Ptosis
Alternate Names : Blepharoptosis, Drooping of the Upper Eyelid
What are the treatments for the condition?
This partly depends on the cause. For example:
If high blood pressure or diabetes is the cause, no treatment is required. The condition goes away on its own, usually within two months. Tighter control of diabetes and high blood pressure is stressed.
If a tumor or cancer is the cause, surgery, radiation treatment, or chemotherapy may be needed.
If a widened artery in the skull is the cause, surgery or some other procedure may be needed.
An infection may need to be treated with antibiotics.
If MG is the cause, drugs can be given to improve muscle strength to minimize the drooping of the lids.
In the case of young children affected for any reason, surgery is often advised to prevent vision problems.
In the case of injury or aging, no treatment is needed. Those who dislike the appearance of their eyelids can have surgery.
Surgery generally involves tightening or shortening the muscles of the upper eyelid to physically pull the lid into normal position.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
All medications have possible side effects. These include allergic reactions, stomach upset and other side effects. Specific side effects depend on the drugs used. Any surgery carries a risk of infection, bleeding, and reactions to pain medication.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
In many cases, a person can return to normal activities. If surgery is performed, a person can go home shortly after the procedure. Recovery takes only a few days in most cases. Children and those with serious underlying causes need further monitoring.
How is the condition monitored?
Children need repeated eye exams before and after treatment to check for vision loss. Other monitoring depends on the underlying cause. In the case of injury or aging, no further monitoring is needed.
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