Treatment for drooping eyelids or
PTOSIS
What is PTOSIS?
Drooping of the upper eyelid is referred to as ptosis. This drooping can be mild and barely noticeable, or it can completely cover the pupil. In some cases, ptosis can restrict or even completely block normal vision.
Causes of ptosis
Congenital ptosis (present from birth) is typically a result of underdeveloped or weakened upper eyelid muscles. In adults, the most common cause of ptosis is muscle thinning and weakness in the upper eyelid muscle. Other causes of ptosis include aging, wearing contact lenses, injury and trauma to the eyelid, and, rarely, tumors, as well as neurological disorders like paralysis or muscle weakness (myopathy).
Ptosis in children
Congenital ptosis often occurs due to a defect in the development of the levator muscle, which is responsible for lifting the upper eyelid and is typically a separate disorder. However, in congenital cases, it may be associated with the following conditions:
- Eye movement disorder
- Muscle diseases
- Eyelid tumors or other tumors
- Neurological disorders
- Refractive errors
Children with congenital ptosis may develop amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), or refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism). Therefore, all children with ptosis should undergo an eye examination by an eye specialist.
Symptoms and signs of ptosis in children
The most common and noticeable sign of ptosis in children is drooping of the upper eyelid. In congenital ptosis, there is often an absence of symmetry in the eyelid creases. Children with ptosis may need to tilt their head back or raise their eyebrows to see better. These head and facial maneuvers indicate that the child is trying to use both eyes for vision. After a few years, these abnormal postures may lead to cosmetic issues in the head and neck. In most cases, ptosis in children is treated with surgery. If amblyopia is also present, treatment may involve patching the healthy eye, using glasses, or using eye drops as necessary.
Symptoms and signs of ptosis in adults
The most common cause of ptosis in adults is the stretching or detachment of the levator muscle tendon from the upper eyelid. This condition can result from the following factors:
1. Aging
2. Following cataract surgery or other eye surgeries
3. Eye injury or trauma
In adults, ptosis can also be a symptom of other conditions such as neurological or muscular disorders, and in rare cases, it can be associated with eye socket tumors that involve the levator muscle or its nerve. To diagnose the cause of ptosis and determine the best treatment approach, blood tests, specialized imaging, or other tests may be necessary. If an underlying cause is identified, it should be addressed first. However, in most cases, the final treatment is surgical, with the type of surgery depending on the severity of ptosis and other clinical findings.
Benefits of ptosis surgery
- Preventing amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (eye misalignment)
- Increased upper visual field and visual quality
- Improvement in a person's appearance and increased self-confidence.
- Restoring the eyelid to its natural position.
- Restoring natural beauty to an individual.
Summary
Ptosis in adults and children is treatable through surgery, which not only improves the cosmetic appearance but can also enhance vision. In the case of pediatric ptosis, regular eye examinations in the early years of life are of particular importance for prevention and potential treatment of lazy eye.
