When the top eyelid hangs over the pupil, it is called ptosis. The eyelid may droop slightly or a lot, covering the pupil (the black dot at the centre of your eye that lets light in). Normal vision may be partially or fully obscured by ptosis.
Ptosis can affect both adults and children. Fortunately, there are treatments for this issue that can enhance both look and vision.
Congenital ptosis is the term used to describe ptosis in newborns. This can be caused by problems with the muscle that lifts the eyelid (called the levator muscle).
The most noticeable ptosis symptom is a drooping eyelid. Another indication is when the upper eyelid creases do not line up evenly with each other. In an effort to see better, a youngster with ptosis may tip their head back, lift their chin, or raise their eyebrows. These motions can eventually lead to neck and head issues.
A newborn with ptosis may occasionally also have other issues with their eyes. Eye movement disorders, eye muscle diseases, cancers (on the eyelid or elsewhere), and other concerns can be among them.
A child who has ptosis is more likely to experience vision issues. Amblyopia, commonly known as “lazy eye,” can happen. One eye will have better vision than the other. In addition to ptosis, a youngster may also have astigmatism, which causes blurry vision. Additionally, the child may grow with crossed or mismatched eyes.
When choosing the appropriate course of treatment for paediatric ptosis, ophthalmologists take into account the following considerations. the age of the child, Whether there is damage to one or both eyelids, height of the eyelids The size and power of the eyelid’s muscle and the eye’s movements
Ophthalmologists typically advise surgery to treat children with ptosis. In order to lift the eyelid, either the levator muscle needs to be tightened or the eyelid needs to be connected to other muscles. The objective is to enhance vision.
The child’s amblyopia, if present, needs to be addressed as well. Amblyopia can be treated by strengthening the weaker eye by using specific eye drops, wearing an eye patch or special glasses, or both.
When the levator muscle stretches or separates from the eyelid, adults develop ptosis (also known as involutional or acquired ptosis). Both age and eye injuries may contribute to this. Ptosis can occasionally develop as a side effect following specific eye surgeries. Ptosis is a rare complication of illnesses or tumours that affect the eyelid muscle.
In order to make a therapy suggestion, your ophthalmologist will identify the source of your ptosis. They will perform a thorough eye examination and can possibly request that you undergo imaging and blood testing. The ophthalmologist will probably advise surgery to improve the function of the eyelid muscle.
For some adults with acquired ptosis, a new prescription eye drop is now available. The medication oxymetazoline targets the muscle that raises the eyelid . After taking the drops, the eyelid may open widely in some sufferers of acquired ptosis. It must be used daily to be functional.
Certain types of drooping eyelids, such as those brought on by injury or nerve issues, are not treated by oxymetazoline. Inquire with your ophthalmologist if it is appropriate for you.
At The Eye Center- Dr. Mahnaz Naveed Shah & Associates our team of eight ophthalmology subspecialists/ eye specialists, eye surgeons who are considered amongst the very best eye specialists in Karachi and in Pakistan, have the diagnostic and treatment capabilities to treat from the simplest to the most complex patients. We work hard to provide our patients with the best possible medical and surgical eye care, in a state of the art purpose built eye care facility. We offer the entire array of medical, laser and surgical treatments to help provide patients the best possible care in the most efficient, safe and ethical manner.
If you need an appointment, please contact us at 03041119544 during our working hours or leave us a WhatsApp message at +923028291799 and someone will connect with you. Walk-in appointments are also available for emergencies. We can also be reached through our web portal on www.surgicaleyecenter.org
