Drooping Eyelids (Ptosis)
Correction of upper eyelid drooping to restore a more open and balanced eye appearance
What is Drooping Eyelids (Ptosis)?
Ptosis refers to drooping of the upper eyelid. The eyelid may sit lower than normal and in some cases partially cover the pupil. This can affect the appearance of the eyes and, when more significant, the upper field of vision.
How Does Ptosis Occur?
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Ptosis occurs when the muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid becomes weakened or stretched.
The most common cause is age-related change in levator muscle function, which helps lift the upper eyelid. Over time, this muscle gradually weakens, causing the eyelid to sit lower.
The most common cause is age-related change in levator muscle function, which helps lift the upper eyelid. Over time, this muscle gradually weakens, causing the eyelid to sit lower.
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Ptosis may also occur after long-term contact lens use, or following previous eye or eyelid surgery. In some individuals, ptosis may be present from birth (congenital ptosis). Less commonly, it may be related to neurological or muscular conditions.
How Do I Know If I Have Ptosis?
Individuals with ptosis may notice that their eyes appear tired or heavy, or that one eyelid sits lower than the other.
In more pronounced cases, the drooping eyelid may block the upper field of vision. Some people may subconsciously raise their eyebrows or tilt their head slightly upward in order to see more clearly.
In more pronounced cases, the drooping eyelid may block the upper field of vision. Some people may subconsciously raise their eyebrows or tilt their head slightly upward in order to see more clearly.
Who May Consider This Procedure?
Treatment may be considered when ptosis affects vision, eyelid function, or eyelid symmetry.
A consultation allows careful evaluation of the eyelid, the strength of the eyelid muscles, and the position of the brows. This helps determine whether the drooping is due to ptosis itself, excess eyelid skin, brow descent, or a combination of factors.
Management is planned individually based on the underlying cause and degree of eyelid drooping.
A consultation allows careful evaluation of the eyelid, the strength of the eyelid muscles, and the position of the brows. This helps determine whether the drooping is due to ptosis itself, excess eyelid skin, brow descent, or a combination of factors.
Management is planned individually based on the underlying cause and degree of eyelid drooping.
How is the Surgery Performed?
When appropriate, ptosis can be corrected surgically by tightening or advancing the muscle that lifts the eyelid. This procedure aims to restore a more natural eyelid position while maintaining proper eyelid function.
In some cases, excess upper eyelid skin can be removed during surgery. For certain patients, brow position may also need to be addressed for more balanced results.
Surgical planning takes into account eyelid anatomy, muscle strength, and overall facial balance.
In some cases, excess upper eyelid skin can be removed during surgery. For certain patients, brow position may also need to be addressed for more balanced results.
Surgical planning takes into account eyelid anatomy, muscle strength, and overall facial balance.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the goal of treatment?
The goal is to restore a natural eyelid position and improve the openness of the eyes.
Rather than changing the character of the eyes, the procedure aims to improve eyelid function while enhancing overall balance and symmetry.
Rather than changing the character of the eyes, the procedure aims to improve eyelid function while enhancing overall balance and symmetry.
Can Medisave be used for ptosis surgery?
In Singapore, Medisave may sometimes be used when ptosis surgery is performed for functional reasons, such as when the drooping eyelid significantly affects vision.
Eligibility depends on clinical assessment outcomes and prevailing MOH guidelines.
Eligibility depends on clinical assessment outcomes and prevailing MOH guidelines.
A personalised consultation allows for a detailed assessment of your eyelids and helps determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your condition.