Evaluation of Ptosis
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Ptosis (from Greek Ptosis or πτ?σις, to “fall”) is a (drooping) of the upper or lower eyelid.
Overview
- The drooping might be worse after being awake longer, when the individual’s muscles are tired.
- This condition is may be called “lazy eye”, but that term normally refers to amblyopia.
- If severe enough and left untreated, the drooping eyelid can cause other conditions, such as amblyopia or astigmatism.
- This is a photograph of a patient with severe bilateral ptosis (ptosis is sometimes referred to as Blepharoptosis. It refers to an eyelid which is droopy. This might cause a loss of vision, especially while reading, headaches, and eyebrow strain.
- When ptosis is asymmetrical (worse on one side) or unilateral, we must consider Hering’s law of equal innervation:
- Hering’s law of equal innervation proposes that conjugacy of saccades is due to innate connections in which the eye muscles responsible for each eye’s movements ar innervated equally.
- This theory is in contrast to the theory proposed by Von Helmholtz (1911) which states that conjugacy is a learned, coordinated response and that the movements of the eyes are individually controlled.
- Thus, if we surgical repair (pull up) one eyelid, the OTHER eyelid might in fact become droopy.
- As you slide the control from the left to the right, you will see the ‘see-saw’ effect of the ptosis as the RIGHT eyelid undergoes simulated elevation, and the left eyelid drops.
Evaluation of patients with moderate (or better levator function) might involve 2.5% phenyelphrine drops to assess the response.
Featured Testimonials
“I visited Idaho Eyelid and Facial Plastic Surgery to address my droopy lids. They were obstructing my peripheral vision so it was a fairly severe case. From the minute I walked in the door through the surgical procedure and follow up, I felt confident that I came to the right place. The staff explained the surgical process and reassured me. Dr. Boerner is a skilled surgeon and did an excellent job. Aside from looking better, I can also see again. And i don’t look like a deer caught in the headlights. Altogether a great experience!”
by Julie F.
