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Ptosis
 General Info about Ptosis
 What are the causes  of Ptosis ?
 What are the symptoms of Ptosis ?
 How can we diagnose Ptosis ?
 How can Ptosis be treated ?
 More valuable information about Ptosis
 Frequently asked questions about Ptosis
 Glossary
 
General Info about Ptosis

Ptosis (pronounced "toe-sis") is the medical term for drooping eyelids. It occurs when the upper eyelid droops to an abnormal level and covers part of the eye, restricting or obscuring vision. It can also occur at birth and can affect one or both eyes. Ptosis since birth can be congenital type and if it occurs after birth it is called acquired Ptosis.

What are the causes  of Ptosis ?

Congenital Ptosis (inherited) is due to an abnormality in the development of the muscles that elevate the upper lid.

Ptosis can also be caused by a malfunction of the nerves which control and activate the eyelid muscles or a problem with the nerve that sends messages to the muscle.

Old age is the most common cause of ptosis. The muscles that elevate the eyelid stretch and become thinned out and resulting in a loss of muscle tone and the inability to hold the upper lid in the proper position above the eye.

It can also be cause by injury or trauma to the eye as in an accident.

Drooping eyelids may also be the result of diseases such as diabetes, tumors, inflammation, stroke, cancer or aneurysms.

What are the symptoms of Ptosis ?

The primary symptom of ptosis is a drooping eyelid of one or both eyes.

Children who are born with a ptosis usually tilt their head back in an effort to see.

Difficulty in reading and while driving are common complaints.

Raising the entire brow with the muscles of the forehead and scalp may cause headaches and eyestrain as well.

Difficulty closing the eye completely.

There maybe increased watering of eyes.

Crossed or misaligned eye and sometimes double vision occurs.

Eye fatigue from straining to keep eye(s) open.

How can we diagnose Ptosis ?
Diagnosis of ptosis is usually made by observing the drooping eyelid. Finding the cause of the condition will require testing for any of the illnesses or injuries present. An eye doctor will measure the height of the eyelid, strength of the eyelid muscles, and evaluate eye movements and alignment.
How can Ptosis be treated ?
Ptosis does not usually improve with time, and nearly always requires corrective surgery and if left untreated, can permanently damage vision by forcing the unaffected eye to do all the work while letting the affected eye degenerate.

Correcting ptosis is usually done only after determining the cause of the condition. Treatment of the cause of general health problems such as stroke and diabetes may relieve the problem.

Ptosis crutches are available. These can be attached to the frame of eyeglasses to hold up the eyelid. These devices are uncomfortable and usually not well tolerated.

Surgery :
Surgery can generally be done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia which involves an operation to strengthen the muscle of the eyelid.
In children with ptosis, surgical correction may be necessary to prevent amblyopia. Surgical repair is usually very successful in restoring appearance and function.
More Valuable information about Ptosis

Ptosis does not usually improve with time, and nearly always requires corrective surgery and if left untreated, can permanently damage vision by forcing the unaffected eye to do all the work while letting the affected eye degenerate.

Frequently asked questions about Ptosis
Which doctor should I consult for Ptosis ?
You can visit an opthalmologist if you have drooping eyelids or ptosis.

How does Ptosis occur in old age ?
The skin on the eyelid is the most thinnest and tends to stretch, this stretched skin limits the ability to see, and may produce a feeling of heaviness. In the lower eyelids bags are formed.

Glossary
Contact lenses : Lenses which fit directly on the eyeball under the eyelids.

Cornea : The clear tissue in front of the eye resembling a crystal of a watch.

Diplopia : The seeing of one object as two.

Nystagmus : An involuntary, rhythmical movement of the eyeballs.

Opthalmoscope : Device for viewing the interior of the eye or the retina.

Optic nerve : The nerve which carries visual impulses from the retina to the brain.

Optician : A technician who designs, verifies and dispenses lenses, frames and other fabricated optical devices upon the prescription of an ophthalmologist or an optometrist.

Opthalmologist : A physician who is qualified and especially trained to diagnose and treat all eye and visual system problems, as well as diagnose general diseases of the body.

Photophobia : Abnormal sensitivity to light.

Refractive error : A defect in the eye that prevents light from being brought to a single focus exact on the retina.

Pupil : Aperture allowing light to enter into the eye regulated by the iris and ciliary muscles.

Retina : Light sensitive membrane at the back of the eye. Light is focused onto this membrane and the retina then transmits this information to the brain as impulses which the brain interprets as sight.

Sclera : The firm white fibrous membrane that forms the white part of the eye.

Visual Acuity : Clarity of vision, with corrective glasses.

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