09 Mar Everything You Need to Know About Eyelid Ptosis
Eyelids often begin to droop with the passing of time, but when the droopiness becomes severe enough you might have a medical condition called eyelid ptosis. Dr. Vivian Schiedler is a board-certified eye specialist who treats this condition at Oasis Eye Face and Skin. Many patients are surprised to learn that the quick surgery for eyelid ptosis is the same procedure as an upper eyelid lift. This means that if you have ptosis and the droopiness interferes with your vision, your insurance will likely cover the procedure. You’ll not only instantly improve your vision but also look younger, better rested, and healthier.
Age is one of the most common reasons why eyelids begin to droop, but it’s not the only cause. Genetics can also play a role, as can damage to the eye. Excessive stretching or pulling of the eyelids can damage and weaken the muscles and ligaments, sometimes affecting the nerve that controls the eyelid muscles. Accidentally tearing the levator palpebrae, the muscle that makes the eyelid move, is a common cause of ptosis and can happen suddenly or develop over time (by excessively rubbing the eyes to remove makeup or because of dry eyes). Eyelid complications can also cause ptosis, and in rare cases poorly injected Botox can also cause ptosis.
Facts about Ptosis
When ptosis is present at birth it’s called congenital ptosis, and it’s possible that one or both parents suffer from this common issue. Ptosis can affect one or both eyelids, and congenital ptosis can lead to amblyopia (a lazy eye). In fact, researchers found in a 2013 study that of 107 children with ptosis, a lazy eye was present in 15 percent of the cases.
However, most ptosis patients are adults. They may have developed it because of rigid contact lenses or may have acquired ptosis from eyelid cysts or tumors, muscular issues, neurological conditions, or a medical issue called Horner’s syndrome.
Treating Ptosis with Eyelid Surgery
Whether or not your insurance will cover ptosis surgery depends on the severity of the droopiness, the degree in which it affects your vision, and of course your insurance policy. However, if you’ve been thinking about eyelid surgery—for medical reasons, cosmetic, or both—a consultation with an oculofacial plastic surgeon like Dr. Schiedler is the first step.
Eyelid surgery is also known as blepharoplasty, and it’s one of the most popular facial surgeries. It can be used to treat ptosis in many healthy adults, although in some rare cases eye ptosis is present at birth (in which case blepharoplasty for younger patients may be necessary). Ptosis isn’t technically dangerous, but of course anything that affects your vision can be frustrating and get in the way of daily living.
Prevent Ptosis in the Future
Blepharoplasty is a very effective surgery with results that will last for years. However, if you’re prone to ptosis or relatively young when you undergo blepharoplasty, ptosis may return in the future. Depending on the cause of your ptosis, the good news is there are ways to prevent it and extend the results of your blepharoplasty. Avoiding the use of contact lenses (especially hard lenses) and avoiding eye rubbing are two of the best things you can do to reduce the odds of developing ptosis again.
Research in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology found that, unsurprisingly, ptosis from Botox injections was largely caused by inexperienced injectors. Botox might seem like a simple procedure, but any time you’re treating the face—cosmetically or otherwise—there are risks. It’s always best to choose a Botox clinic like Oasis Eye Face and Skin, where you know expert injectors are taking care of you.
Is Eyelid Surgery for You?
You don’t need to have ptosis to opt for upper eyelid surgery (you just require a diagnosis in order for insurance to possibly pay for the procedure). Whether or not your eyelid droopiness is severe enough to be diagnosed as ptosis, the fact remains that it can be uncomfortable to live with this condition and could affect the way you look at yourself. Upper eyelid surgery can immediately brighten your eye area with little incisions hidden in the eye’s natural crease.
Are you ready to learn more about ptosis and upper blepharoplasty? Call Dr. Schiedler at Oasis Eye Face and Skin at (541) 708-6393 and schedule your consultation today.