Ptosis

Ptosis means drooping of the eyelid.

Causes -

	From birth-Congenital ptosis
	Aging
	Trauma
	Nerve disease-Diabetes, hypertension, multiple sclerosis
	Muscle disease- Myasthenia gravis.
	Large tumor on the eyelid.

What should be done?

Consult the Ophthalmologist who will assess the problem and treat it according to the cause.

Ptosis from birth (Congenital) requires surgery. Early surgery may prevent a lazy eye in children.

Various Surgical options exist depending on the presentation.

	If levator muscle is the culprit, then its length is decreased, so that the lid is lifted up.
	The fascia from the thigh may be used to lift up both lids.

Most important to remember after surgery, while sleeping the eye should remain closed, otherwise the cornea may become dry.

In case of Diabetes, Hypertension, CTScan may be required, to know the exact cause of the lid drop. It may take some time to recover.

Myasthenia gravis ptosis responds to specific drugs like Mestinon.

Blepharoplasty

My favorite heroine from the 1970s has undergone eyelid surgery "For looking young". Can I get it done? Is it painful?

Cosmetic eyelid surgery is called as Blepharoplasty. It is quite commonly done plastic surgery for eyelids. You can get it done from an Ophthalmologist or a Plastic Surgeon, specializing in Face Surgery.

The eyelid skin becomes lax with aging. This gives the 'Bags' under the eyelids and sagging of skin above the eyelids. This makes the eyes look small, droopy and tired adding to that unwelcome "Aged" look.

Blepharoplasty is done under local anesthesia. The surgeon removes the excess fat and lax skin. You can go home immediately after the procedure. It takes 2-4 weeks for full recovery.

Ptosis (Droopy Eyelid)

Blepharoplasty