What Is Ptosis?
26 June 2019
Ptosis (pronounced toe–sis) is a drooping eyelid muscular dysfunction that can affect one or both upper lids of the eyes.
The skin of the eyelid will begin to droop, which is why it is commonly known as “droopy eyelid” and may occur at birth, but usually comes into effect later in life. In few cases it can be permanent but in most circumstances can be resolved with surgery or with mediation.
Droopy Eyelid Symptoms
The main sign of ptosis will be the sagging of the skin over the eye which will usually affect your sight due to the eyelid covering the upper field of your vision. Other symptoms that may occur with this could be:
- Dry eyes
- Watery eyes
- Pain around the eyes
- Headaches
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is best to go get your eyes checked by your local optometrist or GP.
Droopy Eyelid Causes
Ptosis can be caused by a number of reasons but all share a common aspect of affecting the muscle which lifts the eyelids (also known as the levator). The most common reason of ptosis to occur is due to the natural aging period of the levator. Over time the muscle can stretch and weaken, causing the eyelid to fall.
Another reason for ptosis to happen can be due to damage of the muscle or nerves in the eye lid, caused by a form of injury such as: a head injury, eye trauma, stroke, or another condition such as a disease, can trigger the process of droopy eyelids. Horner’s Syndrome can also be a cause for ptosis as the condition can affect the nerves in the face and eye lids.
Droopy Eyelid Treatments
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure where excess skin, muscle and fat are meticulously removed from the eyelids. This is to restore the normal appearance of the lid. It is possible to have treatments on both the upper and lower eyelids. The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours, depending on what surgery you are having. In a case of ptosis, upper blepharoplasty is the ideal surgery if you suffer from puffy or drooping upper eyelids.
A non-surgical solution you may consider using are ptosis crutches (also known as 'eye crutches'). They come in glassed form, but work as a support mechanism for the drooping eyelid. A small bar rests behind the glasses frame to then lift the excess skin on the eyelid to help the user see clearly.
Benefits of Treatment for Ptosis?
The surgery will remove excess skin to open your eyes up to look a lot brighter and youthful. The treatment can be carried out as a day case so you can return home after surgery.
Local anaesthetic will be induced so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the surgery. This may also relieve yourself from eye strain or headaches if these occurred due to the eyelid drooping. You may experience swelling and bruising post treatment, but this will eventually reduce after a few weeks.
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