Pto…what?
Ptosis (pronounced toe-sis) is a sagging, drooping, or falling of the upper eyelid which covers the eye more than how it normally should. This happens because of an abnormality in the muscle that serves to raise the eyelid or problems with the eyelid itself. This condition may affect, restrict, or block one’s vision completely. It may also affect one or both eyes; one eye maybe worse than the other.
Ptosis can affect newly-born babies, children, and adults and may occur at birth, during childhood, and later in life. Causes include congenital, meaning one is born with it, injury or diseases that result to weakening of the muscles and ligaments of the eyelids, or the nerve that controls the eyelid muscles is damaged. Or, the problem may be caused by tumor in the brain or lungs. It may also be because of aging or, although rare, previous eye surgery that kept your eyes open and eyelid stretched during operation.
But whatever the cause, ptosis should be checked as soon as drooping starts and especially if it is severe. Admit it, when something changes the appearance of our face, it can have a significant effect on our self-esteem, self-image, and confidence. Ptosis is one of them. Treatment depends on the cause of ptosis. If the cause, for instance, is a tumor in the brain, the tumor will be treated first before checking up on ptosis.
For mild ptosis — especially if it doesn’t affect your vision and a slight change in your looks doesn’t bother you — treatment is not necessary but eye exercises are usually recommended. For severe ptosis, surgery is the best option. If you opt for surgery, however, thoroughly discuss with your doctor its pros and cons plus post-surgery complications, if any.
Can ptosis be prevented? If you are born with it, no. If acquired, it also maybe hard to prevent. But the good news is, there are cosmetic and medical interventions to correct droopy eyelids.
