Ptosis of the eyelid

Palpebral ptosis is a pathological drooping of the upper eyelid. It usually appears due to dysfunction of the muscles which raise the eyelid.

This muscle dysfunction may result from various causes: neurogenic (nervous-system disorder), myogenic (due to muscle deficit), aponeurotic (commonly associated with age), or mechanical (following an injury, for example). However, aging is the primary cause of ptosis.

Signs

The upper eyelid droops and partially or completely covers the eye, decreasing the field of vision.

In order to see, a patient with ptosis must tilt the head back, raise the eyelid with a finger, or make excessive use of the forehead muscles.

Treatment / Repair 

This outpatient surgical procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, and consists of raising and repositioning the upper eyelid interfering with the field of vision.

In the days immediately following the procedure, there may be some swelling and bruising, but they usually disappear after one week.