Ptosis eyes, also known as blepharoptosis, is a condition where the upper eyelid droops, sags, or falls over the eye.
This drooping can range from barely noticeable to completely covering the pupil, the black center of your eye. The primary cause is often a malfunction of the levator muscle, which is responsible for lifting the eyelid. Depending on the severity, ptosis can limit or even block vision.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Causes of Ptosis
Several factors can contribute to ptosis, including:
- Muscle Problems: The most common cause is weakness or damage to the levator palpebrae superioris muscle (the levator muscle).
- Nerve Problems: Nerves control the levator muscle. Damage to these nerves can lead to ptosis.
- Age: As we age, the muscles and skin around our eyes can stretch and weaken, causing the eyelid to droop.
- Injury: Trauma to the eye or eyelid can damage the muscles or nerves responsible for lifting the eyelid.
- Underlying Medical Conditions: In rare cases, ptosis can be a symptom of a more serious neurological or muscular disease. Examples include Myasthenia Gravis and Horner's Syndrome.
- Congenital Ptosis: Some individuals are born with ptosis due to underdeveloped levator muscles.
Symptoms of Ptosis
The primary symptom of ptosis is the drooping eyelid itself. Other symptoms may include:
- Difficulty keeping the eyes open.
- Excessive tearing (epiphora) or dry eyes.
- Fatigue, especially when reading.
- Tilting the head back to see under the eyelid.
- Raising the eyebrows to try to lift the eyelid.
- Vision problems if the drooping eyelid blocks the pupil.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A doctor can diagnose ptosis through a physical examination. In some cases, further testing may be needed to rule out underlying medical conditions.
Treatment options depend on the severity of the ptosis and its cause.
- Surgery: The most common treatment for ptosis is surgery to tighten the levator muscle.
- Nonsurgical Options: In mild cases, or if surgery is not an option, special glasses with crutches can be used to support the eyelid.
When to See a Doctor
You should see a doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden onset of ptosis.
- Ptosis that is affecting your vision.
- Ptosis accompanied by other symptoms, such as double vision, headache, or weakness.
