Ptosis is a medical condition characterized by drooping of the upper eyelid. People of all ages can get affected by it. Although it typically develops later in life, some babies are born with it. It can also develop as a side effect of some surgical procedures, certain diseases, or even tumors.
For acquired ptosis, the most common cause identified is the weakening of the levator muscle on the eye. This muscle controls their eyelid movement and it weakens with age. Due to the non-stop workload throughout one’s lifetime, it’s not surprising that the eye muscles get overworked and need droopy eyelid treatment.
Congenital ptosis occurs due to inadequate eyelid muscle development during the fetal growth. A baby born with this condition might also suffer from:
- Abnormality in eye movement
- Muscular disorders
- Tumors of the lids
- Neurological disorders
- Refractive errors
Ailments Caused by Droopy Eyelids
People with droopy eyelids often have weak eyelid muscles. Consequently, they tend to use extra muscles around their eyes and forehead in order to improve their visual field. This continued strain on the supporting muscles results in discomfort and aggravated pain over time.
Some of the common complaints associated with droopy eyelids include aching of the eyes, dryness of the eyes, migraine, or chronic headaches caused by the strained forehead muscles.
Sagging of the eyelids with an uneven level of both the right and left upper eyelids is a sign of ptosis. Saggy eyelids obstruct vision and incite the patients to tilt their head backward, raise their eyebrows, and lift the chin up for a better and improved sight.
Consequently, this leads to the development of head and neck problems over time and risk further vision deterioration.
Severe eyelid drooping constantly blocks your vision, leading to the development of a lazy eye, also referred to as amblyopia. Both eyes will have a varying vision, with one eye performing better than the other.
Moreover, the added strain on affected eyes can give rise to astigmatism, a condition that is characterized by blurred vision and poor focus.
Droopy eyelids are treatable. Even newborns with this condition can be treated with upper eyelid surgery for an optimal vision development.
Types of Upper Eyelid Surgery
There are various types of upper eyelid surgery options available for varying history and severity of the case.
1. Non-Incisional Droopy Eyelid Correction Surgery
This procedure is performed in cases of mild to moderate droopy eyelids. A suture is used to tie part of the eyelid muscle in order to reduce the muscle length. When the eyelid muscle’s length is reduced, a tightening effect is produced, and the eyelids are raised higher when opened. This procedure takes about 40 – 60 minutes and is done under light sedation or local anesthesia. The recovery period is around 7 to 10 days, and stitch removal is done 7 days after the procedure.
2. Incisional Droopy Eyelid Correction Surgery
3. Frontalis Suspension Technique for Droopy Eyelids
The Frontalis suspension technique refers to the upper eyelid surgery performed in patients with extremely poor levator muscle function of 4mm or less. In babies with congenital ptosis, the surgery is suggested to be delayed until the age of 3 to 5 years. This is done to allow adequate time for facial growth, maturation, and patient compliance before and during the droopy eyelid treatment procedure.
The procedure is done under general anesthesia in children as part of the closed or open technique. However, local anesthesia is used in older patients to allow for better intraoperative analysis and more reliable surgical outcomes. The surgeon makes an incision in the upper eyelid and connects it to the brow using a sling-material. This uses the frontalis muscle to lift the eyelid instead of the levator muscle.
During the recovery phase, the patient might be unable to close their eyelids during sleep for a couple of weeks after the surgery. Open eyelids during sleep are, however, less of a concern in children as it rapidly improves with time. Lubrication may be required in both children and adults to prevent dryness and discomfort.
Common Faqs For Droopy Eyelid Treatment
1. Is Upper Eyelid Surgery the Only Way to Correct Droopy Eyelids?
According to Dr. Eric Cerrati, director of facial plastic surgery at the University of Utah Health, there are a variety of options available for droopy eyelid treatment. These include a non-surgical approach such as laser technique that tightens the skin under the eyelid or other surgical techniques that involve muscle tightening, skin removal, and brow lift.
2. How Long Does Recovery Take If My Droopy Eyelids Are Corrected With Upper Eyelid Surgery?
3. What Are The Dos And Don’ts After Upper Eyelid Surgery?
Dos after upper eyelid surgery:
- Apply ice to your eyelids frequently (about 10 minutes per hour) to reduce bruising and swelling.
- Use two pillows raise your head above your heart level while you sleep. This helps to reduce swelling around the site of surgery and enhance circulation.
- You can use homeopathic medications that promote healing to speed up the recovery.
- Experts recommend the application of topical antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. Remember to wash your hands before applying the ointment.
Don’ts after upper eyelid surgery:
- Avoid driving after surgery. Make sure to arrange your transport or have someone accompany you home after the procedure.
- Unless it is absolutely necessary, avoid applying topical ointment as it may blur your vision
- Don’t do too much exertion or strenuous exercise during the first week after the surgery. This includes avoiding gym, bending, lifting weight, and similar exercises.
- Don’t put too much pressure on the eyes or rub it with force.
Bottomline
Finally, opting for the surgery at the right time is very important. Talk to your doctor for a detailed consultation, and try to communicate your needs and desired results. However, it is important that you keep realistic expectations from your surgery and don’t go overboard in anticipating the results. Undergoing surgery from a board-certified plastic surgeon, following optimal dietary habits, and a healthy routine can play a key role in your recovery process.
