Ptosis, also known as blepharoptosis drooping eyelid , is a condition where the upper eyelid droops, potentially obscuring vision. It can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life. The drooping can be mild or severe, affecting one or both eyes, and may be caused by issues with the levator muscle or related nerves.
Symptoms:
- Drooping of one or both upper eyelids.
- Obscured or blurred vision if the eyelid covers part of the pupil.
- Eye strain or fatigue from trying to lift the eyelids.
- Head tilting or eyebrow elevation to see better.
Causes:
- Aging: The levator muscle can weaken or the aponeurosis (tendon connecting the muscle to the eyelid) can stretch and detach with age.
- Nerve damage: Conditions like Horner's syndrome or nerve injuries can affect eyelid control.
- Muscle weakness: Myasthenia gravis, ocular myopathy, or other muscle disorders can cause ptosis.
- Trauma or surgery: Injuries or certain surgeries can damage the eyelid or its supporting structures.
- Congenital ptosis: Present at birth, often due to levator muscle maldevelopment.
- Other: Certain medications or medical conditions can also contribute to ptosis.
Treatment:
- Observation: Mild cases may not require treatment.
- Surgery: Surgical correction is often necessary for more severe cases or when vision is significantly affected.
- Addressing underlying causes: Treatment of the underlying condition (like myasthenia gravis) can improve ptosis.
We at our clinic are regularly using Sling Surgery for the treatment with very good and long lasting results