What are Droopy Eyelids?
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Treatments for Droopy Eyelids
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Blepharoplasty (Corrective Eyelid Surgery)test
Counseling (Diet/Environment)
Droopy Eyelids: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Droopy eyelids, a condition that’s also known as ptosis or blepharoptosis, is a condition in which the muscle controlling the upper eyelid weakens. This results in the eyelid drooping over the eye, which can impact your vision and cause other issues. If you or someone you know is experiencing droopy eyelids, here’s what you need to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for ptosis
Causes & Risk Factors of Ptosis
Ptosis can affect individuals of all ages, including children and adults. This condition may be congenital, meaning that the individual was born with it, or acquired, meaning that it developed later in life. Acquired ptosis may be caused by the natural aging process, injury or trauma to the eyelid or surrounding muscles, nerve damage, and complications during eye surgery. Certain medical conditions may also result in ptosis, including:
- Stye
- Stroke
- Tumor
- Myasthenia gravis
- Horner syndrome
- Internuclear ophthalmoplegia
Whether a droopy eyelid has a congenital or acquired cause, ptosis involves weakness or other issues with the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, which controls the upper eyelid.
Symptoms & Diagnosis of Ptosis
While the most obvious sign of ptosis is the eyelid drooping over the eye and blocking or impairing your vision, other symptoms may include:
- Excessively rubbing the eyes
- Decreased vision in the upper field of vision
- The appearance of a droopy eyelid
- Achiness around your eyes
- Increased tear production
If you’re experiencing droopy eyelids, a medical professional can confirm your diagnosis with a visual check and review of your symptoms. If ptosis is affecting both eyes and is more difficult to detect in a visual exam, your eye care specialist may perform additional tests, such as a slit lamp test, visual field testing, or an eye movement test.
What Complications Can Ptosis Cause?
Ptosis may vary in the degree in severity, with some individuals having only a mild case that does not need to be addressed. Meanwhile, more severe cases of droopy eyelids can cause complications such as interference with vision, amblyopia (a lazy eye), double vision, and astigmatism. Severe cases of ptosis may also cause eye fatigue and headaches.
Treatment Options for Droopy Eyelids
If you’re experiencing a more severe case of ptosis, there are treatment options available that can help alleviate your symptoms. You can speak with an ophthalmologist to discuss your ptosis treatment options further. Some of the treatments your eye care specialist may discuss with you include:
- Ptosis surgery – Eyelid surgery can be used to help raise the upper eyelid. An ophthalmologist who specializes in ocuplastics will perform the procedure, which aims to tighten the levator muscle in the eye to raise the eyelid accordingly.
- Eye drops – If surgery is not the right option for you, prescription eye drops are another treatment option for droopy eyelids. These eye drops work to contract the Muller’s muscle to temporarily lift the eyelid.
Explore Ptosis Treatment at Sight360
If you’re looking for an eye doctor for droopy eyelids in the Greater Tampa Bay, Florida, area, turn to Sight360 for the comprehensive eye care services you need. Our team of ophthalmologists and optometrists offer a wide range of eye exams and related eye care services to provide you with the medical care you need for droopy eyelids and related eye conditions. Schedule an appointment today at one of our conveniently located locations throughout the Greater Tampa Bay area.