What is Eye Ptosis (Eyelid Drooping)?
Ptosis is essentially when the upper part of the eyelid droops over the eye. The effects of Ptosis can vary, and the droop can either be slight or it could be more severe to the point the pupil of the eye is being covered. People who suffer from Ptosis could have issues with the vision and potentially suffer from blocked vision. Ptosis can affect people of all ages with both children and adults suffering from the condition. However, unlike some eye conditions, Ptosis is treatable.
Why Do People Get Ptosis?
Ptosis can be caused by a number of reasons and some people are actually born with it and the condition can affect either one or both of the eyes. However, most people will start to suffer from Ptosis in later life and this is because as we get older the muscles and ligaments around the eye and in the eyelid can weaken. The weakening of the eyelid is usually caused by injury, disease or age and the dropping occurs when the nerves that control the eyelid become damaged.
As with any part of the body, the older we become the weaker it becomes, however the eyelids are something we can’t look after ourselves. Many people with a slight droop ignore Ptosis, as they don’t notice the effects of it, however the worse Ptosis becomes the more complicated it can become to resolve it. If you feel you might be suffering from Ptosis, then it’s always best to get it checked by a doctor or eye specialist.
Can Ptosis Be Treated?
Unlike some eye conditions that affect the eye, Ptosis is a treatable condition. The treatment you receive for Ptosis will depend on how well the eyelid is functioning, the level of drooping and your muscle and nerve responses. Should Ptosis only be causing a slight droop and if it’s not affecting the person's vision, then treatment might be held off until a later stage in life.
However, if Ptosis is affecting the vision or that you’re struggling with your appearance since the eyelid drooping began, then it’s best to get Ptosis corrected. One of the most common treatments for Ptosis is eyelid surgery and this is usually carried out when Ptosis is age related. A full assessment, diagnosis and treatment plan should be created before just opting for surgery, to ensure the reason Ptosis is being caused is discovered.
What Is Ptosis Surgery?
Ptosis surgery is a relatively simple procedure and it’s usually carried out under local anaesthetic. This is when the patient is typically awake but doesn’t feel anything. During the surgery, your surgeon will make an opening in the skin on your upper eyelid. The aim of this is to find the muscle that controls the eyelid and once this has been located, stitches can be placed to help tighten this muscle and ultimately raise the eyelid.
In addition to upper eyelid surgery, Ptosis can also be treated by entering from underneath the eyelid as well. When this type of surgery is carried out the eyelid is flipped and the muscle underneath the eye is tightened. This type of surgery requires no skin incision to be made. Upon completion of your surgery, your surgeon will explain how you need to take care of the eyelid and a follow up appointment will be needed to assess the progress of the surgery.
I Think I Have Ptosis Can You Help?
The simple answer is Yes. At Yun Wong Eye Surgeon, we offer professional eyelid surgery to help treat conditions like Ptosis. Before any treatment is provided we will carry out a thorough assessment to ensure we understand what is causing the Ptosis. Should surgery be required, we’ll guide you through the next steps. For more information or to book an appointment, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.