Summary about Disease
Ptosis, also known as blepharoptosis or drooping eyelid, is a condition where the upper eyelid sags or droops. The drooping can range from mild, where the lid only slightly covers the upper part of the pupil, to severe, where it completely blocks the pupil and impairs vision. Ptosis can affect one or both eyes.
Symptoms
Drooping of one or both upper eyelids.
Difficulty keeping the eyes open.
Fatigue, especially when reading.
Tilting the head back to see under the eyelids.
Raising the eyebrows to try to lift the eyelids.
Aching around the eyes.
Double vision (in severe cases).
Causes
Congenital: Present at birth due to a problem with the levator muscle (muscle that lifts the eyelid).
Acquired: Develops later in life. Possible causes include:
Aponeurotic: Stretching or weakening of the levator muscle tendon, often due to aging or contact lens wear.
Neurogenic: Nerve damage affecting the muscles that control the eyelid (e.g., from stroke, Horner's syndrome, third nerve palsy, myasthenia gravis).
Myogenic: Muscle disorders affecting the levator muscle (e.g., muscular dystrophy).
Traumatic: Injury to the eyelid or surrounding tissues.
Mechanical: Weight from a tumor or excess skin on the eyelid.
Medicine Used
Ptosis is usually not treated with medication.
For Myasthenia Gravis, medication such as cholinesterase inhibitors may be prescribed to help with symptoms.
In some cases, lubricating eye drops or ointment may be recommended to alleviate dryness if the drooping eyelid interferes with proper tear distribution.
Is Communicable
Ptosis is not communicable. It is not caused by an infection and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
See an eye doctor for a proper diagnosis and to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
If ptosis is affecting vision, avoid activities that require good peripheral vision, such as driving.
If dryness is a problem, use lubricating eye drops as recommended by an eye doctor.
Consider surgical correction if ptosis is significantly impacting vision or quality of life.
How long does an outbreak last?
Ptosis is not an outbreak. If Ptosis is congential it will be present from birth if acquired duration depends on the cause and treatment.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical examination: The doctor will examine the eyelids, measure the degree of drooping, and assess eye movements.
Medical history: The doctor will ask about symptoms, family history, and any underlying medical conditions.
Neurological examination: May be performed to rule out neurological causes.
Tensilon test: In Myasthenia Gravis suspected patients, a test to check for a response to medication.
Imaging tests: In some cases, imaging tests (e.g., MRI, CT scan) may be ordered to evaluate the brain or orbit.
Timeline of Symptoms
Congenital Ptosis: Symptoms are present at birth or shortly thereafter.
Acquired Ptosis: The onset of symptoms depends on the underlying cause.
Age-related: Gradual drooping of the eyelids over time.
Neurological: Sudden onset of drooping, often accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
Traumatic: Drooping occurs immediately after an injury.
Important Considerations
Ptosis in children should be evaluated promptly to prevent amblyopia (lazy eye).
Sudden onset of ptosis, especially if accompanied by other neurological symptoms, requires immediate medical attention.
Surgical correction of ptosis can improve vision and appearance, but it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with an eye surgeon.
If ptosis is caused by an underlying medical condition, treatment of the underlying condition may improve ptosis.