Ptosis of the upper eyelid is when the upper eyelid margin is lower than it should be, or when there is excess skin on the upper eyelid. Ptosis of the upper eyelid is usually a combination of both a lower upper eyelid margin and excess skin that affects the field of vision.
Here we will learn about all that concerns the causes of ptosis of the upper eyelid and what are the best methods of treatment for ptosis of the upper eyelid.
What are the causes of ptosis of the upper eyelid?
Before we address the methods of treating ptosis of the upper eyelid, it is helpful to understand the factors that cause upper eyelid ptosis. Here are the causes of ptosis of the upper eyelid:
Some people may be born with drooping eyelids, but congenital ptosis is not common and occurs in only about 1 in 840 children. The potential causes of congenital ptosis include:
Some people may develop drooping upper eyelids with age, this is called acquired ptosis. With age, the muscles of the eyelid responsible for raising and lowering the eyelid can weaken and cause ptosis.
Other factors that may lead to acquired ptosis of the upper eyelid include:
Symptoms of Upper Eyelid Ptosis
The main symptom of upper eyelid ptosis is the drooping of one or both upper eyelids. In some cases, upper eyelid ptosis can affect vision. Ptosis can also be accompanied by severe dry eyes, and the face may appear tired. Some people with severe upper eyelid ptosis may need to tilt their heads back to see at all times when talking.
Diagnosis of Upper Eyelid Ptosis
A doctor will perform an eye exam and ask about the patient's medical history.
Once the patient has explained how often the eyelid droops and how long it has been happening, the doctor will perform some tests to determine the causes of upper eyelid ptosis.
The eye doctor may perform a Tensilon test, in which the doctor injects a substance called Tensilon, also known as edrophonium, into one of the veins. The doctor will start to observe whether Tensilon improves muscle strength. This helps to determine if upper eyelid ptosis is due to a condition called myasthenia gravis.
Treatment of Upper Eyelid Ptosis
The treatment for upper eyelid ptosis depends on the cause and severity of the ptosis.
If upper eyelid ptosis is due to aging or a congenital defect you were born with, the doctor may see that no treatment is necessary as the condition does not cause any harm. However, cosmetic surgery can be chosen to reduce upper eyelid ptosis.
If the doctor finds that upper eyelid ptosis is due to a specific medical condition, then the underlying medical condition causing the ptosis must be treated, which will prevent the eyelids from drooping.
If upper eyelid ptosis is blocking vision, the doctor may recommend surgery. Glasses that can lift the eyelid, called eyelid ptosis crutches, may help. This treatment is often effective when ptosis is only temporary, or if you are not a good candidate for surgery.
Surgical treatment of ptosis
A doctor may recommend eyelid surgery. During this procedure, the doctor tightens the lifting muscle, which helps to raise the eyelid to the desired position.
For children with ptosis, doctors recommend surgery to prevent the development of lazy eye or strabismus.
Can ptosis be prevented?
There is no way to prevent ptosis. However, knowing the causes and symptoms of ptosis and having regular eye exams can help prevent the condition from worsening.
Since ptosis can affect vision, you may be able to prevent the condition from worsening by seeing a doctor immediately and taking the necessary steps to treat ptosis.
Finally, ptosis is not a serious health problem. In some cases, it may be a purely cosmetic issue, but in other cases, it may significantly affect vision or be a sign of a medical condition that requires intervention. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor immediately to determine the cause of ptosis and receive the appropriate treatment.
Learn more about the treatment of ptosis and schedule an appointment with Dr. Osama Hakim, Consultant in Ophthalmology and Oculoplastic Surgery, Oculoplastic Surgery, and Tear Duct Surgery at Moroccan Eye Hospital in Dubai and Founder and Director of Medical Eye Center in Egypt.
