Droopy Eyelids (Ocular Plastics)
Overview
There are many reasons someone would need to have ocular plastic procedures done, including a condition called ptosis, or droopy eyelid. Blepharoplasty, or revision of the upper or lower eyelid, is a common procedure performed to treat this condition. The surgery may also be performed to treat a medical condition called ptosis, or drooping eyelid, which is caused by poor muscle tone or nerve damage. Ptosis causes the eyelids to hang very low and block vision.
Warning Signs & Symptoms
Drooping eyelid is caused by weakness of the muscle responsible for raising the eyelid, damage to the nerves that control those muscles or looseness of the skin of the upper eyelids. Symptoms include increased tearing, drooping of one or both eyelids and, in severe cases, an interference in vision.
Treatment/Procedures
Blepharoplasty, or revision of the upper or lower eyelid, is a common procedure performed to treat droopy eyelid.
Prevention
Most cases of droopy eyelid are associated with aging, so there is really no prevention available.
Rehabilitation
After a revision of the upper or lower eyelid, the doctor will cover the patient's eyes and eyelids with ointment and a bandage. The eyelids may feel tight and sore as the numbing medicine wears off but is easily controlled with pain medication. Patients will need to keep their head raised up as much as possible for several days, with cold packs placed over the area to reduce swelling and bruising. Eye drops will reduce burning or itching. Vision should be fine after a couple of days, but patients should not wear contact lenses for at least two weeks. Activities should be kept to a minimum for three to five days, and strenuous activities may resume after three weeks.
