Droopy Eyelid

Double Eye Lid Surgery
Droopy eyelid ptosis, commonly called ptosis, is a condition characterised by the drooping or sagging of one or both upper eyelids. It occurs when the muscles responsible for lifting the eyelids weaken or become stretched, leading to a lowered position of the eyelid margin. Ptosis can affect the appearance and function of the eyes, potentially obstructing vision and causing discomfort.

What Is Droopy Eyelid Ptosis?

Droopy eyelid ptosis occurs when the muscles or tissues responsible for lifting the upper eyelids are dysfunctional. This can be due to various factors, including age-related changes, genetic predisposition, trauma, neurological conditions, or certain medical treatments. Ptosis can range in severity from mild, where the eyelid margin partially covers the pupil, to severe, where the eyelid completely obstructs vision.
Ptosis can affect one or both eyelids and may present from birth (congenital ptosis) or develop later in life (acquired ptosis). In addition to the visible drooping of the eyelids, individuals with ptosis may experience symptoms such as eye fatigue, eyebrow strain from constantly raising the brows to compensate, and difficulty keeping the eyes open for extended periods.

What Are The Different Types Of Droopy Eyelid Ptosis?

Congenital Ptosis

Congenital ptosis is present at birth and is often caused by an underdevelopment or malfunction of the muscles responsible for lifting the eyelids. It may occur in isolation or be associated with other congenital conditions affecting facial development.

Acquired Ptosis

Acquired ptosis develops later in life and can be caused by factors such as ageing, trauma, muscle or nerve damage, eyelid surgery complications, or neurological conditions such as myasthenia gravis or Horner syndrome.

Involutional Ptosis

Involutional ptosis is the most common type of acquired ptosis and is associated with ageing. It occurs due to the gradual stretching and weakening of the levator muscle, which supports the eyelid and the surrounding tissues.

Myogenic Ptosis

A dysfunction in the muscles responsible for eyelid elevation, such as the levator palpebrae superioris muscle causes myogenic ptosis. This may result from muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, or other neuromuscular disorders.

Neurogenic Ptosis

Neurogenic ptosis occurs when there is damage or dysfunction in the nerves that control eyelid movement, such as the oculomotor nerve. This can be caused by conditions such as third nerve palsy, Horner syndrome, or brainstem lesions.

Mechanical Ptosis

Mechanical ptosis is caused by an external factor or mass that weighs down the eyelid, obstructing its movement. This may include eyelid tumours, eyelid oedema (swelling), or excessive skin from conditions like dermatochalasis.

Treatment for droopy eyelid ptosis depends on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, and individual factors. Options may include eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to tighten or reposition the eyelid muscles, ptosis repair surgery to strengthen the levator muscle, or nonsurgical interventions such as eyelid crutches or specialised glasses to lift the eyelids temporarily.

Consulting with an ophthalmologist or oculoplastic surgeon is essential for accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment planning to address droopy eyelid ptosis effectively.

What Are The Causes And Risk Factors Of Droopy Eyelid Ptosis?

A droopy eyelid occurs when the upper eyelid droops downward more than normal. Several factors can contribute to this condition:

Age – Ptosis commonly occurs with ageing as the muscles responsible for lifting the eyelid weaken over time.

Congenital – Some individuals are born with ptosis due to underdevelopment or malformation of the muscles that control eyelid movement.

Muscle or Nerve Damage – Injury, trauma, or neurological conditions affecting the muscles or nerves responsible for eyelid movement can lead to ptosis.

Medical Conditions – Certain medical conditions like Horner syndrome, myasthenia gravis, or chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia can cause droopy eyelids.

Eyelid Surgery – In some cases, ptosis may develop as a complication of eyelid surgery, especially if the muscles are inadvertently damaged during the procedure.

What Are The Common Symptoms Of Droopy Eyelid Ptosis?

Recognising droopy eyelid (ptosis) is important for early intervention. Symptoms associated with this condition include:

Sagging Upper Eyelid – The most noticeable symptom is the drooping of the upper eyelid, which can partially or completely cover the pupil.

Reduced Field of Vision – Severe ptosis can obstruct the upper field of vision, making activities like reading or driving difficult.

Eyestrain – Constant effort to raise the eyelid can lead to eyestrain or fatigue, especially when trying to keep the eyelid open.

Asymmetry – One eyelid appearing lower than the other can result in facial asymmetry.

Difficulty Closing the Eye – In some cases, individuals with ptosis may have difficulty fully closing the affected eye, leading to dryness or irritation.

Diagnosing Droopy Eyelid (Ptosis)

Diagnosing droopy eyelid, or ptosis, typically involves a comprehensive eye examination and evaluation by an eye care specialist. Here’s how it’s typically diagnosed:

Medical History – The doctor will begin by discussing the patient’s medical history, including any symptoms, previous eye conditions, surgeries, or injuries.

Physical Examination – A thorough examination of the eyes and eyelids will be conducted. The doctor will assess the extent of eyelid drooping and evaluate the symmetry between both eyes.

Visual Acuity Test – A visual acuity test may be performed to assess the patient’s vision and determine if ptosis is affecting visual function.

Evaluation of Eyelid Function – The doctor will assess the function of the muscles that control eyelid movement and determine if there are any underlying neurological conditions contributing to the ptosis.

Measurement of Eyelid Position – The height of the eyelid margin relative to the pupil may be measured to quantify the degree of ptosis.

Treating Droopy Eyelid (Ptosis)

Treatment for droopy eyelid (ptosis) depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Here are common treatment options:

Surgery – Surgical correction is the primary treatment for significant ptosis. The specific surgical technique will depend on factors such as the cause of ptosis, the degree of eyelid drooping, and the patient’s overall eye health. The surgery typically involves tightening or repositioning the eyelid muscles to lift the eyelid to a more normal position.

Medication – In some cases, ptosis caused by underlying medical conditions such as myasthenia gravis may improve with medication or other treatments aimed at managing the underlying condition.

Eyelid Crutches or Taping – In mild cases of ptosis or while awaiting surgery, temporary measures such as using eyelid crutches or tape may be used to lift the eyelid and improve visual function.

Eye Exercises – In cases where ptosis is related to weakened eyelid muscles, targeted eye exercises prescribed by a healthcare professional may help improve muscle strength and coordination.

Cosmetic Camouflage – For individuals who are not candidates for surgery or prefer non-surgical options, makeup techniques can be used to camouflage the appearance of ptosis and create the illusion of lifted eyelids.

Treatment for droopy eyelid (ptosis) aims to improve cosmetic appearance and visual function, ultimately enhancing the patient’s quality of life. The appropriate treatment approach will be determined based on individual factors and in consultation with an eye care specialist.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Book an Appointment
+65 67340061
DISCLAIMER:
The information written and published on this website is not intended to substitute the recommendations of a trained professional and does not replace a professional consultation.
It is advisable to undergo a formal consultation to help establish a relationship between the doctor and yourself, accurately determine your concerns/problems, and get the appropriate treatments for them.
It is also imperative to note that the contents of the website with respect to treatments, results and pricing can vary from individual to individual, and can only be accurately determined by the doctor upon diagnosis.
Do note that all medical treatments will only be administered upon proper consultation, with the requirement that patients be above 21 years of age to provide legal consent.