Ptosis or drooping eyelids
January 20, 2009
Sometimes, one or both of the eyelids is abnormally drooping. The upper eyelid droops because the muscle that raises it is not strong enough to keep it raised.
This condition results due to a problem with the muscle or nerve controlling the eyelid. The eyelid may sag so much that it can totally or partially close the eye.
Causes
The levator muscle is weak and hence it cannot keep the eyelid in the normal position, which causes it to droop. A problem with a nerve that sends messages to the muscle can also cause such a condition.
It can also result from a brain tumour or a defective blood vessel in the brain. This is generally the case if ptosis occurs suddenly. You should see your doctor if you develop sudden ptosis in order to ensure that no such serious problem is the underlying cause.
An injury or previous eye surgery can also result in a drooping eyelid.
Generally, ptosis is present from birth also. Treatment is necessary in cases where the eyelid may droop so much that it covers the pupil because this will interfere will the normal development of the baby’s vision.
It can also occur as a part of the aging process.
A cyst or swelling may also cause the eyelids to droop considerably.
Symptoms
While the causes of ptosis are varied, so are the symptoms, depending on the cause. However, in general, the symptoms include drooping eyelid, irritation, difficulty in closing the eye completely, eye fatigue from straining too much to keep them open, crossed or misaligned eye and double vision. In the case of children, you can notice them keep their head tilted backward to keep the eye open.
Diagnosis
It is important to first determine the root of the problem. The height of the eyelid is measured. The doctor will also check the strength of the eyelid muscles and evaluate eye movements and alignment. For children, additional tests are carried out to check the presence of amblyopia.
Treatment
Usually, surgery helps to improve the condition. The levator muscle is tightened and hence, the eyelid is lifted. If the levator muscle is too weak, then along with the eyelid, the eyebrow is also lifted.
In babies, surgery is performed to tighten the eyelid muscle. If it is treated early enough, then no problem occurs in normal development of vision.
In case of adults, the underlying cause is first determined and only then any treatment is commenced.
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