PTOSIS

General Information

DEFINITION--Drooping of the upper eyelid, partially or completely covering the eye.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Upper eyelid; eye.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--Drooping of one or both eyelids, accompanied by poor blinking reflexes. The extent of droop may vary at different times of the day.

CAUSES--

May be present at birth or may accompany other problems, including:

• Paralysis of nerve fibers to the eyelids.
• Myasthenia gravis.
• Muscular dystrophy.
• Diabetes.
• Brain tumor.
• Birth injury.
• Head or eyelid injury.
• Tumor in the upper lobe of a lung.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Adults over 60.
• Family history of ptosis.

HOW TO PREVENT--No specific preventive measures.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Your own observation of symptoms.
• X-rays of various body regions to look for the underlying cause.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment. Some ophthalmologists recommend keeping the lid raised with a support that is part of eyeglasses.
• Surgery to strengthen the muscles of the eyelid (sometimes).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Permanent disfigurement.
• Irritation and infection in the eye caused by poor blinking reflexes and continuous contact between the eyelid and eye surface.
• Visual disturbance.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Sometimes curable if the underlying cause can be corrected by surgery or medication.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Keep the eye moist with non-prescription, artificial tears.
• Wear safety goggles to protect the eye from injury when exposed to dust or flying debris.

MEDICATION--Medicine usually is not necessary for ptosis, but it may be necessary for the underlying disorder.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of ptosis.
• Ptosis worsens or vision is affected.