There are a number of causes of ptosis. Typically, it develops with ageing, but it is also possible to be born with the condition, to acquire it alongside neuromuscular disease, or for it to develop in contact lens wearers who are regularly touching the eyelid to insert and remove lenses.
The only permanent way to treat eyelid ptosis is with surgery. Before any surgery is carried out, a full ophthalmic examination is performed to check visual function, eye movement, the eyelid condition, and the ocular surface. A full face examination is also performed, where special eyelid measurements are taken, combined with a phenylephrine test to assess the degree and type of ptosis. This helps decide the specific surgery that may be required
Upper eyelid ptosis surgery is used to treat age-related drooping of the eyelids, contact lens-related drooping, or eyelids which have been droopy from early childhood. Occasionally, injection treatments or eye drops can be used to temporarily rectify minor upper eyelid ptosis, but this is not a long-term solution.
The position of the eyelid is fine-tuned, which makes it important that it is carried out with local anaesthetic, and that you are awake throughout to cooperate with the surgeon’s instructions. You should expect the procedure to be slightly uncomfortable during the initial anaesthetic injections and also when the eyelid muscle is actually tightened. The site will be closed with either glue or stitches
You may have to return to vision Scotland for the removal of stitches 7-10 days after your procedure.
