Eye Health Risks of Ptosis
The eye health risks of ptosis—are you aware of them? Here at Raleigh Eye and Face, our team of medical professionals often handle ptosis repair and education. However, many are unaware of what ptosis is, the negative impact it has on their vision, and how the repair surgery process works.
We’ve compiled a comprehensive overview to get your questions answered. Let’s dive in:
What is Ptosis?
Ptosis is simply defined as when the upper eyelid droops over the eye. This droop ranges from mild to severe, with the most significant cases seeing the eyelid completely conceal the pupil (the black center of your eye that lets light in)
There are two types of ptosis: congenital ptosis and acquired ptosis. In congenital ptosis, weakness or dysfunction in the levator muscle–the muscle that lifts the eyelid–can cause children to struggle to keep their eyes fully open. As such, children with ptosis can be forced to adapt by making dramatic heat tilts, chin lifts, or eyebrow raises in order to see better.
In adult ptosis (otherwise called “involutional ptosis” or “acquired ptosis”), the levator muscle has stretched or separated from the eyelid. This can be triggered by age, eye injuries, eye surgeries, autoimmune conditions, stroke, or tumors. That being said, ptosis is not commonly associated with a serious medical condition.
Ptosis Complications and Diagnosis
In addition to impaired vision, ptosis can also come with a range of other complications.
These include, but are not limited to:
Neck, head, or eyebrow strain due to over-corrective posture
Blurry vision
Lazy eye
Eye strain
Lower self-confidence
To diagnose ptosis, the patient will undergo a physical exam and a health history review, both of which will include a comprehensive eye exam. Eye abnormalities and problems with the nervous system or muscles will be checked during this time.
Rarely, more tests may also be run in order to be certain what has caused the ptosis. These tests may include a labs, an MRI, and/or a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA.)
The Ptosis Repair Process–What You Need to Know
Although the eye health risks of ptosis are significant, there are luckily treatments available in order for patients to get their eye health–and self-confidence–back.
The first is surgery. Ptosis can be corrected surgically, which typically involves manually tightening the levator muscle in order to permanently elevate the eyelid. This can be done through a small skin incision on the eyelid or, alternatively, an incision on the interior of the eyelid. Your surgeon will determine the best technique based on the severity of your ptosis. For example, in severe cases where the levator muscle is dangerously weak, a “sling” operation with a silicone implant will be used to enable the forehead muscles to elevate the eyelid.
Regardless of the technique that is used, the end goal is three-pronged: to achieve eyelid height, contour, and symmetry.
In applicable cases, there is also an FDA-approved prescription eye drop called Upneeq that is now available for ptosis treatment. This is especially helpful for those who are uncomfortable with surgery or who may not be a candidate for surgery based upon medical history.
Who is Eligible for Ptosis Repair Surgery?
Candidates for eyelid surgery should be free of any eye infections or serious medical problems. Upneeq may be a better option when patients are not healthy enough for surgery.
Are You Ready for Better Vision? Repair Your Ptosis Today
Looking to repair your ptosis? Then you’re in the right place.
Pradeep Mettu, MD is a board-certified Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon. He is a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) - a highly selective group of plastic surgeons. He completed his Ophthalmology Residency and Neuro-Ophthalmology Fellowship at Duke University and his Oculofacial Plastic and Orbital Surgery Fellowship at the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic.
Having won numerous awards and published extensively on a variety of medical topics, our patients trust in Dr. Mettu to deliver the results they deserve–every time.
Schedule your consultation for ptosis repair today you’ll need to see to believe.