Ptosis or pathologic droopy eyelid is a condition whereby one or both of your upper eyelids sag slightly over your eye. Depending on the severity, droopy eyelids can obstruct your pupil, blocking or greatly reducing your vision. Droopy eyelids may be due to trauma, age, or medical disorders, but sometimes the condition can be present at birth. Most cases of ptosis Peoria resolve naturally but sometimes surgery may be an option to reduce the drooping.
Who gets ptosis?
Anyone can get droopy eyelids, but older adults are more likely to due to natural aging. As you age, the muscles supporting your eyelids (levator) stretch and weaken, causing the eyelid to fall. While older adults are likely to have droopy eyelids, anyone, regardless of age, can have this condition. Remember that some babies are born with ptosis; however, this is rare. Droopy eyelids can also stem from trauma or neurological illnesses. There are many potential causes of ptosis, but sometimes the exact cause is unknown.
Signs and symptoms of ptosis
The main sign of ptosis is the sagging or drooping of one or both upper eyelids. For many people, the sagging is hardly noticeable and happens occasionally. However, severe ptosis can affect your vision; you may need to tilt your head backward to see at all times. Other signs and symptoms of ptosis include extremely dry or watery eyes and a tired or weary look on your face. You can also experience aching around your eyes, causing you to look tired at all times. If you have a persistent droopy eyelid, it is vital to get a medical evaluation to rule out any underlying conditions. It is especially important to seek medical attention if migraine headaches or other issues have occurred since you noticed the drooping.
Treatment for ptosis
If the droopy eyelid does not affect your vision and you don’t mind its appearance, treatment may not be necessary. Treatment may also not be necessary if you were born with droopy eyelids or they have developed due to age; your doctor will explain that nothing needs to be done since ptosis is not harmful to your health. However, if you are bothered by your appearance, you may opt for plastic surgery to reduce drooping.
Sometimes your droopy eyelid may result from an underlying condition; treating the problem should stop the eyelids from sagging. Medical treatment is often necessary if your droopy eyelid blocks your vision.
Ptosis repair is the most common treatment for droopy eyelids; it is a surgical procedure that involves tightening the levator muscle to lift the eyelid into the desired position. Your doctor can also install crutches on your eyeglasses; these attachments prevent drooping by holding your eyelids in place. You can have an adjustable or reinforced crunch; the former is attached to one side of the frame while the latter is placed on both sides.
Is ptosis preventable?
You cannot prevent ptosis, but early symptom recognition and getting regular eye exams can be beneficial in fighting the condition.
If your droopy eyelids affect your vision, consult your doctor at Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery to discuss your treatment options.
