Drooping of an eyelid is known as eye ptosis. It can be seen in both adults as well as children. But mostly occurs due to aging. It can affect one or both eyes. Ptosis may sometimes change the appearance of a person without affecting health or vision. This article gives information about symptoms, causes, treatment and diagnosis for eye ptosis.
Symptoms and Signs of Eye Ptosis
- Drooping eyelid is the most obvious sign of ptosis.
- Depending on the severity of the drooping lid, people with eye ptosis will have difficulty in seeing.
- Sometimes people raise their eyebrows to lift the eyelids.
- The degree of droopiness differs from one person to the other.
Causes of ptosis
- Ptosis may be present at birth or develop due to injury, aging or an after effect of cataract surgery or any other eye surgery.
- Diabetes or an eye tumour may cause drooping eyelids.
Treatment for eye ptosis
- Surgery is the best treatment for ptosis.
- Levator muscles are tightened to lift the eyelids which improves vision and appearance.
- In severe cases, which involves weakened levator muscles, the surgeon will attach the eyelid under the eyebrow. Eyelid surgery is also called as blepharoplasty.
- Choose your eye surgeon carefully. Poorly done surgery may result in dry eyes or an undesirable appearance.
Ptosis in children
- Children born with ptosis require treatment to develop proper vision.
- Failure in ptosis treatment can cause amblyopia and a poor vision for lifetime.
- Children with ptosis should visit their eye doctor every year.
- There is change in shape of the eyes as they grow and visual and focusing problems may also develop.
Diagnosis
- If you observe your upper eyelids are drooping progressively with the age, then you may be having age-related ptosis. Comparing some old photographs you can confirm the diagnosis.
- In other cases, an eye doctor must diagnose the problem. The doctor will review all your symptoms.
- This review includes symptoms of headache, double vision, weakness or muscle fatigue, difficulty swallowing or speaking, numbness or tingling anywhere in the body.
- The doctor will also review your past medical history.
- Then, a neurological examination, physical examination and thorough examination of your eye is done.
- Your doctor may also recommend other tests depending on your symptoms.
