A Look Into Ptosis or Droopy Eye Condition

How do you describe the shape of your eyes? Do you have big doe eyes, cute puppy dog eyes or seductive almond-shaped eyes? Of course, if you got these stunning eyes, you most definitely would be proud to bat them features. But, have you ever heard of the condition called Ptosis? Not totally familiar? Let us put it in a more colloquial term. You may be more familiar with it if the term “droopy eyes” or “lazy eyes” are used. If you or someone you know has it, let us take a closer about this eye condition and know the possible ways that this can be cured.

What is Ptosis?

Ptosis, or commonly known as droopy eyes, refers to the drooping of the upper eyelid of one or both of the eyes. The droop in the eyelids can be barely noticeable in most cases, where the upper eyelid sags or only covers a portion of the eye. However, there are cases when the eyelid can cover the entire pupil of the eye causing an interference with the vision. This severe case can lead to another condition called amblyopia, especially in congenital ptosis cases among young children. The condition can also occur among different races and gender. Also called as blepharoptosis, it can occur and develop because of ageing or can be present at birth.

What Causes Ptosis?

Ptosis can make your appearance look tired and sleepy, as well as, reduces your vision. It can happen when the muscles, nerves and skin of the eyelid are affected by a number of factors.

One cause of ptosis is called involutional, where the tissues that support the upper eyelids gradually stretches and weakens as you age. However, the most common cause of droopy eyelids is when the muscles in your eyes, which raise the eyelid called levator, is weakened from age or injury. Damage to the nerves that controls the muscle can also be a contributing factor the development of the condition. In most cases, ptosis is also associated with other conditions that affect the nerves of the face, like Horner’s Sydrome, stroke, and brain injuries.

It can also happen when you suffer an injury to your eye or as an effect of corrective eye surgery or cataract surgery. It can also result in long-term use of contact lenses, chronic inflammation or trauma. Some chronic illnesses, like diabetes and myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder that weakens skeletal muscles, can increase your risk of acquiring ptosis.

Also, high dosage use of certain drugs, such as morphine, oxycodone and hydrocodone, commonly found in pain relievers and narcotic analgesic, can also lead to the development of ptosis.

How Do I Know If I Ptosis?

The main symptom of ptosis is the noticeable drooping of the eyelids. It can sometimes make the eyes look unbalanced. For some, the droopiness is barely noticeable, but others may have the eyelids covering the entire eye. One sign is the obvious uneven creases of the eye, where one eye has a visible line and other does not. One indication of ptosis is when you see certain head positions that are associated with it, such as head tilting and frequent raising of the eyebrow.

One effective way of seeing if you have developed ptosis is to compare pictures of your face 10 or 20 years ago. This is the best way to see if there are changes in the appearance of your eyes and eyelids.

How To Treat Ptosis?

There are two surgical procedures, which can help correct the occurrence of ptosis. These are blepharoplasty or double eyelid surgery and ptosis surgery. While these two procedures are performed on the same area, they have different approaches and results for people who have ptosis.

Ptosis surgery is performed for those who want to correct the low eyelid height by lifting the eyelid and tightening the muscles that elevate the eyelids. This type of procedure is usually performed on individual who have ptosis that has resulted in superior loss of field of vision.

Blepharoplasty, or double eyelid surgery, on the other hand, is used for cosmetic purposes by removing excess skin or fat from the upper eyelid to open it up more. This is involves making a crease that is not evident in most cases of ptosis. After the surgery has been performed, the height of the eyelids remains at the same height but the excess skin has been lifted above the eyelids. However, performing double eyelid surgery on someone with ptosis will create symmetry and balance to the eyes and overall facial features. Also in some cases, both procedures are performed.

Before deciding to have any surgery done, it is always important to seek out the advice of a qualified and experienced doctor to assess your ptosis condition and the best way to treat it. It is also best to look at the credentials, patient history and background of the doctor you have chosen to administer the procedure.

A droopy eyelid can, not only be a cause of insecurity, but it can also lead to an interference of your vision if not considered to be looked in to. Take time to examine your old photos and compare with your eyes now to see if you are starting to develop ptosis. This is especially so for those who have suffered trauma in the eye area. If you think you may have ptosis, visit a doctor’s clinic, like Advance Beauty Cosmetic Surgery, for a consultation with Dr. Ahnsup Kim. This is the best time for you to discuss your condition and get the opinion if double eyelid surgery can correct your droopy eyes or ptosis. They have a clinic in Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

If your droopy eyes are bothering you and hamper you to let others see through eyes, why not go to a doctor’s clinic to have it checked? You owe it yourself to bring the once glowing and beaming look back into your eyes.