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    What is Ptosis — Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

    What is Ptosis

    Eye ptosis is a situation influencing the eye muscles that result in drooping of one or both eyelids. Many people confused it with lazy eye or amblyopia. But it is different from them

    The eye drooping in ptosis can be modest. But in extreme cases, it can inflict the whole eye to close off. While the chance of ptosis increases as the age progresses, it can trouble kids and grown-ups.

    Read further as we will discuss ptosis, its symptoms, and causes in detail. Also, we will share the possible treatments to alleviate this situation permanently.

    What Is Ptosis Of The Eye?

    Ptosis or droopy eyelids is an eye condition where the upper eyelid begins drooping over the eye. The eyelid may sag a little or so much that it covers the pupil. 

    Such a condition can block partially or even your entire natural vision. It may appear due to age, trauma, or many medical diseases.

    This disease is known as unilateral ptosis when it impacts only one eye (either the right or left eye) and bilateral ptosis when it influences both the eyes.

    Further, ptosis may appear and disappear on its own. It is also possible that it can be present at birth, which is called congenital ptosis. You can also develop this situation later in life called acquired ptosis.

    What Are The Symptoms Of Ptosis?

    The main symptom of ptosis is that one or both eyelids droop. The other symptoms may include:  

    • Dry or watery eyes 
    • Difficulty in closing the affected eye or blinking
    • Eye fatigue or pain
    • Persons may tilt their heads back to see things or while holding a conversation.

    Children with ptosis may have several other situations, such as:

    • Amblyopia or lazy eye under which one eye appears to look in another direction
    • Farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism
    • Double, clouded, or deformed vision
    • Eye strain, dizziness, or headaches

    What Causes Ptosis?

    There are many factors responsible for the occurrence of ptosis of the eyes. Generally, it occurs in adults due to the aging process. With aging, the levator muscle which lifts the eyelid begins to lose its ability to do so, resulting in the eyelid falling.

    Keeping this in mind, people of all ages can get affected by this condition. Babies sometimes have it from birth. The exact cause is still unknown, but it may occur due to trauma. The other cause of ptosis in children is their levator muscle not developing appropriately. 

    Certain medical situations can also bring the risk of developing ptosis, which may include:

    • Ptosis after eye surgery such as LASIK or blepharoplasty
    • Nerve injury or a temporary stye
    • Adverse effects or overuse of botox injections
    • Brain tumor or cancer of the eye muscles
    • Hypothyroidism ptosis or ptosis thyroid eye disease
    • Various disorders affecting the eye nerves, such as myasthenia gravis.

    How To Diagnose Ptosis Eyes?

    Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and examine your medical history to find the leading cause. They may perform a slit-lamp test of your eyes using high-intensity light. Through this test, the doctor will check the severity of the disease. Your eyes may be opened too wide for this test. So you may feel little eye pain while giving it.

    Another test that doctors can use to diagnose is a computerized visual field test. It helps them to see if your vision is adequate. Under it, the doctor may ask you to stare at a series of flashing lights without changing eye positions. When you notice a light, you nudge a button.

    How To Treat Eye Ptosis?

    The treatment for ptosis in both eyes relies on the particular reason and the severity of the ptosis. If the situation occurs due to age or since birth, your doctor may suggest that you need nothing to correct it because the condition is not dangerous to your health. However, you may have plastic surgery if you like to reduce sagging.

    But if your eye specialist finds that both eyes ptosis results from an underlying situation, you will require an ultimate treatment that should stop the eyelids from sagging. Further, if the condition obstructs your vision, your doctor may suggest eye drops, wearing glasses, or surgery.

    • Eye Drops

    Upneeq is a prescription medicine that comes in the form of eye drops. These eye drops cause the levator muscle to contract. It allows the eyelids to open wider from 1-2 millimeters. 

    Such eye drops are helpful for adults who have mild to moderate age-related ptosis. However, children are not allowed to use it due to the involvement of harsh chemicals.

    • Ptosis Crutch

    Ptosis crutch is a non-surgical alternative to surgery. It includes adding an accessory to your glasses. This addition or crutch prevents drooping by keeping the eyelid in the right place.

    There are two kinds of ptosis crutches- adjustable and reinforced. 

    Adjustable crutches are beneficial to use on one angle of the eye frames. Reinforced crutches are profitable to use on both sides of the eye frames. Also, ptosis crutches work on almost all styles of eyeglasses, but they function well on metal frames. 

    • Ptosis Eye Surgery 

    Under this surgery, the doctor will focus on tightening your levator muscle by lifting the eyelid to the required location. In the case of children, doctors recommend surgery to avoid the beginning of lazy eye ptosis. Yet, there are risks connected with surgery, including dry eye, scraped cornea, and hematoma.

    Heading Towards A Better Outlook 

    Eye ptosis (icd 10) is not dangerous for your health. But, if your eyelids begin to barricade your vision, you should not take it lightly until the situation has been adequately dealt with.

    Your future possibility will depend on the reason causing eye ptosis. Most of the time, the situation is only because of a cosmetic problem. Yet, it can sometimes transpire into a more severe condition such as a tumor or cancer.

    We hope your doubts related to eye ptosis are answered now. Still, have questions? Comment below.

    FAQs

    Why does my eyelid suddenly begin drooping?

    Sudden ptosis of one eye or both occurs due to the disruption in peripheral nerves which travel through your neck. It could also get by an irregularity in the brain. 

    You should pursue medical examination as soon as possible, especially if you notice other symptoms such as different-sized eyes or blurry vision.

    How can ptosis cause lazy eyes?

    A lazy eye is a situation where the eyes stop focusing in the same direction. Ptosis can cause lazy eyes if you do not get the suitable treatment for it in time.

    Your doctor may suggest wearing glasses, eye patches, and surgery to correct this condition. Otherwise, it can lead you to partial and permanent blindness.

    Can an eyelid drooping be a symptom of stroke?

    Ptosis in one eye or both is a potential indication of a stroke. It occurs when a part of the brain gets damaged due to a problem in blood flow. The other symptoms are also present, such as numbness, severe headache, or blurry vision. 

    However, to find the real cause of symptoms, you will need to evaluate your condition by a doctor. Based on the diagnosis, they will suggest what type of treatment you may need.

    Is it possible to avoid ptosis?

    There is no way to avoid ptosis. Only timely treatment can help you resist the disease. You should take your child to an eye specialist for treatment and monitoring if you notice that their eyelid is droopy. Moreover, being a parent you should maintain a clean and healthy environment at home.

    Can I cure ptosis by myself?

    There is not much you can do to cure ptosis by yourself. Surgery is the only way to fix permanent ptosis. However, you might perform some temporary improvements using eye exercises. But always make sure you ask your eye doctor about any home treatments.

    How to treat ptosis after botox?

    Botox is a temporary skin treatment that can last up to 3-7 months. But the eyelid drooping after having it will commonly disappear in four to six weeks.

    Iopidine or apraclonidine is the most recommended eye drop for eyelid ptosis after botox. These eye drops can relax eyebrow muscles if vaccinated on the right spot.

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