Ptosis or droopy eyelids
What is ptosis or droopy eyelids?
Ptosis or droopy eyelids is the term used to describe a lower eyelid position such that it may appear lower than the normal position on the front of the eye.
It can be present in one eye (unilateral) or both eyes (bilateral).
What causes ptosis?
Congenital ptosis
Congenital ptosis is present from birth and may be inherited. It is usually due to the muscle in the eyelid failing to develop properly and the function of this muscle, called the levator, is to elevate or lift the eyelid.
Acquired ptosis
Acquired becomes apparent later in life and may occur due to various factors which include:
- Aponeurotic: when the levator muscle becomes stretched and loses its tone elasticity. This can be caused by ageing as well as excessive rubbing of the upper eyelids over a long period of time.
- Mechanical: results from the eyelid and its levator muscle being constantly affected by factors such as the use of rigid gas permeable lenses over prolonged period of time or lesions in the eyelid causing the eyelid to droop due the mechanical effect.
- Traumatic: occurs due to an injury to the eyelid either incidentally or can caused by the use of injections rarely as a side effect. This affects the function of the levator muscle causing the eyelid to droop.
- Neurogenic: caused by conditions which affect the nerves controlling the movement of the levator muscle and include third nerve palsy or Horner’s syndrome .
- Myogenic: caused by a weakening of the levator muscle as a result of a condition affecting the muscles involved in lifting the lid and occurs as a result of weakened muscle. This can be due to conditions such as muscular dystrophy or myasthenia gravis.
What are the symptoms?
Ptosis or droopy eyelids can block the vision is severe cases and can cause the individual to lift their chin constantly to be able to see properly.
Ptosis results in a cosmetic change which may be a cause for distress or embarrassment.
What are the treatment options?
Droopy eyelids treatment typically involves the shortening of the muscles which raise the eyelid. The shortened muscle is reattached to the eyelid at a higher position to enable lifting of the eyelid using sutures or stitches which are placed beneath the skin so that they remain hidden.
Ptosis surgery is usually performed under a local anaesthetic when you are awake. Our highly trained oculoplastic surgeons at VISIO Health are best placed to perform this droopy eyelids treatment procedure that requires great skill to achieve the results you desire.
What are the risks for droopy eyelids treatment or surgery?
After ptosis treatment, you can expect some common symptoms that normally go away after a few days. These include:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Slight blurring of vision
- Dry eyes giving rise to redness, itching and grittiness
- Bleeding (rare)
- Infection (rare)
- Eyelid having an irregular curve or the upper lid fold being uneven
What can I expect following ptosis treatment?
There is usually mild discomfort and eyelid swelling after treatment for ptosis in eyelids The following after care will help ensure that the eyelids remain comfortable and heal well following your surgery:
- Cold packs may be used to reduce swelling.
- Painkillers such as Paracetamol can be used to relieve pain or discomfort.
- Avoid touching your eyes when cleaning your face.
- Keep the affected areas dry for 7–10 days.
- Avoid swimming and applying any eye makeup for two weeks
- Sutures will either dissolve or be removed in 1-2 weeks.
Our Droopy Eyelids Treatments and Price List
| New patient consultation | £320 |
| Follow up appointment | £280 |
PTOSIS (DROOPY EYELID) TREATMENT
| One eye | £3500 |
| Both eyes | £4500 |
If you would like to discuss Ophthalmology treatments, please get in touch with a member of our team
