Ptosis

Ptosis, also known as drooping eyelid, is a condition where the upper eyelid falls to a lower position than normal. This droop can be mild or severe, sometimes covering the pupil and restricting or completely blocking vision. Ptosis can affect one or both eyes and may be present at birth (congenital) or develop later in life (acquired). While it often occurs as part of the aging process, ptosis can also result from an underlying medical condition, injury, or neurological disorder.

Causes of Ptosis Ptosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Congenital Ptosis: A developmental issue with the levator muscle, responsible for lifting the eyelid, present at birth.
• Age-Related Ptosis: As the muscles and tissues around the eyes weaken with age, the eyelids can begin to droop.
• Neurological Conditions: Disorders that affect the nerves controlling the muscles of the eyelid, such as myasthenia gravis or Horner’s syndrome.
• Trauma or Injury: Damage to the eyelid or surrounding muscles can result in ptosis.
• Eye Surgery Complications: Previous eye surgeries, especially those involving the muscles around the eye, can lead to ptosis.
• Tumors: In rare cases, a tumor in the eyelid or the orbit can cause the eyelid to droop.

Symptoms of Ptosis The most noticeable symptom of ptosis is the drooping of one or both eyelids. Other symptoms may include:

• Obstructed Vision: Difficulty seeing due to the drooping eyelid, which may cause the individual to tilt their head back or raise their eyebrows to see better.
• Eye Fatigue: The need to exert more effort to keep the eyelid open can lead to eye strain and fatigue.
• Watery or Dry Eyes: As a result of the eyelid’s improper positioning.
• Double Vision: In some cases, ptosis can cause or exacerbate double vision.

Diagnosing Ptosis At Sri Nirwana Netralaya, our ophthalmologists conduct a thorough examination to diagnose ptosis and determine its cause. The evaluation includes:

• Visual Acuity Test: To assess the impact of ptosis on vision.
• Eyelid Measurement: Measuring the height of the eyelids and their movement to assess the severity of ptosis.
• Slit-Lamp Examination: A detailed examination of the eye’s structures to check for any underlying issues.
• Neurological Evaluation: If a neurological cause is suspected, additional tests may be conducted to evaluate nerve function and muscle strength.