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Ptosis
Ptosis is the medical term for a noticeable droopiness of
the upper lid.
It has many possible causes:
- AGE - This is the most common
cause of ptosis. The muscles that elevate the eye stretch
and became thinned as we age, resulting in a loss of muscle
tone and an inability to raise the upper lid well. Ptosis
affects both eyes, but often one eye appears worse than
the other. Eye surgery, such as cataract removal, may
aggravate this condition.
- CONGENITAL - Noticed at birth
or shortly thereafter, congenital ptosis is produced by
a developmental abnormality in the muscles that elevate
the upper lid. Three-quarters of the time it affects only
one eye.
- INJURY - Automobile accidents
in which passengers are hurled through the windshield
often damage the delicate structures around and in the
eye. Lacerations, burns and chemical injuries may also
cause this droopiness.
- NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES - These
are rare but must be diagnosed properly to avoid unnecessary
surgery until the timing is right.
Symptoms are functional as well as cosmetic. Difficulty reading
and driving are common complaints. Raising the entire brow
with the muscles of the forehead and scalp may cause headaches
and eyestrain as well.
Treatment is surgical and there are a number of possible approaches.
The goal is to elevate the lid to match the other side with
a minimum of scars and side effects. The most discussed complication
is over-doing@ it with resultant inability to close the eye
completely after surgery. This creates a dry eye situation
that may be difficult to manage.
In the age-related form, the unoperated eye appears to be
too low after a successful repair of the first eye. This droopy
appearance in the unoperated eye is to be expected. It also
may require surgery.
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