Aging and poor lifestyle habits can affect the appearance of your eyes, manifesting as fine lines, wrinkles, and skin sagging. The skin around the eyes is much thinner and delicate. Sometimes, skin sagging can be more than just a sign of aging. Skin sagging, muscle laxity, and fat deposits are signs of ptosis. It is a condition that can impact your vision and daily life. Functional issues can be detrimental, but they can also affect your appearance. Many people are self-conscious about sagging eyelids. It can make you look tired, angry, and much older than you are. You may wonder, what is the main cause of ptosis? We answer this question below and offer treatment to relieve the symptoms of your ptosis.
What Is the Main Cause of Ptosis?
Ptosis is a condition that causes aesthetic and functional issues. It is characterized by the upper eyelid drooping lower than it should. The condition can range from mild to severe. It can also be present in one or both of the eyes. Ptosis surgery is the most effective treatment option to address the issue. It can address both the aesthetic and functional issues the condition causes. Below are the most common causes of ptosis.
Age-Related Ptosis
The most common cause of ptosis in adults is natural aging. The aging process results in the muscle above the eyelid weakening or stretching. The levator muscle is responsible for lifting the eyelid. This results in drooping over the eyelid. Drooping can be exacerbated by excess fat and skin laxity. Eyes that look tired and feel heavy are often a sign of age-related ptosis. People with the condition often report having to raise their eyebrows to see better.
Congenital Ptosis
In some cases, babies are born with congenital ptosis. It often occurs when the levator muscles fail to form properly during development. The condition is often diagnosed early in life. Congenital ptosis requires treatment. Without intervention, it can lead to serious issues that can impact the child’s long-term vision health. This may include a lazy eye or delays in vision development. Children may tilt their heads back or raise their eyebrows to improve their vision.
Neurological Causes
Sometimes, ptosis can be caused by neurological issues, specifically those affecting the oculomotor nerve. The oculomotor nerve controls the muscles of the eye and eyelid. Several neurological conditions can cause ptosis. Third nerve palsy, Horner’s syndrome, and myasthenia gravis can impact the upper eyelid area. If neurological conditions cause ptosis, patients often experience double vision or facial muscle weakness as well. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience this combination of symptoms.
Tumors or Other Growths
While it is rare, tumors and other growths can cause ptosis. Tumors around or inside the eye can put pressure on the muscles and nerves in the eye. If the muscles or nerves that control eyelid movement are impacted, it can result in drooping eyelids. When this is the case, it often only impacts one eye. Common symptoms that may accompany this include swelling, pain, or pupil size differences. Early diagnosis is critical as the tumor or growth could be cancerous. This is rare, but it is important to seek immediate medical treatment.
When to See an Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon
Ptosis may initially seem like a solely cosmetic issue. However, it can cause several other unwanted issues. Ptosis can impact your vision and daily life if left unaddressed. Many patients are unsure when they should seek treatment. Below are common signs you may need ptosis surgery.
Vision Issues
If your upper eyelid impacts your vision, ptosis is more than just an aesthetic issue.
There are several common signs that you have ptosis-related vision issues. These include constantly raising your eyebrows or tilting your head back to see clearly. Treatment from an ophthalmic plastic surgeon is necessary if your daily activities are affected.
Eye Strain
Eye strain or fatigue indicates that it is time to contact an ophthalmic plastic surgeon. Ptosis can cause your eyes to work harder than they should when left untreated. If your eyes feel tired, strained, or you get headaches, your eyelids may be the culprit. Seeing a professional can help you identify the underlying cause of unwanted symptoms.
Sudden Eye Changes
Sudden changes with your vision or the area around your eyes are a cause for concern. If your eyelids start to droop suddenly, it’s important to get them checked out right away, especially if it only impacts one side. Sudden ptosis can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a stroke, tumor, or nerve condition. An ophthalmic surgeon can identify the cause and create a customized treatment plan based on your unique needs.
Unhappy with Appearance
Ptosis is known to impact daily activities, such as driving and reading. However, it can also impact your appearance. Even if ptosis does not impact your daily functions, addressing the aesthetic impact is just as important. Many people feel self-conscious due to the way ptosis impacts their appearance. It can make you look tired, angry, and much older. Ptosis surgery can restore your appearance by lifting the eyelids. Most patients report a significant boost in self-confidence due to the rejuvenated feeling they experience after surgery.
Moving Forward with Ptosis Surgery
If you think ptosis surgery may be right for you, the first step is to schedule a consultation with an ophthalmic plastic surgeon. They will perform an eye exam, check your eyelid movements, and review your medical history. Share your aesthetic and functional goals with the surgeon to ensure a personalized approach. They can use this information to determine if you are a good candidate for surgery.
If ptosis surgery is recommended, the surgeon will explain the procedure, expected results, and recovery timeline. The surgeon will also discuss anesthesia options with you. Preoperative instructions are provided at the consultation, so you know exactly how to prepare.
Top Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon
If you are interested in ptosis surgery, contact the team at InFocus Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation.