Ptosis, also known as blepharoptosis, pertains to the irregular drooping of your upper eyelid. It can affect both eyelids at the same time, or just one. Here, your trusted optometrist from Opti-Care discusses this condition in detail.
Causes
Ptosis occurs when the eye muscles supporting the eyelid, known as levators, develop structural defects and weaken. This may be due to congenital factors, aging, or a complication from an eye injury or surgery. Certain diseases such as such as eye tumors, nervous system disorders, or even diabetes can also cause your eyelids to sag.
Signs and Symptoms
The most obvious symptom of ptosis is having a droopy eyelid that makes you look as if you are constantly sleepy. You may also experience restricted visual capacity, depending on how low your eyelid sags. Most of the time, affected individuals lift their eyebrows or tilt their heads back to see better. We recommend visiting your go-to eye clinic for an eye exam if you notice any of these symptoms.
Management
During your clinic visit, we will measure the height difference of your eyelid margin to the bottom of your eyes, and we may also assess the strength of your eyelids by asking you to perform some eye exercises. Surgery is our standard treatment for ptosis. Not only will it improve your vision—it will also enhance your appearance.
According to your reliable eye doctor, ptosis may later lead to amblyopia (lazy eyes). This condition may cause problems in the coordination between your eyes and brain, which is why we suggest having ophthalmic evaluations as early as possible. This can help us identify any ocular changes, render appropriate management, and prevent them from progressing into more serious problems.
If you have any further questions about ptosis, call us at (410) 600-3173. We serve Westminster, MD, and nearby areas.