Eye lid sag: an overview
Drooping eyelids, or ptosis, is a common condition that affects many adults. This article aims to provide an overview of the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for ptosis.
Symptoms of Ptosis
Adults with ptosis may experience a visible sagging of the upper eyelid, which can range from mild to severe. This drooping can lead to impaired vision if the eyelid covers the pupil, potentially blocking or reducing the visual field. Other symptoms include difficulty keeping the eyelid open, leading to eye fatigue, and the need to manually lift the eyelid for clear vision. Additional signs may include excessive eye rubbing and reduced vision when looking upward.
Common Causes of Ptosis
Ptosis in adults can be caused by a variety of factors. The most frequent form, aponeurotic ptosis, is the result of aging-related stretching, dehiscence, or disinsertion of the levator muscle tendon (levator aponeurosis). Other causes include neurogenic conditions such as Horner's syndrome or oculomotor nerve palsy, myogenic ptosis from muscle disease, mechanical ptosis due to eyelid tumors, inflammation, or trauma, and trauma causing damage to eyelid muscles or their nerve supply. Certain drugs at high doses, like opioids and anticonvulsants, can also induce ptosis.
Treatment Options for Ptosis
Treatment for ptosis depends on the severity of the condition and its underlying cause. For moderate to severe cases, surgical correction is the primary and most effective treatment. Common surgeries include levator muscle tightening or frontalis sling procedures to lift the eyelid. Non-surgical approaches such as temporary Botox injections may be used for mild ptosis, though these are generally limited in scope and duration. A recently FDA-approved prescription eye drop, Upneeq®, can temporarily lift low-lying eyelids without surgery.
Home Remedies and Prevention
While home remedies may not be effective for everyone, there are some practices that can help provide relief. Cold compress can help reduce swelling and tighten the skin around the eyes, providing immediate relief. Green tea bags can help reduce inflammation and provide relief for drooping eyelids due to their antioxidant properties. Dehydration can contribute to skin sagging, including drooping eyelids, so it's important to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
If you notice sudden changes in your eyelids or experience vision problems, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional. Treatment options for ptosis can include non-surgical treatments like eyelid exercises or Botox, and surgical options like blepharoplasty.
[1] Rashid, A., & Khalid, M. (2019). Ptosis in adults: An overview. Journal of Ophthalmology, 2019, 2091784. [2] Shorr, R. M., & Kuppermann, B. D. (2016). The management of acquired ptosis in adults. Ophthalmology, 123(3), 465-472. [3] Tang, A. Y., & Chen, C. Y. (2016). Current concepts in the management of acquired ptosis. Journal of Ophthalmology, 2016, 4638907. [4] American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2020). Ptosis. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. [5] Allergan plc. (2020). Upneeq® (oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution) 0.13%. Retrieved from https://www.allergancare.com/products/upneeq
- It is important to note that while green tea can help reduce inflammation, providing relief for drooping eyelids due to its antioxidant properties, it is still crucial to consult a healthcare professional for any medical-conditions related to eye-health, such as ptosis.
- Skin-care routine can help maintain youthful eye-health and prevent aging-related conditions, like ptosis, by keeping the skin around the eyes hydrated and reducing swelling.
- Mental-health is often overlooked in overall health-and-wellness, but it plays a crucial role in maintaining good vision and managing symptoms associated with conditions like ptosis, such as eye fatigue and reduced vision when looking upward.
