If you have sleepy-looking eyes or upper eyelids that sag excessively, it could be a condition called ptosis, which is the medical term for droopy eyelids. The condition is fairly easy to spot, with the tell-tale droopy appearance of one or both eyelids. While ptosis is not painful, it can block one’s sight so that people who have ptosis often have to slightly tilt their head backwards or lift the chin to see more clearly. And while having ptosis/droopy eyelid in Singapore (https://asiaretina.com/droopy-eyelids-ptosis/) does not constitute a medical emergency, this condition may cause problems when a person reads, drive, or walk up and down the stairs. On top of that, ptosis has a negative impact on a person’s appearance. It makes a person look tired or sleepy all the time, even if they feel otherwise. Some people also experience mild aches around the eye due to constant strain. When this happens and the person’s quality of life is affected, a ptosis surgery may be needed.

But before we discuss the treatment details, this article will also tackle the following topics:

• What causes ptosis?
• How is it diagnosed?
• How is ptosis treated?
• Can ptosis be prevented?

Causes

Some people are born with ptosis while others acquire it later in life. Ptosis which is present at birth is known as congenital ptosis. This genetic defect is caused by the abnormal development of the levator muscle which provides lift and support to the upper eyelid. Aging, on the other hand, is the most common cause of ptosis. As we age, the levator muscles around the eye weaken and as a result, the upper eyelids may begin to drop. Injury, disease, or trauma to the eye can also cause ptosis. When the levator muscles or the nerves and ligaments that control these muscles are damaged to the point where they cannot hold the eyelids up, ptosis occurs. Other known culprits are constant wearing of contact lens, cataract surgery, Botox injections, neuro-muscular disorders, and an infection or tumor on the eyelid.

Diagnosis

People who experience severe sagging in the upper eyelids should consult a doctor to get a proper diagnosis. The doctor will investigate the droopy eyelid to ensure that there are no underlying conditions. It is important to inform your doctor if you experience intense headaches or other problems around the same time that you first noticed the drooping.

The doctor will conduct a physical exam during the initial consultation, and they will ask questions about your medical history as well. At this point, you will explain when the drooping first started and how often your eyelids droop. Then the doctor will perform some tests to determine the cause of the condition.

There are several types of tests that are used on ptosis patients. First is the slit lamp exam where the doctor examine the eyes at close proximity using high-intensity light. Note that you might experience some mild discomfort because your eyes will be dilated during this exam.

A Tensilon test is another method of diagnosing droopy eyelids. Tensilon, also known for it generic name edrophonium, is a type of drug. The drug is injected in a vein and afterwards, you will be asked to sit down and several times and/or cross and uncross your legs. This test may seem a bit strange but it has a special purpose: to see if Tensilon improves the strength of your muscles and ultimately determine whether myasthenia gravis (a neuromuscular disease that weakens the skeletal muscles) is to be blamed for the droopy eyelid.

Treatment

The treatment for ptosis depends on several factors: how well the levator muscles are functioning, the severity of the condition, if it does not affect the patient’s vision, and if the patient can tolerate the drooping appearance of the eyelid/s. The doctor might recommend leaving the ptosis alone if the condition does not have any impact to a person’s eyesight and if aesthetics and symmetryare not an issue.

Next, the type of treatment will depend on whether the droopy eyelids are caused by genetics, aging or disease. If it is something that a person is born with or a result of aging, your doctor will explain that the condition is not usually detrimental to your health, but you can still undergo plastic surgery to reduce the sagging appearance of the eyelid. If the tests show that the ptosis is a result of an underlying medical condition, your doctor will suggest a treatment plan that will stop the eyelids from drooping.

Ptosis surgery in Singapore involves tightening the levator muscles. This procedure will reverse the effect of the drooping by lifting the eyelid to an ideal position. A sling operation can also be performed. This type of surgery uses the forehead muscles to elevate the eyelids. Ptosis surgery is generally safe but complications may still arise.

A non-surgical option called ptosis crutch is also available. A ptosis crutch is an attachment that is added to the frames of patient’s eyeglasses. This attachment is designed to hold the eyelid in place, thus effectively preventing any drooping. 

Prevention

Unfortunately, there is no foolproof way to prevent ptosis, especially if it is congenital. Even acquired ptosis often have causes that are not entirely preventable, like aging. Other factors like eyelid injury, disease, or trauma can also be a challenge to avoid. What you can do instead is to make sure that you are aware of the symptoms and get regular eye check-ups.

Conclusion

Ptosis is not a life-threatening condition but it can affect your vision, so it is vital that you take it seriously. Seeing a doctor as soon as you notice the symptom may stop it from getting worse. If you opt to have surgery to address the ptosis, you should tell the doctor about your desired outcome and ask them questions about the risks and complications involved. In Singapore, there are a lot of clinic and hospitals that offer ptosis surgery so you will not have a hard time looking for one. Asia Retina Eye Surgery Centre is one of the best clinics that offers ptosis surgery so you can be sure that you are in safe, experienced hands. 

Asia Retina Eye Surgery Centre:

#15-10 The Paragon

290 Orchard Rd

Singapore 238859

https://asiaretina.com/

+65 6732 0007 | +65 9118 0007