cosmetic issue, affecting a person’s self-esteem.
What are the Causes of Ptosis?
The most common cause for ptosis in adults is gradual, age-related stretching of the aponeurosis tendon known as involutional ptosis. Other causes of Ptosis include:
- Long term contact lens wear can cause ptosis, perhaps because repeated insertion and removal of the lens causes stretching of the tissues.
- Sometimes ptosis follows other eye surgery or an injury.
- The lid may droop due to a problem in the nerve supply to the levator muscle (which lifts the lid)
- Congenital ptosis (present since birth) is usually due to an underdeveloped levator muscle
How can Ptosis or Droopy Upper Eyelid be Treated?
The aim of surgical correction is to restore the anatomy, by addressing the various causative factors. Adult ptosis surgery is generally performed under local anaesthesia with or without sedation.
Surgical Correction for Ptosis or Droopy Upper Eyelid
The operations for ptosis correction are generally based on the function of the levator muscle. The surgical cut is hidden within the normal eyelid crease or inside the eyelid, resulting in a scar less minimally invasive operation, which produces natural results.
Recovery times are generally quick, with most patients achieving complete recovery within 7-14 days.
Contact our team at The Medical Eye Clinic Exeter for information about ptosis treatments.