Ptosis
Ptosis (blepharoptosis) can affect your vision, appearance, and quality of life. To help you understand what ptosis is, along with its causes and treatments, here are the key details you need to know.
What Is Ptosis?
Ptosis, a condition where the upper eyelid droops down and sometimes covers part of the eye, affects people from all walks of life—including well-known figures like actor Forest Whitaker and Radiohead’s frontman Thom Yorke, both recognized for their distinct eye appearances. It can involve one or both eyes and might be present at birth or develop later on. Often linked to issues with the levator muscle, which lifts the eyelid, ptosis is typically manageable with treatment.
Causes
Understanding what causes ptosis helps determine the best treatment options. Congenital ptosis typically arises from developmental issues with the levator muscle in children. In adults, acquired ptosis can result from several factors, including:
- Aging: As we age, the muscles and ligaments in the eyelids weaken, which can lead to drooping.
- Injury or surgery: Trauma to the eye area or procedures like LASIK or cataract surgery can sometimes stretch or damage eyelid muscles.
- Neurological conditions: Conditions like Horner syndrome or nerve damage may impair eyelid movement.
- Medical conditions: Myasthenia gravis, tumors, and other eye diseases can lead to ptosis.
Symptoms
Ptosis can vary in severity, from mild drooping to completely covering the pupil. Here are some common symptoms:
- Drooping eyelid: The most obvious sign, which may affect one or both eyes.
- Blocked vision: In severe cases, the eyelid may block the field of vision, affecting daily tasks like reading or driving.
- Head and neck strain: Some people tilt their heads or lift their chins to see better, which can lead to neck and posture issues over time.
- Eye fatigue and strain: Constantly lifting the eyebrows or straining the eyes can lead to tired, aching eyes.
In children, ptosis can also contribute to “lazy eye” (amblyopia) or astigmatism if untreated, which may impact visual development.
Diagnosis
Ptosis is usually diagnosed during a physical eye exam. Eye specialists may assess eyelid function, measure the extent of drooping, and perform tests such as:
- Slit Lamp Examination: A close-up look at the eye’s structure to check for abnormalities.
- Visual Field Test: To determine if the drooping eyelid is affecting vision.
- Ocular Motility Test: An evaluation of eye movement.
- Additional tests: In some cases, blood tests or imaging scans may be needed to rule out underlying neurological or muscular conditions.
Treatment Options
Treatment for ptosis depends on its cause and severity. Here are some common approaches:
- Surgery: The most effective treatment, especially in adults, is surgery to tighten or reattach the levator muscle. This outpatient procedure improves both vision and appearance.
- Medication: For some types of acquired ptosis, prescription eye drops like oxymetazoline can temporarily lift the eyelid by stimulating the levator muscle.
- Eyeglasses with a crutch: Some eyeglasses come with an attachment (or “crutch”) that physically lifts the eyelid, which is helpful for people unable to undergo surgery.
Children with ptosis may also need amblyopia treatments, such as patches or glasses, to help strengthen the weaker eye.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ptosis hereditary?
How long is recovery after ptosis surgery?
Can ptosis be prevented?
For more information or to find an eye care provider, visit your nearest Visionworks location and schedule an eye exam today.
