Ptosis

Ptosis is a drooping or falling of the upper eyelid.
Ptosis Clinical Photo

If ptosis is severe enough, it can cause  amblyopia (lazy eye) or astigmatism. It is important to treat if noticed at a younger age—if left untreated, it could affect vision development. The condition is more commonly acquired later in life.

Causes & risk factors

  • Injury or stretching of eyelid muscles or ligaments.
  • Damage to the nerve controlling the eyelid muscles.
  • Aging.
  • Complications of eye surgery.
  • Congenital Ptosis can be present from birth or from genetic purposes.
  • Ptosis can be due to accidental stretching or tearing of the levator muscle.

Symptoms

  • Excessive rubbing of eyes.
  • Decreased vision (field of vision) on upper gaze.
  • Impaired vision.
  • Cosmetic look of a droopy eyelid.

Diagnosis

Droopy eyelid appearance.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the drooping. Surgery or Botox injections could be recommended for severe cases to tighten the upper eyelid.

Prevention

Ptosis cannot be prevented if it is congenital. Other factors such as eye trauma, surgery, or damage to the muscles or nerves can be difficult to prevent.

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