PROCEDURES
Ptosis
Ptosis is drooping of the upper eyelid associated with a lower position of the eyelid margin. The levator muscle, the muscle that lifts the eyelid may be stretched out or weak. This condition can also be associated with excess shin and fat prolapse around the eyelids. Ptosis is usually progressive over the years but can be congenital or associated with an injury. The eyelid may droop only slightly or it may cover the pupil entirely. In many cases, ptosis can restrict and even block normal vision. Other symptoms include: decreased ability to keep your eyes open, eyestrain, eyebrow fatigue and headache.
Ptosis surgery performed under monitored anesthesia care in the Eye Surgical Center. The surgery requires an incision in the upper eyelid through the natural crease and requires reattachment and strengthening of the levator muscle. Because the levator muscle is weak or abnormal to start with, the degree of tightening needs to be adjusted during the surgery for each eye individually. Although improvement of the lid height is usually achieved, the eyelids may not appear perfectly symmetrical. Excess skin and fat may also be removed. In general, surgery takes approximately one to one and a half hours. Redness and swelling are expected and usually subsides within 1-2 weeks. If a large amount of tightening is required to achieve adequate lid height, the eye may not close fully.
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