Summary about Disease
Upper eyelid drooping, also known as ptosis, is a condition where the upper eyelid sags, partially or completely covering the pupil. It can affect one or both eyes. The severity can range from barely noticeable to completely obstructing vision. It can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later in life (acquired).
Symptoms
Drooping of one or both upper eyelids.
Difficulty keeping the eyes open.
Fatigue, especially when reading or concentrating.
Tilting the head back or raising the eyebrows to see.
Aching around the eyes.
Dry or watery eyes (in some cases).
Decreased peripheral vision (if the eyelid significantly obstructs the pupil).
Double vision (in some cases).
Causes
Muscle weakness: Weakness of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, which lifts the eyelid.
Nerve problems: Damage to the nerves that control the eyelid muscles (e.g., Horner's syndrome, third nerve palsy).
Aging: Stretching or separation of the levator muscle tendon from the eyelid.
Local eye conditions: Tumors, cysts, or inflammation of the eyelid.
Systemic diseases: Myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophy.
Trauma: Injury to the eye or eyelid.
Congenital ptosis: Present at birth due to underdeveloped levator muscle.
Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections: Drooping can happen as a temporary side effect.
Medicine Used
Myasthenia Gravis: Medications like cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., pyridostigmine) or immunosuppressants.
Inflammation: Topical or oral corticosteroids (under the direction of a physician).
No specific medicine: For ptosis caused by aging or congenital weakness, surgery is often the preferred treatment.
Is Communicable
No, upper eyelid drooping (ptosis) is not a communicable disease. It cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Regular eye exams: To monitor the condition and rule out underlying causes.
Protective eyewear: If vision is impaired, use glasses or contact lenses as prescribed.
Artificial tears: For dry eye symptoms.
Address underlying conditions: If ptosis is related to a systemic disease, manage that condition effectively.
Avoid rubbing eyes: To prevent further irritation or damage.
How long does an outbreak last?
Ptosis is not an "outbreak" disease, and the duration depends on the underlying cause. Congenital ptosis is present from birth. Acquired ptosis can be temporary (e.g., after Botox) or permanent (e.g., due to nerve damage or aging). The duration for the symptoms depend on the causes.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical examination: Assessing eyelid position, muscle strength, and eye movement.
Medical history: Reviewing past illnesses, medications, and family history.
Visual field testing: To check for vision obstruction.
Tensilon test: If myasthenia gravis is suspected.
Imaging studies: CT scan or MRI to rule out tumors or nerve problems.
Slit-lamp examination: Examination of the eye to rule out any eye or eyelid issue.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies based on the cause:
Congenital ptosis: Present at birth or shortly thereafter.
Acquired ptosis due to aging: Gradual onset over months or years.
Ptosis due to nerve damage: Sudden onset, often after injury or illness.
Ptosis due to myasthenia gravis: Fluctuating symptoms that worsen with fatigue.
Ptosis due to Botox: Symptoms appear within days of injection and typically resolve within a few months.
Important Considerations
Children with ptosis: Need prompt evaluation to prevent amblyopia ("lazy eye") and developmental delays.
Sudden onset of ptosis: Requires immediate medical attention to rule out serious underlying conditions like stroke or aneurysm.
Surgical correction: The effectiveness of surgery depends on the cause and severity of ptosis.
Double vision or other neurological symptoms: Require further evaluation to rule out neurological disorders.
Underlying health conditions: Management of underlying health conditions is essential.