Ptosis is a condition where the eyelid margin is droopy. The upper eye lid can cover the pupil partially or even completely thus interfering with vision. There are a number of causes for ptosis. It can be congenital (found at birth), mechanical, involution, degenerative, inflammatory, infectious (with a severe eyelid infection) or traumatic. Some neurological disorders such as a 3rd cranial nerve palsy (weakness) can result in a droopy lid. The problem is different than Dermatochalasis (whereby the extra skin above the lid is draping over and hooding the upper lid).

Ptosis can be repaired in a number of ways. The most common are an internal and external approach. With severe ptosis and poor function of the muscle in the eye lid, a sling that attaches the lid to the eyebrow must be used to elevate the lid. Ordinarily a small amount of the lid can be removed thus elevating the lid internally. The other option with more severe ptosis is an external approach whereby the muscle is shortened and tacked to the tarsal plate of the lid. The surgeries are done in the hospital, surgery center or even the office and take about 30 minutes.

Sometimes complications occur with the most common being over or under correction, resulting in an eye that is too open or still droopy. Just call 866-295-2020 to see if you may be a candidate for eye lid surgery.