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Ptosis is when the upper eyelid droops over the eye. It can droop a small amount, or so much that it covers the pupil. Ptosis can limit or completely block vision.
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There are several reasons an eyelid might droop. Some babies are born with droopy eyelids - also known as ptosis - in one or both eyelids.
While the most obvious sign of ptosis is a drooping or hooded eyelid, their upper eyelid creases may not line up evenly with each other. If ptosis in children is not treated, it can cause problems with their vision development. Also, some children may tilt their heads back so they can see better, but this may cause head and neck problems.
Ptosis can occur in adults if the muscles or ligaments that normally raise the eyelid are weakened by injury or disease. Most ptosis happens with aging. As a person ages, the skin and muscles of the eyelids stretch and weaken. Sometimes, previous eye surgery hastens this change because the instruments used to keep the eye open during surgery can stretch the eyelid a bit. However, drooping can also be a result of damage to the nerves that control the eyelid muscles. In rare cases, tumors or other diseases can affect the eyelid muscle.
Pediatric ptosis requires a detailed eyelid examination. Your child's doctor will consider your child's age, the eyelid height, the strength of the eyelid's muscle, the eye's movements, and whether both eyes are affected. Treatment generally depends on the function of the eyelid muscles, but in most cases they will recommend surgery. If your child has amblyopia (commonly known as "lazy eye"), that condition should be treated, too.
Children with ptosis should receive regular eye exams to make sure their vision is developing correctly and to monitor for other eye issues.
If the ptosis does not reduce vision and the patient does not mind the appearance, the doctor might recommend no treatment at all. However, If the drooping or hooded eyelid causes a problem with vision, appearance, or both, treatment may be indicated. The treatment used depends on whether the ptosis is caused by a disease process or by aging changes. Treating a hooded or drooping eyelid caused by aging changes typically involves surgery. This is an outpatient procedure usually done in the ophthalmologist's office. Local anesthesia is used to numb the eye and surrounding area.
CEENTA has facial plastic surgeons who specialize in ptosis treatment in SouthPark, Belmont, Blakeney, Concord, Huntersville, Salisbury, and Statesville. They are skilled in the most up-to-date technology and treatment options and will come up with a care plan personalized for your needs.
