What is Ptosis? (Droopy eyelid)
Do you have sleepy-looking eyes? This could be due to drooping eyelids!
“Ptosis” meaning “Drooping” is a condition where the upper eyelid droops over the eye, also called blepharoptosis, or upper eyelid ptosis.
Depending on the condition, ptosis can either limit or reduce normal vision. If ptosis is severe, it can cause amblyopia (lazy eye- lack of sharp vision) or astigmatism (blurred vision).
Ptosis can be mild (2mm of droop), moderate (3mm of droop), or severe (4mm or more of droop).
Symptoms of Drooping Eyelid (Ptosis)
In people with ptosis, the eyelid may cover a part of the eye that may impair vision, which may seem worse when reading or looking down.
This droop is usually unnoticed in many cases as it does not cause pain. In some cases, a person may find this droopy eyelid to negatively impact their appearance and may affect their psychological well-being.
Symptoms include-
· Excessive rubbing of eyes
· Decreased or blurred vision on upper gaze
· Impaired vision (in severe cases)
· Cosmetic appearance of a sleepy-looking eye
· Extremely dry or watery eyes
What Causes Drooping Eyelids?
Several reasons cause drooping eyelids-
- Present from birth
- Damage to the nerves that control eyelid muscles
- An injury that weakens the muscles and ligaments
- Sometimes, age (with age, the skin and muscles around your eyes get weaker)
- Surgery like LASIK or Cataract surgery can stretch your eyelid
- Other severe medical conditions like cancer of the nerves or muscles, stroke, brain tumor, an eye tumor
- Neurological disorders that affect the eye nerves
If ptosis is severe, it can cause amblyopia (lazy eye- lack of sharp vision) or astigmatism (blurred vision).
How is a Droopy Eyelid Diagnosed?
Your doctor will-
- Do a physical examination
- Check the appearance of the eye and eyelid
- Check medical history
Other tests include-
- Slit lamp exam (to take a close look at the eye with the help of high-intensity light)
- Tensilon test (to check muscle strength)
Treatment Options for Drooping Eyelid
- If the condition does not affect the vision, the doctor will decide not to treat it.
- If the condition blocks or reduces the vision, medical treatment is recommended, usually surgery.
· If the condition affects the appearance, Botox injections could be recommended to tighten the upper eyelid.
- If it is temporary, glasses that can hold the eyelid up (ptosis crutch) are recommended. Glasses may also be recommended if you are not a suitable candidate for surgery.
How Can a Drooping Eyelid Be Prevented?
Ptosis cannot be prevented. However, checking the symptoms and getting a regular eye checkup can help fight the condition.
Since ptosis can gradually affect vision, consult a doctor if you have any symptoms of ptosis or any changes in appearance.
