Please note: Kliniek het Bolwerk does not carry out this treatment
Ptosis is a medical condition of the eyelid that requires assessment and treatment within regular ophthalmic care. Kliniek het Bolwerk does not diagnose or treat ptosis.
When ptosis is suspected or diagnosed, assessment and any treatment take place at a hospital or specialised eye clinic. For further diagnosis and treatment you will therefore be referred to another healthcare institution that is qualified to provide this.
What is ptosis?
Ptosis is a condition that occurs when the muscles responsible for lifting the upper eyelid (the levator muscles) are weakened, damaged or paralysed. It can be present from birth (congenital ptosis) or develop later in life (acquired ptosis). The degree of ptosis can vary, and in severe cases it can lead to reduced vision because the eyelid blocks the view.
How does ptosis develop?
Ptosis develops when the levator muscle, which normally lifts the eyelid, does not function properly. This can result from various causes, such as ageing, trauma, neurological conditions or certain medical treatments such as eye surgery. In children, congenital ptosis can occur due to a developmental disorder of the levator muscle. Acquired ptosis in adults is often caused by weakening or stretching of the levator muscle as a result of ageing, but can also be associated with diseases such as diabetes or a stroke.
What are the consequences of ptosis?
Ptosis can have both cosmetic and functional consequences. Cosmetically, the face can look asymmetrical or tired, which can affect a person's self-image. Functionally, severe ptosis can lead to visual limitations because the drooping eyelid obstructs the field of vision. In children in particular, untreated ptosis can lead to amblyopia, also called “lazy eye”, which can affect the development of vision. That is why early diagnosis and treatment are important, especially in children.
Treatment options for ptosis
The treatment of ptosis depends on the cause and severity of the condition. In mild cases treatment may not be necessary, especially if it does not affect vision. In more severe forms, surgery may be necessary to strengthen or shorten the levator muscle so the eyelid can function normally again. In some cases a so-called “frontalis sling” is performed, in which the eyelid muscle is connected to the forehead muscle, so the eyelid can be lifted by the forehead.
The difference between ptosis and other eyelid problems
Ptosis should be distinguished from other conditions that can affect the eyelid, such as dermatochalasis, in which excess skin makes the eyelid droop without the levator muscle being affected. In ptosis, the problem lies specifically in the function of the muscle that lifts the eyelid. Compared with blepharoplasty, which often focuses on removing excess skin and fat for aesthetic purposes, ptosis correction focuses on improving muscle function to bring the eyelid to the right height.
Risks and considerations
Although surgical correction of ptosis is generally effective, there are risks associated with the procedure, such as asymmetry, over- or undercorrection and, in rare cases, reduced eye closure, which can lead to dry eyes. It is important that the procedure is performed by a qualified eye surgeon with experience in ptosis corrections. A thorough evaluation before the operation is essential to determine the most suitable treatment method and to ensure the best results.
Conclusion
Ptosis is a condition that can cause both aesthetic and functional problems, with possible consequences for vision. Depending on the severity, surgical treatment may be necessary to bring the eyelid to the right height and restore visual function. Early diagnosis and treatment are particularly important in children to prevent lasting visual problems.
Would you like to know whether eyelid surgery is suitable for you? Read more about the options on our page about eyelid surgery.
