What Causes Ptosis and How is it Corrected?

Ptosis, or droopy eyelid, isn’t the most common of eye conditions. Because of this, many people are unaware of exactly what it is. It’s often mistakenly thought of as a childhood condition. However, adults can also suffer from ptosis, although the etiology is a little different from the condition in children. The following looks at what Ptosis is, the causes, and the treatments available.

Ptosis 101

• What is Ptosis?
• What causes Ptosis?

What is Ptosis?

Ptosis is a condition that affects the anatomy of the eyelid. It’s caused by an issue with one or both of the muscles that support and allow movement of the lid. It can also be due to a problem with the nerves that stimulate the muscles. When these muscles don’t work correctly, it causes the eyelid to droop down over the eye. Severe cases can cause significant problems with vision.

What causes Ptosis?

While uncommon, it’s most usual to see ptosis from birth. It occurs when the muscles that control the eyelid don’t develop correctly. It can affect one or both of the eyelids.The condition can also affect those later in life. This is usually due to another health condition or from trauma that damages the muscle/s or nerves. Regardless of the reason behind it, ptosis is usually classified according to the age of the patient.The following are some of the causes of ptosis:

• Mitochondrial myopathy, myotonic dystrophy, or other muscle disorders
• A rare condition, known as congenital orbital fibrosis
• Injury, including accidental damage during eye surgery
• Myasthenia gravis and other nerve-muscle connection problems
• Poorly development of the eyelid muscles during gestation
• Eyelid tumor  

Ptosis Treatment

• How is Ptosis corrected?

How is Ptosis corrected?

Ptosis is generally treated surgically. In the case of congenital ptosis, if the condition is mild then it may improve as the facial structure develops. Children often have other issues in conjunction with ptosis, such as astigmatism or a lazy eye. Some less invasive treatments include special glasses that support the lid to prevent it from drooping and closing. Other treatment options, especially if the condition is caused by another clinical, rather than physical reason, are through various medications.Children with ptosis need to receive prompt and effective treatment. Blocked vision can inhibit development. From birth to around 5 years is one of the most crucial times for a child—millions of new neural connections are made every day in response to what a child sees, hears, and feels in the world around them. Ptosis can hinder this, making it essential that you partner with an eye care provider who’s experienced in treating the condition.If ptosis occurs later in life, it’s highly likely that the only course of action will be surgery. In addition to removing blocked vision, it’s also carried out for cosmetic reasons.While the majority of ptosis surgical procedures are successful, there are—as with all operations—risks. The most common side effect of ptosis surgery is not being able to fully close the lid afterward. Your ophthalmologist will advise you of the benefits and risks before you make any decision to go ahead with surgery. It’s important to remember that the benefits are likely to hugely outweigh the risk when considering your options.

Get the Ultimate Ptosis Treatment and Correction at the West Boca Eye Center

Correcting Ptosis requires a skilled ophthalmologist to carry out a surgical repair. As the condition is relatively uncommon, it’s essential that you seek out a surgeon who’s experienced in the procedure, such as Brent Bellotte MD., and his skilled clinical team at the WBEC.This leading, academic-grade facility isn’t just one of the best in the country—it’s world-beating. This is the reason so many people travel to take advantage of the treatment on offer, from Ptosis repair to every other element of great eye care. Discover more at https://westbocaeyecenter.com