Do you feel that one of your eyelids is drooping? Ptosis is an eye condition where the upper eyelid of one or both eyes droops. This eye condition can affect people of all ages, but it mainly affects people of advanced age. Indeed, the relaxation of the eye muscles is most often involved. Our professionals tell you more about ptosis and how to treat it in this article.
What is ocular ptosis?
Ocular ptosis is also called palpebral ptosis or ptosis. The word "ptosis" comes from a Greek word that translates as "drooping." A ptosis of the upper eyelid is a drooping of the upper eyelid due to a problem with the contraction of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle.
Ocular ptosis can be unilateral or bilateral, depending on whether it affects one or both eyes. Children can be affected by this eye disease, which is called congenital ptosis. However, in most cases, eyelid ptosis occurs due to the aging of the eye muscles.
The severity of the condition varies from case to case; it is always painless. Nevertheless, medical follow-up is required to determine if ptosis is likely to affect vision and if treatment is necessary.
Ptosis can be almost imperceptible, as the degree of eyelid droop varies from person to person. If in doubt, you can compare one of your recent photos with a portrait of yourself from a decade ago. If you suffer from ptosis, you will probably see a difference in the skin of the eyelid. Of course, this does not replace an appointment for an eye exam.
Finally, note that while the droop is barely noticeable in some cases, the eyelid can sometimes cover the entire eye to the point that it appears closed.
What causes ocular ptosis?
As we have already seen, aging is the leading cause of the appearance of ocular ptosis among the population. However, ptosis can also develop for other reasons:
- Following an eye injury that causes weakening or dysfunction of the eye muscles
- An eye tumour
- A neurological disorder
- Diabetes
- A congenital predisposition
- Following eye surgery
What are the symptoms of ocular ptosis?
The most visible symptom is the drooping eyelid, but other signs are sometimes observable. Indeed, when the upper eyelid drooping is important and covers the pupil, the field of vision is reduced.
Also, some people with droopy upper eyelids tend to compensate by using various tricks, such as tilting the head back to try to see under the eyelids or raising the eyebrows repeatedly.
What treatment for ocular ptosis?
A simple surgical procedure is usually the indicated treatment for ocular ptosis. It consists of restoring control over the movement of the upper eyelids. However, the treatment will depend on the diagnosis, which can only be done with a complete eye examination.
As time goes on, your eyes are more likely to weaken, and you must follow up regularly to ensure they are healthy. Some symptoms of aging eyes are difficult to detect without a thorough examination. That's why after age 65, it's recommended that you have an eye exam every year.