What is droopy eyelids or ptosis?
Ptosis is a condition where the upper eyelid becomes droopy and it can be a hindrance to our normal vision and difficulty in day to day life, as in severe cases patients may find it difficult to keep the eyes open as well.
It can also be a cause of social stigma and can be cosmetically unappealing.
What causes ptosis?
Ptosis can be by birth (Congenital) or acquired due to trauma , age related (Senile) or mechanical due to eyelid swellings or any mass and paralytic
Why do we need to consult?
Ptosis may be associated with squint or other eye pathology which needs to be addressed.
It can also be associated with high refractive errors and can cause lazy eye (amblyopia) in childhood.
Sometimes, ptosis may be a part of myasthenia gravis or other systemic disorders and infection which needs further evaluation and proper treatment, i.e. small part of a big picture (bigger illness).
What is the treatment?
After proper evaluation, some ptosis can be medically treated such as Myasthenia gravis.
Surgery is advised if the droopiness is affecting the normal visual development of the child.
Ptosis is a cause of social awkwardness and cosmetic blemish for some people and it can be treated beautifully by some surgical procedures.
Can you brief about the surgical techniques?
There are various procedures and the choice of surgeries depend on the severity and levator muscle function
Sometimes implants like Silcone slings may be required which takes the aid of frontalis muscle in lifting the eyelid.
Levator muscle resection procedures can be undertaken to strengthen the action of the muscle and thus helping in lifting the eyelid.
The scar is cosmetically hidden keeping in mind the plastic surgery principles.
There are procedures like conjuctivo-mullerectomy, fasenella Servat procedures and many others.
Can we undergo Bhlepharoplasty procedure with Ptosis surgery?
Yes, many a times ptosis is associated with other components like loose eyelid skin and orbital fat prolapse. So addressing the same in one sitting is a good option.
What is the recovery time and do I need to take leave from work?
Routinely it takes 10-14 days for the edema and swelling to subside, post surgery.
Rest of about a week is advised for better recovery. You can discuss this with the doctor on your visit.
Who performs these rare complicated surgeries?
Dr. Devanshi Shah is a trained Oculoplastic surgeon with keen interest in these uncommon eyelids disorders. She is the best person to go to and discuss your concerns.