Ptosis

What is ptosis?

Ptosis is the medical term for a drooping of the upper eyelid.

What are the symptoms of ptosis?

• Drooping upper eyelid(s)

This can deteriorate over time to the point that it becomes difficult to see out under the dropped eyelid.

What is the cause of ptosis?

Congenital ptosis is apparent from birth. This is usually due to abnormal development of the muscle which pulls the eyelid up.

Acquired ptosis tends to become apparent in later life and may be caused by ageing changes, lid trauma, eye surgery, neurological or muscular conditions.

What is the treatment for ptosis?

A full eye examination is essential to work out the cause of the ptosis.

The treatment involves surgery to tighten the muscle that lifts the eyelid. A small cut is made in the eyelid to reach the muscle. Ptosis repair is usually completed under local anaesthesia in adults. One or both eyes may need to be treated.

Most patients tolerate the procedure very well and have a rapid recovery. The bruising and swelling associated with the surgery will usually resolve in two to three weeks. Some patients may need adjustment of the sutures to better align the lid height.