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Ptosis
   
 
General Info

Ptosis (pronounced "toe-sis") is the medical term for drooping eyelids. It occurs when the upper eyelid droops to an abnormal level and covers part of the eye, restricting or obscuring vision. It can also occur at birth and can affect one or both eyes. Ptosis since birth can be congenital type and if it occurs after birth it is called acquired Ptosis.

 
Causes
 
Congenital Ptosis (inherited) is due to an abnormality in the development of
   the muscles that elevate the upper lid.
Ptosis can also be caused by a malfunction of the nerves which control and
   activate the eyelid muscles or a problem with the nerve that sends messages
   to the muscle.
Old age is the most common cause of ptosis. The muscles that elevate the
   eyelid stretch and become thinned out and resulting in a loss of muscle tone
   and the inability to hold the upper lid in the proper position above the eye.
It can also be cause by injury or trauma to the eye as in an accident.
Drooping eyelids may also be the result of diseases such as diabetes, tumors,
   inflammation, stroke, cancer or aneurysms.
 
Symptoms
 
How to recognize Ptosis?

The primary symptom of ptosis is a drooping eyelid of one or both eyes.

Children who are born with a ptosis usually tilt their head back in an effort to
   see.
Difficulty in reading and while driving are common complaints.
Raising the entire brow with the muscles of the forehead and scalp may
   cause headaches and eyestrain as well.
Difficulty closing the eye completely.

There maybe increased watering of eyes.

Crossed or misaligned eye and sometimes double vision occurs.
Eye fatigue from straining to keep eye(s) open
 
Diagnosis
 

Diagnosis of ptosis is usually made by observing the drooping eyelid. Finding the cause of the condition will require testing for any of the illnesses or injuries present. An eye doctor will measure the height of the eyelid, strength of the eyelid muscles, and evaluate eye movements and alignment.

 
Treatment
 
Ptosis does not usually improve with time, and nearly always requires corrective surgery and if left untreated, can permanently damage vision by forcing the unaffected eye to do all the work while letting the affected eye degenerate.

Correcting ptosis is usually done only after determining the cause of the condition. Treatment of the cause of general health problems such as stroke and diabetes may relieve the problem. 

Ptosis crutches are available. These can be attached to the frame of eyeglasses to hold up the eyelid. These devices are uncomfortable and usually not well tolerated.

Surgery:

Surgery can generally be done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia which involves an operation to strengthen the muscle of the eyelid.
In children with ptosis, surgical correction may be necessary to prevent amblyopia.
Surgical repair is usually very successful in restoring appearance and function.
 
More Info
 
Ptosis does not usually improve with time, and nearly always requires corrective surgery and if left untreated, can permanently damage vision by forcing the unaffected eye to do all the work while letting the affected eye degenerate.
 
FAQ's
 
Which doctor should I consult for Ptosis?
You can visit an opthalmologist if you have drooping eyelids or ptosis.

How does Ptosis occur in old age?
The skin on the eyelid is the most thinnest and tends to stretch, this stretched skin limits the ability to see, and may produce a feeling of heaviness. In the lower eyelids bags are formed.
 
Glossary
 
Contact lenses - Lenses which fit directly on the eyeball under the eyelids.
Cornea - The clear tissue in front of the eye resembling a crystal of a watch.
Diplopia - The seeing of one object as two.
Nystagmus - An involuntary, rhythmical movement of the eyeballs.
Opthalmoscope - Device for viewing the interior of the eye or the retina.
Optic nerve - The nerve which carries visual impulses from the retina to the brain.
Optician - A technician who designs, verifies and dispenses lenses, frames and other fabricated optical devices upon the prescription of an ophthalmologist or an optometrist.
Opthalmologist - A physician who is qualified and especially trained to diagnose and treat all eye and visual system problems, as well as diagnose general diseases of the body.
Photophobia - Abnormal sensitivity to light.
Refractive error - A defect in the eye that prevents light from being brought to a single focus exact on the retina.
Pupil - Apature allowing light to enter into the eye regulated by the iris and ciliary muscles.
Retina - Light sensitive membrane at the back of the eye. Light is focused onto this membrane and the retina then transmits this information to the brain as impulses which the brain interprets as sight.
Sclera - The firm white fibrous membrane that forms the white part of the eye.
Visual Acuity - Clarity of vision, with corrective glasses.
 
HIGHLIGHTS
Ptosis is a medical term for drooping eyelids.
Ptosis does not usually improve with time and nearly always requires corrective surgery and if left untreated, can permanently damage vision by forcing the unaffected eye to do all the work while letting the affected eye degenerate.
 

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