Ptosis is defined as drooping of the upper eyelid, partly covering the pupil. It may affect one or both eyes. It is a gradual change that occurs with aging.

Ptosis causes you to look tired and reduces vision. As you look at your eye, a sizable part of your iris (the eye’s colored circle) should be visible above your pupil, and no part of the pupil itself should ever be covered by the eyelid. If you have ptosis, the drooping eyelid narrows your eye’s opening, which makes your affected eye appear smaller than normal.

The surgery to correct ptosis involves tightening the eyelid muscle (levator). The levator muscle’s function is to raise the eyelid and maintain its position. The procedure is done under twilight sedation and involves an incision in the normal crease of the upper eyelid. After surgery, your eyelid will be swollen and you may temporarily experience blurred vision. In addition you may experience some dry eye. You will need to use natural tears to help keep the eye lubricated for a few weeks. Most people go back to work after a few days. If only one eye is treated, there is a chance that you may notice the other eyelid to start to drop. Unfortunately we cannot control this behavior but it can be treated in the same manor. Many patients may decide to have an upper blepharoplasty, to remove the excess eyelid skin at the same time.