Ptosis is an issue with the eyelid which prevent them from opening or closing properly. Upper lid ptosis is the most common issue and causes an appearance of drooping lids. The diagnosis is based on the measured location of the lid margin. In contrast, pseudo ptosis or dermatochalasis is secondary to excess eyelid skin that often presents as natural aging process.

Symptoms

• Droopy appearance to the eyelids

• Decrease in the superior portion of visual fields

• Frontal headaches

• Eyelid margin irritation

Causes

• Natural aging changes

• Trauma

• Neurological Diseases

• Laxity of the forehead/ eyebro

Treatment

If indicated an eyelid lift could treat active ptosis. This is a surgical procedure that would be performed at an outpatient ambulatory surgery center. Multiple sutures would be placed at specific individualized locations to control the amount of the resultant lift.

If the issue is with pseudo ptosis/ dermatochalasis, the excess eyelid skin can be excised. This is called a blepharoplasty. If functional symptoms are noted on examination this would not be considered a cosmetic procedure and could be covered as a medically necessary procedure. The comprehensive examination will determine if it qualifies as a functional blepharoplasty. Good candidates for the procedure are healthy non-smokers,  patients without serious eye conditions, and individuals with realistic expectations.

If you think you are suffering from the symptoms of ptosis or pseudo ptosis, come in and get a comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation to determine if you qualify for treatment