Ptosis is a condition that affects the upper eyelid. It causes the eyelid to droop lower than normal. The condition can impact one or both of the eyes. Cases can range from mild to severe. This can impact people of all ages, from infants to older adults. People with the condition are often concerned with the way it makes them look. It can make you look angry, tired, and much older than you are. However, cosmetic concerns are not the only issue with ptosis. In some cases, it can impact your vision. This can disrupt daily tasks, including driving and reading. In many cases, ptosis repair is the safest and most effective solution. You may wonder, what causes ptosis?
What Causes Ptosis?
Ptosis can have a real impact on daily life. It can impact both your appearance and functional aspects of your life. Below are some of the common causes of the condition.
Age-Related Ptosis
One of the most common causes of ptosis is the natural aging process. Over time, the muscles that lift your eyelid weaken. They can detach from their normal position and droop down. This is exacerbated by excess fat in the area. Skin sagging can also cause further drooping. This makes your upper eyelids look heavy. People may mistake you for being tired even if you have had a good night’s sleep. To address age-related ptosis, surgical intervention is necessary.
Lifestyle Factors
There are several lifestyle factors that can accelerate the natural aging process. This can lead to ptosis developing earlier than expected. It is more common for long-term contact lens wearers to experience ptosis. This is because the continuous stretching of the upper eyelid can weaken the muscle. This can lead to sagging over time.
Congenital Ptosis
In rare cases, someone can be born with ptosis. This is referred to as congenital ptosis. It occurs when the eyelid muscle does not fully develop before birth. This limits the eye’s ability to fully open. Children with congenital ptosis may need treatment. This is necessary to reduce the risk of a lazy eye or other vision issues. Because ptosis can inhibit vision development, it is necessary to consult with a skilled and experienced eyelid surgeon.
Trauma-Related Ptosis
Injury or trauma to the eyelid can damage the area. This includes the muscles and tissues surrounding the eyelid. This area is highly delicate and complex. Any trauma to the area can result in eyelid drooping. Addressing the trauma early on is critical to reducing the risk for ptosis. A skilled eyelid surgeon can create a customized treatment plan based on your unique needs.
Neurological Causes
In some cases, ptosis can be linked to nerve issues. There are several conditions that weaken the communication between the brain and the eyelid muscles. This includes Horner’s syndrome and myasthenia gravis. Sometimes, ptosis can be an early sign of a neurological condition. This is not something to ignore and requires treatment.
Ptosis Repair
Ptosis can impact people in various ways. Common signs you may need ptosis repair include eye strain, blocked or reduced vision, uneven eyelids, and eyelid drooping. If any of these apply to you, you may need ptosis repair surgery. The surgery is designed to lift the upper eyelid into a more natural position. This improves the function and appearance of the eyelids. The procedure is safe and effective. It is performed on an outpatient basis, so you can go home the same day.
The surgery is performed under local anesthesia with sedation. However, some patients may require general anesthesia. This will be discussed at your consultation. The surgery involves shortening or reattaching the levator muscles. This is the muscle responsible for lifting your eyelids. Some patients have extremely weak levator muscles. If that is the case, a special technique is used to help raise the eyelid. These techniques provide highly effective results that improve the appearance and function of the eyelids.
Recovering From Ptosis Repair
After the procedure, you may experience mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort. This is completely normal and should subside gradually over the next few weeks. Medication can help with discomfort and swelling. Keeping your head elevated and using a cold compress can reduce swelling. Over time, bruising subsides and can be covered with light makeup. You need to focus on rest and recovery in the first week. However, most patients are back to their routine after two weeks. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise until you are cleared by your eyelid surgeon.
Top Eyelid Surgeon for Ptosis Repair
If you are interested in ptosis repair, contact the team at Jeffrey Joseph Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation!