Ptosis correction
More information
The most common type of ptosis is caused by a separation of the muscle tendon that raises the eyelid from the lower structure of the eyelid. This can occur as a result of ageing, after eye surgery, contact lens wear, or from an injury.
What are the signs and symptoms of ptosis?
A drooping eyelid is the primary sign of ptosis. There may be some vision loss in the top of the area that you can see without moving your eyes or muscle fatigue from attempting to lift the lid.
How is ptosis treated?
The treatment is usually surgery. During surgery the muscle that lifts the lid is tightened usually under local anesthesia. Very rarely the lids may be attached to the brow using synthetic material (e.g. a nylon suture) or tissue taken from the thigh (fascia lata) so that the forehead muscle does the lifting.
An ophthalmic consultation can provide a comprehensive assessment of your ptosis, and a discussion of the available treatment options.
What happens before ptosis surgery?
You will visit the clinic a few weeks before the date of your surgery, to have a preoperative consultation with your surgeon. He/she will ask you questions about your current and past health, and will need to know about any allergies you may have, medications you are taking (including over the counter products e.g. aspirin, indomethacin or vitamin supplements), previous surgery, and whether you smoke. You may also be required to have a physical examination of your heart and lungs by your GP to make sure it is safe for you to have an anesthetic. You may need to have some routine laboratory tests, such as urinalysis (tests of your urine), chest x- rays, or complete blood cell counts. These should reveal potential problems that might complicate the surgery if not detected and treated early. No testing may be necessary if you are in good health and younger than 65.
All questions need to be answered completely and honestly as they are asked only for your own safety and so that your surgery can be planned as carefully as possible. If you are unsure of the names of any medications, bring them with you. You will be told whether or not to stop any medications at this preoperative clinic visit. For example, if you are taking aspirin-containing medicines or anticoagulants, they may need to be temporarily withdrawn or reduced in dose for two weeks before the procedure.
Your eyes will be examined carefully and the vision in each eye measured. The pressure within each eye is also measured and the back of the eye (the retina) is examined as well as the eyelid itself. The positioning of the eyelashes is noted. The surgeon will take a photograph of your face before surgery so that the results of surgery can be compared with the original appearance.
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