Eyelid ptosisIt is when the upper eyelid droops over the eye and affects the field of vision. When only one eye is affected, unilateral ptosisWhen it affects both eyes, it is known as bilateral ptosis. Other symptoms of ptosis include difficulty keeping the eyelids open, eyebrow pain from constantly raising the eyelids, eye strain, and fatigue. In some patients, drooping eyes Cosmetic problems may also occur due to this.
This condition can affect both adults and children, and there are many different causes of ptosis. Congenital drooping eyelids present from birth but acquired drooping eyelidsIt can occur later in life due to trauma, long-term contact lens wear, after eye surgery such as cataract surgery, or, less commonly, problems with the muscles or nerves.
Ptosis in childrenThis is known as congenital ptosis. It affects children from birth and is usually caused by problems with the development of the levator muscle, which lifts the eyelid. Drooping eyelids It can be unilateral or bilateral and can cause amblyopia. Therefore, ptosis surgery may sometimes be necessary to correct eyelid position and prevent further vision problems.
A condition known as Marcus Gunn's 'chin wink' ptosis can also affect young children, causing the drooping eyelid to rise or droop when the child opens their jaw or chews. This affects only one eyelid and is caused by an abnormal nerve connection. In some cases, surgery for ptosis on both eyelids may be necessary to improve symmetry. Your consultant surgeon will provide further advice.
Drooping in adults can affect the eye later in life and this is known as acquired ptosis.
Some rare muscle disorders, such as myotonic dystrophy and myasthenia gravis, can cause weakening of the eyelid muscles. Serious conditions such as nerve palsy (a type of stroke), aneurysm (a cyst in a blood vessel in the brain), cancer, and brain tumors can also cause paralysis of the nerves that control the eyelids. Sudden onset of drooping vision, severe headache, neck pain, and double vision are alarming signs of a serious condition and should be seen immediately.
In some cases, ptosis surgery may be necessary on both eyelids, as surgery on the affected eyelid can cause the other eyelid to droop as well.
Ptosis correction may not be necessary for all patients, especially if the condition is not harmful to their health or affecting their vision. Ptosis surgery may be recommended for children and individuals whose drooping eyelids obstruct vision, cause head tilt, neck tension, or cause aesthetic concerns.
In adults, this procedure involves administering local anesthesia and shortening the muscles or tendons needed to lift the eyelid. These are then reattached to the eyelid with subcutaneous stitches and removed approximately one week after the surgery. You'll usually be able to go home the same day.
More severe drooping eyelidsThis may require the eyelid to be "suspended" from the eyebrow. This may involve the use of an artificial material or the use of tissue such as fascia or tendon. Eyebrow lift and other cosmetic eye procedures, including blepharoplasty, are often performed on one or both sides during the same procedure to achieve the best cosmetic results.
The best options will be discussed with you by the surgeon.
