Vision & Refractive Errors | Keratoconus | Cataract Surgery
Help with droopy eyelids
Droopy eyelid (ptosis) is a condition when the edge of the upper eyelid droops to a lower
position than is normal. It is common for upper eyelids to droop with age due to stretching
of the tendon and muscle within the eyelid. Ptosis can sometimes be a result of long term
contact lens wear or develop after an eye surgery (eg. cataract).
Occasionally ptosis can be caused by other reasons such as neurological disease, muscle disease, trauma or masses in the eyelid, or it can be hereditary and present at birth. It is important to recognise and understand the cause of droopy eyelids because they are managed differently. Miss
Kovacova is an Oculoplastic Consultant and so will be able to distinguish between the various causes, usually through examination, occasionally supported by investigations.
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If droopy eyelids is something that concerns you, then get in touch with the team at Viewpoint Vision in St Helens to book an appointment in our clinic.
Ptosis treatment
About ptosis
Ptosis causes narrowing of the eye opening and the eye appears smaller. Ptosis can give people the appearance of a tired look and, if severe, cause visual problems. The severity of the condition varies from person to person, and upper eyelid ptosis caused by ageing can be corrected surgically by addressing the stretched structures within one or both eyelids.
The symptons of ptosis
- Finding it difficult to keep eyelids open
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- Manually lifting the eyelid when reading, driving or watching TV
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- Eye strain, especially when reading
Eyebrow ache, headache and forehead wrinkles as a result of the effort required to raise the eyelids
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- For some people, droopy eyelids may not cause medical issues, but are simply an aesthetic concern affecting their self-esteem
How is ptosis surgery performed?
Surgery for ptosis usually involves the shortening of the muscles or tendons that raise the eyelids. An incision will be hidden in the natural skin crease of the upper eyelid. In patients who also have excessive skin on the upper eyelids, ptosis surgery can be combined with upper eyelid blepharoplasty to provide a maximum visual improvement and give the upper eyelids a rejuvenated appearance.
Ptosis surgery is performed under a local or twilight anaesthetic and it is a day case procedure. Recovery time is about 2 weeks, during this period you will have upper eyelid skin crease sutures, some swelling and light bruising of your periocular area. Sutures are removed 10-14 days after the surgery.
Some of our other treatments
Laser eye surgery
Laser eye surgery may help with conditions including short-sightedness, far-sightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
Cataract surgery
Cataract surgery is one of the most common eye surgeries performed today. It is quick, safe and a great investment to improve the quality of your life.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a degenerative disorder of the eye in which structural changes within the cornea cause it to thin and change to a more conical shape than its normal gradual curve.
