Eyelids do a great job of framing our eyes and giving them a beautiful shape. The eyelids are thin flaps of muscles and skin that provide coverage to the eye. These flaps deteriorate with time and lose their tautness leading to drooping in old age.
Droopy eyelids are most apparent among the senile members of society, and most often, the functional and aesthetic concerns may turn people in a search for droopy eyelid treatments.
Eyelid drooping can happen on the eyelids and it can be the conditions below:
- Ptosis: This is the sagging of upper eyelids and is a common cause of drooping.
- Blepharochalasis is the condition where upper eyelid skin loses elasticity due to swelling or inflammation and therefore it sags. It is associated with Ptosis.
Ptosis: When the Upper Eyelid Droops
No age group is defined for the occurrence of ptosis. But most evidently it is seen in the elderly group whose muscles start to deteriorate.
In the medical world, drooping or falling of the upper eyelid is termed as Ptosis. Ptosis most commonly occurs due to the malfunctioning of the muscles of the eyelids or disturbances in the nerve supply of the muscles. Ptosis may affect one eye or both eyes.
Types of Droopy Eyelids
There are 2 major types of droopy eyelids (ptosis):
- Congenital ptosis: refers to ptosis present at the time of birth.
- Acquired ptosis: occurs when structures of the upper eyelid are unable to maintain normal function
Acquired ptosis is further subclassified into 5 types based on etiological factors:
- Aponeurotic ptosis is most prevalent in elderly patients.
- Disruption in the innervation of Muller’s muscle or levator muscle results in the 2nd type of ptosis termed as neurogenic ptosis.
- Myogenic ptosis is caused by issues in the levator muscles itself.
- Traumatic ptosis is followed by direct or indirect trauma to the levator muscle.
- Mechanical ptosis Any tumor that increases the weight on eyelids or scarring can result in mechanical ptosis.
Causes of Ptosis in Elders
No definitive cause for ptosis is known. Though different causes are suspected.
- Aging. As age increases abnormalities arise in nerves that supply the levator muscles.
- Trauma to the eye or lesions of the lid is also a factor for ptosis in elderly patients.
- Autoimmune disease. Dysfunctions of levator muscles that elevate the eyelid may be associated with autoimmune diseases. Myasthenia gravis is a devastating autoimmune disease that affects muscles or causes nerve damage.
- Drug intake in old age. Ptosis may also appear due to drug intake for certain nervous system issues like a superior cervical sympathetic ganglion. As age increases, older people are more exposed to drugs for different ailments. Drugs such as pregabalin are known to cause ptosis.
Signs and Symptoms of Senile Ptosis
Signs and symptoms that are observed among elders are as follows:
- Patients appear tired due to drooping lids
- Dryness of eyes
- Poor vision
- Aching of eyes
- Difficulty in the blinking of eyes
- Tearing of eyes may also occur
- Double vision may appear
Factors Leading to Ptosis
Many factors make an old age person prone to Ptosis. These include:
- Excessive and aggressive eye rubbing
- Prolonged use of contact lenses
- Horner’s syndrome
- Myasthenia gravis
Inconveniences and Dangers due to Ptosis
Every medical condition causes inconvenience to the patient. Ptosis may seem a relatively smaller concern compared to other health conditions. But like every health issue, it has its own inconveniences and one has to adapt accordingly. The dangers and inconveniences due to ptosis are:
- Frequent falling due to impaired vision.
- Due to the sagging of eyelids. One has to tilt his head back to adapt to the situation.
- Extra effort is required for viewing. One has to constantly lift eyebrows to see things properly.
- Old people are low on energy. So, a lethargic feeling is a likely outcome of forceful opening (of eyes).
- Dryness of eyes may occur that can lead to increased irritation and wear and tear. Therefore, patients have to use lubricants. This is one of the reasons that prompt patients to get treatment for droopy eyelids.
When to See a Doctor for Droopy Eyelid Treatment
The disease affects different people at different levels. Some elders may not experience any obstacles in normal viewing while others face inconveniences.
People without functional issues can still get ptosis treatment done for aesthetic reasons, while those with visual impairment should seek medical treatment before worsening the issue. If you are an active oldie and are now facing difficulties while driving, reading, and even walking, then you should consult a doctor right away. Ptosis has both aesthetic and functional concerns.
Complications and Risks Associated with Surgery at Old Age
There are some risks and complications associated with the surgery. You may experience some discomfort after surgery. The recovery time may be delayed owing to the old age of the patients. Normal activity can be resumed within 7-10 days, but it is preferable to take rest for minimally two weeks.
- Bruises and Swelling. Bruising and swelling can be seen post-operation but they subside within 10 days. Should it take longer to subside, a natural supplement can be prescribed to help with bruising and swelling management.
- Wound Dehiscence and Infection. Wound dehiscence is another possible complication of surgery. The body’s decreased inflammatory response with age or certain underlying health conditions may increase the chance of wound dehiscence and infection.
- Scar Formation. Eyelid healing may result in scar formation that takes longer to subside. Although it is not a threat to the person’s health, it can still be problematic for the elders. Topical medication and laser treatments can help to improve the appearance of scarring. Therefore, these options may be recommended during or after full recovery.
- Eyelid Overcorrection. Droopy Eyelid Correction may result in the excessive opening of the eye. If this happens, a correction procedure can be done to adjust the height of the eyelids.
- General health may also be compromised in very old patients as a result of surgery. Most old patients tend to be physically weaker and may be taking different drugs for different conditions. Certain pre-existing health conditions may post challenges to the surgery planning as well. Anesthesia may also have negative impacts for elderlies with certain types of health condition too.
Get a droopy eyelid assessment to understand more
The greatest benefit of getting surgery for droopy eyelids is enhanced vision. Old age patients commonly acquire injuries from falling. The frequent falling is sometimes attributed to poor eyesight and a lack of muscle coordination and surgical correction can reduce the frequency of falls in old patients.
A proper droopy eyelid assessment by a plastic surgeon can help to determine if surgical intervention is necessary and suitable for your loved ones.
About Dream Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery
Bespoke surgical for cosmetic or medical reasons is what Dream covers to bring out the beauty in every individual. Going beyond the aesthetics and working on physical anomalies are what we value the most in leading our patients to cherish self-improvement and confident lifestyles.
Derived from Associate Professor Vincent Yeow’s long-standing experience performing plastic surgery in Singapore, our treatment plans deliver physical remodelling in our patients’ favour. One of the notable remodellings is droopy eyelid correction. The ptosis surgery used for treatment eventually fixes drooping eyelids, improves vision and enhances appearance.
Most importantly, as a trustworthy plastic surgery and aesthetic clinic, we treasure positive and natural outcomes for each individual. We will ensure to deliver the beauty refinement of your dream without compromising your safety and privacy.
