Ptosis

What is Botox?

Botox, or botulinum toxin, is an injectable treatment that is primarily targeted to treat wrinkles, fine lines and creases on the face. It can also be used as a non-permanent facial contouring treatment to slim down your profile. Botox is more widely known as an effective anti-aging product for improving the appearance of your skin. Botox is able to treat signs of advanced aging as it promotes collagen production and skin elasticity. In Singapore, Botox is used to temporarily give patients a younger and tighter look.

What is Ptosis?

Ptosis, or droopy eye, is a benign condition where one or two of the upper eyelids begin to droop over the eyes. It is due to the narrowing of the area between the open eyelids (vertical palpebral fissure). Ptosis can occur as the patient gets older or because of genetics where ptosis could be present from a young age (congenital ptosis).

Ptosis is a developmental condition that is relatively harmless and can be corrected through surgery. Patients with ptosis typically undergo surgical corrections for cosmetic reasons. This is because ptosis can affect your appearance and make you look sleepy or ill. In more serious cases, ptosis will start to affect your sight as one or both of the droopy eyelids partially or completely obscures your vision.

What are the common causes of Ptosis?

Ptosis is a common disorder that can be left untreated depending on

the severity of the individual’s condition. It is typically caused by the weakening of

the muscle that helps to control eyelid movement (levator muscle).

Some causes of ptosis may include:

Aging
Genetics
Diabetes
Loosening of skin
Excessive rubbing of eyes
Weakening of eyelid muscles
Nerve damage
Swelling of eyelid due to a sty (red and painful lump near eye area)
Horner’s syndrome

What are some symptoms of Ptosis?

You may be suffering from ptosis if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

Eyelids do not line up with each other
Worsening of eyesight
Eyelids drooping over the pupil of the eye
Frequent squinting
Double vision
Headaches due to eye fatigue
Dry and/or watery eyes
Difficulty when closing the eyes

Is Ptosis painful?

Ptosis does not cause any pain as it is a developmental eye disorder that typically affects your sight. It does not cause any kind of discomfort apart from headaches due to straining the eyes to see. You may also experience dry or watery eyes due to the irritation. While not painful, ptosis can cause visual impairments such as double vision. You may also experience a gradual worsening of your eyesight as the eyelids continue to droop over the eye and cover the pupils.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is at risk of suffering from ptosis?

Ptosis is more common in men than in women. It may present itself in patients who are older and those who have a history of ptosis in the family. Ptosis can also occur due to rare conditions such as Horner’s syndrome which begins with nerve damage that affects the face and eye on one side of the body.

How is ptosis diagnosed?

Ptosis is typically diagnosed through a physical eye examination. You can visit a doctor in Singapore to help examine your symptoms and refer you to a surgeon should you wish to have your ptosis corrected. He or she will also evaluate your medical history to potentially determine the cause of your ptosis. A medical examination may include imaging tests to see if there is an underlying medical condition that is affecting your eyelid area.

What are some treatment options for ptosis?

Ptosis is typically treated in Singapore through droopy eyelid surgery. This procedure is an outpatient surgery that involves administering local anaesthesia to the eyelid area and some mild sedation prior to the procedure. The surgery typically has a 95% success rate as the muscle that helps to control eyelid movement (levator muscle) is tightened or strengthened during surgery to help to raise the eyelid. The eyelid may also be attached to other muscles to support the eyelid and improve the patient’s vision.

The eyelid area will likely feel sore and you may experience bruising for the first week or so after ptosis surgery. As with any plastic surgery procedure, ptosis repair will come with some downtime. Ptosis surgery is a minimally-invasive procedure and patients will be advised to avoid strenuous activity until your symptoms have improved or your doctor has removed the stitches above the eyelid fold.

However, patients will see an immediate improvement in their vision and appearance after the wounds have healed from the surgery. This process can take up to 3 months and the surgical scar will remain within the crease of the eyelid, making it difficult to detect.

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