Ptosis is a drooping of the upper eyelid that can be caused by aging, medical conditions, or excess skin. Treatment options include surgery and addressing the underlying cause. In children, correction is recommended to prevent vision problems. Adults may choose to leave it untreated if the cause has been addressed.
Ptosis is a condition in which the upper eyelid cannot be lifted completely, causing it to partially cover the eye and creating a droopy appearance. This condition can be caused by a variety of things, and there are several treatment options, depending on the cause and age of the patient. One of the most common causes is simply aging, which weakens the muscles around the eyes, allowing the eyelid to sag.
People can develop ptosis in one or both eyelids, and the condition can be congenital or acquired. Acquired ptosis can be the result of an underlying medical condition, ranging from a stroke to muscular dystrophy. The condition may be related to muscle weakness or paralysis or damage to the nerves that innervate the eyelid.
A condition known as dermatochalasis, in which excess skin develops around the eyelid, can resemble ptosis, making it important to correctly diagnose an apparently droopy eyelid. This condition is treated with surgery to remove excess skin so that the eyelid looks normal again.
If the condition is caused by a medical issue, treating the issue can resolve the droopy eyelid as well. In situations where the medical condition cannot be treated or when ptosis is a problem on its own, people can have the problem corrected surgically. Surgery may include resection of the nerves that innervate the levator and superior tarsal muscles responsible for eyelid movement, and may also include an eyelid lift.
In children, ptosis can be a serious problem because it can lead to vision problems. For this reason, correction is generally recommended for pediatric cases. Children with untreated ptosis can develop amblyopia and other vision problems that persist for life. Parents who cannot afford surgery or treatment for the underlying cause can receive financial assistance from a charity that provides medical aid to children, and some charities focus specifically on vision.
Adults may choose to leave the condition untreated, as long as the cause has been identified and addressed. While a droopy eyelid can obscure vision or give someone an odd look, treatment may not be considered helpful or a doctor may theorize that the condition may resolve itself over time, as it occasionally does. People who decide not to fix a droopy eyelid should monitor the eyelid closely and see a doctor if the drooping becomes more pronounced.
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