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Ptosis
Overview | Anatomy
Congenital Overview Acquired Overview
Jaw-wink Acquired Horners
Congenital RX / Treatment Acquired RX / Treatment
Congenital Photographs Acquired Photograph Page 1
Acquired Photograph Page 2
Acquired Photograph Page 3
References | Latest News
Ptosis Acquired Overview
Ptosis | Symptoms | Classifications | Other Causes | Key Features of Levator Dehiscense | Causes of Myogenic Ptosis | Neurologic Conditions Associated with Ptosis

Ptosis can interfere with reading and can lead to head & brow ache from straining to elevate your eyelids.

Photograph of a patient with left upper eyelid ptosis

This is a photograph of a patient with moderate Ptosis ( Ptosis is also known as Blepharoptosis. It refers to an eyelid which is droopy. This may cause a loss of vision, especially while reading, headaches, and eyebrow strain. Please click on the Ptosis page for more details.) of the left eye.

  • Ptosis ( Ptosis is also known as Blepharoptosis. It refers to an eyelid which is droopy. This may cause a loss of vision, especially while reading, headaches, and eyebrow strain. Please click on the Ptosis page for more details.) is the medical term for drooping of the upper eyelid, a condition that may affect one or both eyes. Ptosis ( Ptosis is also known as Blepharoptosis. It refers to an eyelid which is droopy.
  • This may cause a loss of vision, especially while reading, headaches, and eyebrow strain. Please click on the Ptosis page for more details.) may be congenital or acquired. 
  • When the edge of the upper eyelid falls, it may block the upper field of your vision. The normal position of the upper eyelid is midway between superior limbus and the upper pupillary margin
  • In severe cases, it may be necessary to tilt your head back or lift the eyelid with a finger in order to see out from under the drooping eyelid(s). You might also note that your lids have a tired appearance from "drooping eyelids" even though you are well rested.
  • There are a variety of classifications and causes of Ptosis ( Ptosis is also known as Blepharoptosis. It refers to an eyelid which is droopy. This may cause a loss of vision, especially while reading, headaches, and eyebrow strain. Please click on the Ptosis page for more details.), ( and the correct diagnosis is critical for proper treatment.
  • For instance, congenital ptosis  (ptosis present when you are born) is due to an abnormality of the levator muscle which prevents the muscle from contracting and elevating the eyelid.
  • Acquired ptosis ( Ptosis ( Ptosis is also known as Blepharoptosis. It refers to an eyelid which is droopy. This may cause a loss of vision, especially while reading, headaches, and eyebrow strain. Please click on the Ptosis page for more details.) which develops later in life) may be due to one of several causes.
  • It may represent a symptom of a systemic problem e.g. myasthenia gravis, or it might be the normal result of aging.

Cosmetic & Reconstructive Facial Eyelid & Orbital surgery @ Eye Plastics.

  • Other causes of ptosis include trauma, excess upper eyelid skin ( dermatochalasis ), and neurologic abnormality.

Key features of levator dehiscense:

high lid crease

moderate degree of Ptosis ( Ptosis is also known as Blepharoptosis. It refers to an eyelid which is droopy. This may cause a loss of vision, especially while reading, headaches, and eyebrow strain.

good levator function

no lid lag on downgaze

Causes of Myogenic Ptosis :

  • myastehnia gravis
  • muscular dystrophies
  • chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia
  • oculopharyngeal dystrophy
  • congenital maldevelopment of the levator

Neurologic conditions associated with Ptosis :