“Eye Care” For You”

Droopy Eyelids (Ptosis)

Dr. J. A. Parker-Herriott
Dr. J. A. Parker-Herriott

Ptosis (pronounced “toe-sis”) refers to the drooping of one or both eyelids. It may be barely noticeable, or the lid can drop over the entire pupil. Ptosis can occur in both children and adults, but happens most often due to aging.

People with ptosis may have difficulty seeing. This depends on how low the eyelid droops. To compensate for this, sometimes tilting the heads back, or raising the eyebrows helps to see.

Ptosis can develop at birth, as part of aging, after an injury, after eye surgeries, or as a result of some medical or neurological conditions (including diabetes).

The best way to determine if you have ptosis is to compare a recent photo of your face to one from 10 or more years ago. Notice if there are any changes in the position of your upper eyelids.

As we get older, it is common for the connective tissue in the eyelid to loosen causing the skin of the eyelids to droop. This is called dermatochalasis.

Children born with moderate or severe ptosis require treatment in order for proper vision to develop. Failure to treat ptosis can result in amblyopia (diminished vision in one eye) and a lifetime of poor vision. All children with ptosis must visit their eye care practitioner yearly so the doctor can monitor lid positioning and potential vision problems caused by congenital ptosis.

Special field of vision tests are required to determine if you have this condition and if surgery is required to correct the position of your eyelids.

Whatever the cause of the ptosis, surgery is the best treatment for droopy eyelids. The surgery is called blepharoplasty. Thanks to modern technology, this procedure has been perfected so well that both eyelids can be raised with barely any noticeable difference in symmetry and very little scarring.

Our office evaluates and provides tests to determine if you have ptosis. In the event surgery is required, we can refer you for blepharoplasty. Savannah is fortunate to have very skillful surgeons who can make sure you get the desired results after surgery.

If you are in need of an eye care provider, I invite you to visit EnVision Eye Care.

321 W. Montgomery Crossroads, Savannah

(near Hunter Golf Course and VA Medical Clinic). For appointments, call (912)

927-0707 and visit us at www.envisionsavannah.com


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