Pronounced ‘toe-sis’, this condition occurs when the eyelids become droopy, a condition that can affect one or both eyes.
Ptosis is a medical condition where one or both of your upper eyelids droop down lower than they should. This can make it difficult to keep your eyes open and may obstruct your vision. Ptosis can happen for a few different reasons, like ageing, eye injuries, or certain medical conditions. Sometimes, it’s just a cosmetic issue, but in other cases, it can affect how well you can see.
Ptosis is characterised by a drooping or sagging of the upper eyelid. The symptoms of ptosis may include:
Sometimes droopy eyelids are present from birth (congenital) caused by an inherited condition or a problem with the development of muscles that hold up the eyelids. Ptosis may also be acquired later in life as a result of an underlying condition, damage to the eyelid muscles or the natural processes of ageing. Long-term use of contact lenses is also thought to contribute to ptosis.
The main causes are:
Treatment for ptosis may involve surgery to lift the eyelids back into place and improve vision. It’s important to see a doctor if you notice any drooping of your eyelids to determine the cause and discuss treatment options.
Often, ptosis is predominantly a cosmetic problem. Many people opt to have ptosis corrected using surgery to make their appearance more youthful and energised.
Surgical treatment is effective when the lid physically obstructs vision problems. Ptosis can also lead to secondary conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye).
Surgery is the most common treatment for ptosis. A small incision is made so your surgeon can access the relevant muscles to lift the eyelid to a comfortable position.
Without treatment, ptosis can lead to further vision problems or even complications like eye infections. It’s best to address the issue early on to prevent any potential complications and improve your quality of life.
