Drooping Eyelids: The Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Ptosis
Ptosis is the condition when the upper eyelid droops, potentially compromising your vision. It can affect both children and adults, but it usually occurs in adults because of aging, trauma, or various medical disorders. When it occurs in one eye, it is called unilateral ptosis; and when it affects both eyes, the condition is called bilateral ptosis.
Drooping eyelids may be temporary or permanent depending on the severity of the condition. It can restrict, block, or reduce the vision of the person who develops this condition.
What Causes Ptosis?
There are many potential causes of droopy eyelids, ranging from natural to some serious medical conditions. Any best ptosis repair surgeon will be able to provide the right treatment after determining what’s causing the ptosis condition in your upper eyelids.
Some babies are born with ptosis conditions, which is known as congenital ptosis. However, it’s most common in adults due to the natural aging process, which is known as acquired ptosis. Levator muscles are responsible for lifting the eyelids and as you age, these muscles can stretch to cause your eyelids to fall. It can also be an aftereffect of an injury or any corrective eye surgery such as cataract surgery. Some medical conditions such as neurological disorders, an eye tumor, or diabetes can also result in drooping eyelids.
Signs & Symptoms of Drooping Eyelids
The most obvious sign of ptosis is the sagging eyelids that can affect your vision. Due to severe ptosis condition, many people tilt their heads backward and stretch their eyelids to see things in front of them. The degree of droopiness or sagginess varies from one person to another. However, many people develop ptosis with a degree of sagginess that is barely noticeable.
Another sign of droopy eyelids is extremely watery or dry eyes, that make your face look tired. Ptosis mainly affects areas around your eyes, and you may experience heaviness, migraine headaches, or aching around your eyes.
If you develop any sign of sagging or drooping eyelids, contact a professional eye specialist immediately to ensure any underlying condition of ptosis.
Ptosis treatment
Eyelid surgery is the best treatment to get rid of drooping eyelids. Depending on your ptosis condition, there are several surgical treatments available to elevate the eyelid. The best ptosis repair surgeon in your region may recommend the right ptosis surgery after examining your condition.
An eyelid surgeon can tighten the levator muscles to lift your eyelids to improve your appearance and vision. If your levator muscles are too weak due to natural aging, your surgeon can recommend a “sling” operation as an alternative to eyelid surgery. During sling operation, your surgeon uses forehead muscles to elevate the eyelids.
When you are looking for Ptosis surgery to elevate your drooping eyelids, it is important to find a reputable and experienced eyelid surgeon in your region for the best results. Dr. John Martin, an experienced oculoplastic surgeon, is one of the best Ptosis repair surgeons in Miami, FL, and surrounding areas. You can book a consultation with him to inquire about your ptosis condition and if this surgery is the best option for the treatment of your sagging eyelids.