Ptosis (Drooping of the upper eyelid)

 

Ptosis (pronounced “tō-sis”) is the medical term for drooping of the upper eyelid(s). This lowering of the upper eyelid margin may cause a reduction in the field of vision when the eyelid either partially or completely obstructs the pupil. Patients with ptosis often have difficulty keeping their eyelids open. To compensate, they will often arch their eyebrows in an effort to raise the drooping eyelids. In severe cases, people with ptosis may need to lift their eyelids with their fingers in order to see.

 

What Causes Ptosis?

 

There are many causes of ptosis including muscular or neurologic disease, trauma, or simply the natural aging process. As we age, the tendon that attaches the levator muscle to the eyelid could stretch and cause the eyelid to fall. The levator muscle is the major muscle responsible for elevating the upper eyelid. Ptosis may also occur following routine lasik or cataract surgery.

 

Can Ptosis be Corrected?

 

Ptosis can be corrected surgically and usually involves tightening the levator muscle to elevate the eyelid. In severe ptosis, when the levator muscle is extremely weak, a “sling” operation may be performed, enabling the forehead muscles to elevate the eyelid(s). The goal is to elevate the eyelid to permit a full field of vision and to achieve symmetry with the opposite upper eyelid.

 

THE SURGERY

 

Ptosis surgery can be performed either in the office with local anesthesia or in a surgical facility which offers conscious sedation. Typically, the decision will be made by the surgeon in your consultation. The procedure varies from 40 minutes to over one hour depending on the amount of dissection needed. Often, the lifting of the eyelid can be combined with a blepharoplasty in order to give a fresher appearance of the eyelid skin. After the surgery is done, a regimen of cold compresses and some eye drop applications is given to allow for control of swelling and discomfort.

 

OTHER OPTIONS

 

Sometimes eyelid lifts are combined with other procedures called endoscopic eyebrow and forehead lifts to improve the height and maintain the contour of the upper eyebrow. The doctors at New York Oculoplastic and Reconstruction Surgery will discuss whether you might benefit from this combined procedure during your initial consultation.