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Aging causes wear and tear on the body's tissues and muscles, causing them to weaken and lose their tenacity. Palpebral ptosis is a condition that appears as a consequence of the dysfunction of the levator palpebrae muscle, which can be total or partial and is usually corrected with surgical treatment. 

En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We explain what palpebral ptosis is, why it occurs and how it is treated. 

palpebral ptosis

What is it?

When we talk about palpebral ptosis we refer to the involuntary and permanent fall or descent of the upper eyelid of the eye. This condition can be total or partial and, depending on this, it may or may not interfere with the campor visual the patient. 

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The types of palpebral ptosis are:

  • Unilateral: Affecting only one eye. If the eyelid covers the pupil May cause amblyopia
  • Bilateral: affects both eyes. 
  • Congenital: present from birth. It is usually caused by a problem in the development of the levator palpebrae muscle. 
  • Aponeurotic: it is caused by the natural aging of tissues. 
  • Neurogenic: It is caused by a lack of nerve stimulation in the levator palpebrae muscle. 
  • Mechanical: when a lump or tumor causes the eyelid to droop.  
  • Myogenic: the levator muscle does not work properly.  

Causes of droopy eyelids 

The Eyelids They fulfill the important function of protecting the ocular structures from injuries and external agents. These layers of mobile tissue are made up of a series of muscles that allow them to move up or down. 

Any fault present in the muscular structure of the eyelids can affect their correct mobility, giving rise to an aesthetic and health problem, such as palpebral ptosis. What can cause droopy eyelid? Let's see: 

  • Neurogenic causes: Horner's syndrome, oculomotor paralysis, synkinesis or migraine ophthalmoplegic, among others. 
  • Alterations of the aponeurosis: aging, postoperative, post-trauma, post-inflammatory or pregnancy. 
  • Myogenic causes: they can be congenital or acquired. 
  • Mechanical: a lot of weight on the eyelid. This can happen in people who have tumors in this area.

Symptom

The symptoms of palpebral ptosis are the following: 

  • The upper eyelid descends partially or totally. 
  • The eyelid can completely cover the pupil of the eye and interfere with the patient's vision. 
  • The patient needs to tilt their head back to see properly. 
  • The patient needs to lift the eyelid with a finger in order to regain vision. 

Treatments for drooping eyelids

Palpebral ptosis is treated through surgery and the ophthalmological specialty in charge of this treatment is the Oculoplasty. The procedure aims to strengthen the levator palpebrae muscle. By lifting it, it is possible to improve the vision and physical appearance of the patient. 

There are various techniques for surgically correct droopy eyelids

  • Anterior route: it is carried out by making a small incision in the eyelid crease. Does not leave scars. 
  • Transconjunctival route: the levator palpebrae muscle is reinforced through the transconjunctival route. It requires no incision and leaves no scars.
  • Frontal suspension: a connection is made between the eyelid and the frontal muscle so that the patient can open the eyes by raising the eyebrows. This technique is considered an option when other procedures have not been successful.

En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We have the best experts in this type of intervention. If you have palpebral ptosis and want to put an end to this problem immediately, do not hesitate to make an appointment with us.

Summary
Eyelid ptosis
Article name
Eyelid ptosis
Description
Palpebral ptosis is a condition that appears as a consequence of the dysfunction of the levator palpebrae muscle, which can be total or partial and is usually corrected with surgical treatment.
Author
Name of the editor
Área Oftalmológica Avanzada
Editor's logo
Synonyms:
Blepharoptosis, drooping eyelid, drooping eyelid
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