What is Ptosis?

Ptosis is an abnormally low position (Drooping) of the upper eyelid. It can be Neurogenic, Myogenic (muscle weakness), Aponeurotic (Congenital & Post-operative / Trauma) and Mechanical (loose eye skin). Babies can be born with droopy eyelids.

In some cases, droopy upper eyelids cause visual field obstruction and make it difficult to see, especially to drive or to read.

What your doctor looks for:

Your doctor would like to know

1. The age of onset of Ptosis usually distinguishes the congenital from the acquired cases
2. It is also important to know about any underline systemic disease,
3. Any associated Diplopia,
4. Variability of Ptosis and excessive tiredness (in Myasthenia Gravis)

Treatment of Ptosis

There are multiple types of procedures that are useful to correct eyelid drooping.  The one that has the most chance of success with the least side effects and postoperative issues will be recommended for you at the time of your consultation. Procedures that have been described include

• Removal of excess skin and fat (blepharoplasty)
• Aponeurotic surgery (tightening the tendon that holds the eyelid in place)
• Mullerectomy (tightening a different muscle in the eyelid, Muller’s muscle)
• A sling (using other tissue to substitute for very poor upper eyelid elevator function)

Prognosis

1. Need for more than one procedure

Droop because of excess skin and fat is successfully corrected with a single surgery in most cases.  But, if the droop is because of muscle weakness, secondary procedure might have to be undertaken.

2. Risks of Ptosis Surgery

The greatest risk is that lid position might not match exactly with the other eyelid after correction.

In case of Sling Procedure, the operated lid will remain retracted when the patient looks downwards hence it might look a little anomalous.

Know more about Oculoplasty Care:

1. Ectropion.
2. Entropion.