Parpebral ptosis, a drooping of the upper eyelid

What is palpebral ptosis or blepharoptosis and why does it occur?

Palpebral ptosis, commonly known as droopy eyelid, is a drooping of the upper eyelid causing the eye to be more covered than normal. This pathology prevents the patient from opening the eyes normally, causing fatigue at the end of the day and making vision difficult.

In the case of children, ptosis can lead to a lazy eye, as the eye does not receive enough visual stimulation to develop normal vision.

There are several causes for this pathology. The most frequent is due to age, but there are also less frequent causes such as allergic reactions, muscular diseases, neurological diseases and trauma.

Also, there is a possibility of congenital ptosis, from birth, because the muscle fibers have not developed properly and are replaced by fibrous tissue.

Can it be prevented?

No, it is not a pathology that appears due to visual over-exertion or that can be prevented with exercises.

What does the intervention consist of?

Generally, it consists of reinforcing the levator muscle of the eyelid by means of a small shortening of the same. Only in cases of paralytic ptosis should frontalis suspension be used. The different techniques that exist to correct eyelid ptosis are:

– Anterior approach: consists of strengthening the levator muscle through an incision in the natural crease of the eyelid. This incision is the same as the one made for a blepharoplasty, so they can be done at the same time. The scar is not visible.

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– Transconjunctival or Putterman technique: the levator muscle is reinforced transconjunctivally. As no skin incision is made, there is no scar.

– Frontalis Suspension: it is used when the previous techniques do not work. The eyelid is connected to the frontalis muscle, so that the patient opens the eyes by raising the eyebrows by the action of the frontalis muscle.

Can both children and adults undergo surgery?

Yes, but in the case of children, if there is no risk of lazy eye, it is preferable to wait. Otherwise, the operation should be performed immediately.

What care should be followed after the operation?

The first days after the operation it is advisable to apply cold and lubricate the eye with eye drops, as well as the application of an ointment on the scar to reduce bruising. In a maximum of two weeks the patient will be fully recovered.