PTOSIS REPAIR SURGERY

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Ptosis is a common condition that can affect the upper eyelid of one or both eyes as a result of aging, a congenital defect, muscle deformity, or neurological disorder. It is most often caused by a weakness or separation of a muscle deep within the eyelid, and is usually easily  repaired by simply reattaching this muscle to the normal connections on the lower aspect of the upper eyelid. This condition can occur in patients of all ages, but is most common in older patients and will likely continue to worsen with age. Children with ptosis should be  examined regularly to check for other vision problems including  amblyopia (“lazy eye”), refractive errors and muscular diseases. Dallas and Plano area patients of Oculoplastic Associates of Texas may seek treatment for droopy eyelids for cosmetic and/or medical purposes.  Severe drooping may obstruct vision as the eyelid gradually droops lower and lower, eventually covering the eye. Other patients are simply bothered by the appearance of their eyelids. In adults, ptosis repair is often done in conjunction with upper eyelid blepharoplasty to remove excess skin. 

A brief surgical procedure (usually about 1 hour in length) can improve the drooping or sagging eyelid. Many young patients with mild to moderate ptosis do not need surgery early in life. Patients who are also suffering from excess skin may choose to combine a blepharoplasty  procedure with ptosis repair.  

Most patients take 5-7 days off of work and other activities to recover after ptosis surgery. The doctor will talk to each patient about post-surgical care instructions, including what can be done to promote healing. The doctor may ask patients to schedule a follow up appointment  for 5 – 7 days after the surgery so the patient’s healing progress can be assessed and the doctor can check for any concerns. 

Children with ptosis should be examined regularly to check for other vision problems including amblyopia (“lazy eye”), refractive errors, and muscular diseases. 

True ptosis (or drooping caused by an issue with the underlying eyelid muscle) is not caused by excess skin or tissue in the eyelid. Excess skin of the eyelid is a condition called dermatochalasis and can also be addressed with separate surgery (blepharoplasty).  

Ptosis is usually a result of aging, but can also develop after eye surgery or an injury. Some children are born with this condition.