Drooping Upper Eyelid (Ptosis)
Ptosis(pronounced “toe-sis”) is a medical term that describes a drooping upper eyelid. Ptosis can either be present at birth (congenital ptosis) or may develop as we age (acquired or involutional ptosis).
An ophthalmologist should examine children who are born with congenital ptosis because of the possibility of other associated eye problems being present. If surgery needs to be performed it is usually performed sooner rather than later (preschool or before). The degree of ptosis can range from mild to severe, and the type of surgery varies depending on how much the lids droop.
Acquired ptosis can be the result of a muscle injury or disorder, a nerve disorder or, most commonly just develop with aging. Regardless of the cause, it can obstruct vision when severe and create a tired or aged appearance. Your surgeon will tighten or repair the muscle to bring the eyelid back to its normal position.