What is droopy eyelids or ptosis?
Ptosis, also known as droopy eyelids, is a condition where the upper eyelid becomes droopy and can be a hindrance to our normal vision, causing difficulty in day-to-day life. In severe cases, patients may even find it hard to keep their eyes open.
It can also be a cause of social stigma and may appear 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 infections which need 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 me about the surgical techniques?
There are various procedures and the choice of surgeries depends on the severity and levator muscle function
Sometimes implants like Silicone slings may be required which take the aid of frontalis muscle in lifting the eyelid.
Levator muscle resection procedures can be undertaken to strengthen the action of the muscle thus helping in lifting the eyelid.
The scar is cosmetically hidden keeping in mind the plastic surgery principles.
There are procedures like conjunctive-muller ectomy, fasenella Servat procedures and many others.
Can we undergo a Blepharoplasty procedure with Ptosis surgery?
Yes, many 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.
The 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.