Acquired Ptosis
What is an acquired ptosis?
Ptosis
(pronounced tosis) is the medical term for drooping of the upper eyelid, a
condition that may affect one or both eyes. Ptosis that presents itself after
childhood is called an ‘acquired ptosis’. When the edge of the eyelid drops and
covers part of the pupil it blocks the upper part of your vision. In severe
cases, it is necessary to tilt one’s head back or lift the eyelid with a finger
in order to see out from under the drooping lid.
What causes an acquired ptosis?
In most
cases an acquired drooping of the upper eyelid results from the ageing of the
eyelid. Typically the tendon that attaches the ‘lifting’ muscle to the eyelid
stretches and the eyelid droops low. Occasionally the condition results from
other general conditions such as Myasthenia Gravis (MG), chronic progressive
external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO), IIIrd nerve palsy and many others.
Your eye specialist may mention it to you if necessary.
What is the treatment and how is it done?
The
treatment depends upon the cause. Common causes of ptosis (drooping) like age
related, congenital etc are amenable to surgery. The treatment involves an
operation to lift the eyelid and it is usually carried out under local
anaesthetic as a day case with or without sedation. Local anaesthetic eye drops
are used along with an injection into the upper eyelid to numb the area. We
usually use dissolving stitches at the site of the operation. Drooping (ptosis)
of the eyelids related to medical conditions (MG, CPEO IIIrd nerve
palsy) require a multidisciplinary approach.
What to expect after the operation?
A dressing
may be applied for 24 hours. The upper eyelid will usually appear swollen and
bruised which tends to subside over 7-10 days, in some cases it may take
longer. Make sure the wound is kept clean and dry. There should be very little
discharge from the wound and if necessary, you may clean it using cooled boiled
water and clean cotton wool or tissue. Use a separate piece of cotton wool or
tissue for each wipe to the area. You will be prescribed some lubricating eye
drops and antibiotic ointment – please use as directed.
Are there any risks or side effects?
·
There may be bruising and swelling around the eye.
·
There is a small risk of infection of the eyelid or
the eye.
·
There is a possibility of under or over correction of
the eyelid, which may require further operations.
·
There is a possibility of inability to close the
eyelids permanently.
·
Sometimes if your other eye has a tendency to droop,
it may be more noticeable after this operation. Your eye specialist may warn
you of this possibility, where applicable.
What
are the benefits?
·
Restoring normal appearance of the eyelid.
·
Improved upper part of your vision and improved
quality of vision where the pupil was previously occluded by the droopy upper
eyelid.
|