Ptosis

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Ptosis, drooping of the eyelid

Drooping eyelids

If an underlying disease is found, the treatment may be specific to that disease. Most cases are associated with aging and no underlying disease will be found.

Surgical correction can be done to improve the appearance of the eyelids in milder cases if the patient desires it. Surgery may be necessary to correct interference with vision in more severe cases. In children with ptosis, surgical correction may be necessary to prevent amblyopia.

The expected outcome depends upon the cause. Surgical repair is usually very successful in restoring appearance and function.

If a drooping eyelid is left uncorrected in a child, it can lead to lazy eye.

Drooping eyelids in children require prompt evaluation by an ophthalmologist.

New or rapidly changing ptosis in adults requires prompt evaluation by an ophthalmologist.

Review Date: 08/08/2006
Reviewed By: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.