Ptosis is an eye condition where the upper eyelids sag or droop over the eyes. Ptosis can cause either restricted or total blindness depending on the extent to which the eyeballs’ pupils are covered. The condition is fortunately treatable, and most cases of Ptosis will require an eye surgery (https://www.artisanplasticsurgery.sg/procedures/ptosis), depending on the severity for Ptosis correction. Continue reading to learn more about Ptosis and Ptosis correction.

Ptosis can affect both adults and children. The condition can occur in babies where one or both eyelids are affected and the affected children may require careful inspection of the eyelids. Ptosis in children is brought on by undeveloped muscles or nerves that govern the muscles that lift the eyelids upon birth. Ptosis can also develop later in life where the nerves, and muscles that support or lift the eyelids weaken either due to injury or diseases like diabetes, Horner’s syndrome (a rare neurological condition that affects one side of the eye and the area around it) and stroke. Moreover, ptosis develops over time as people age because their muscles, including those around their eyes, weaken and stretch as well. This causes their eyelids to droop.

Aside from the obvious droop if the eyelids in one or both eyes, here are other symptoms observed on people with Ptosis:

• Because Ptosis can affect vision, people suffering from it are looking at objects by tilting their head back or by squinting
• Having frequent eye strains
• Aching eyebrows
• Getting eye fatigue when reading
• Looking tired
• Obstructed vision partially or complete
• Having trouble in keeping eyes open
• Having double vision

Ptosis or the eyelid drooping in itself is not painful but pain (e.g. headache) can come from symptoms like eye strain and eye fatigue.

Ptosis can affect everyone, however those who have the following conditions are more susceptible to developing it:

• Being Male – statistics and studies have shown that males are likely develop Ptosis than females as they age
• Wearing contact lenses or Rubbing eyes frequently – these practices have a tendency to overstretch the muscles, ligaments, and skin around the eyes, eventually causing them to sag or droop
• Having a history of eye surgery – the eyelids may have been overstretched by the instruments or tools used during a previous eye surgery, that could result in sagging or drooping
• Being Old – age, as previously discussed, weakens muscles and skin, making older people more likely to have ptosis than younger people, unless it’s caused by an injury or a sickness.

Diagnosis of Ptosis in Singapore comprises a lot of essential elements of a full eye examination. The diagnosis will involve a careful examination of the eyelids which will include tests like measurement of the eyelid height and strength of the muscles supporting the eyelids. The Marginal reflex distance (MRD) is one important method used to check for Ptosis and its severity. MRD is used to measure the distance between the upper eyelid and the center of the cornea. The data collected from MRD will likewise be used as reference to properly categorize Ptosis: a value of 2 millimeters of droop is considered as Mild Ptosis, a 3 millimeters of droop is Moderate Ptosis and 4 millimeters and up of droop is considered as Severe Ptosis.

The usual scenarios in dealing with Ptosis are as follows:

• If Ptosis does not impair vision and the patient is not bothered by the appearance, the surgeon might advise no treatment at all
• If Ptosis interferes with vision, and causes issues with one’s appearance, or both, Ptosis correction may need to be advised.

For Ptosis correction, the degree of ptosis is a consideration that must be taken into account because each case requires a different methodology or approach. Also, depending on whether ptosis is brought on by an illness or by aging, different treatments are available. Surgery is frequently required to treat ptosis brought on by aging. Other methods like using Ptosis props that are fitted to eyeglasses may also be used to lift the eyelids. In cases of children with Ptosis, Ptosis will not be treated right away but will require regular eye check-ups to monitor if surgery is needed as the children get older.

Ptosis correction in the form of Ptosis surgery is considered as the most effective way in treating Ptosis. The surgical procedure will  involve tightening or strengthening the eyelid muscles and may also include the removal of excess fat and skin that causes the eyelids to droop. The two main techniques for Ptosis surgery are the Suture technique (also known as non-incisional) and the Incision technique. The choice on what technique to use for the surgery will depend mostly on the case of Ptosis a patient suffers from: for Mild Ptosis, Suture technique is suitable while for Moderate and Severe Ptosis, Incision technique is more suitable. The Suture technique is less invasive and will allow the patient less down time. There are no significant incisions made for the Suture technique, only small punctures for sutures to be placed through. The sutures are then tightened to create the desired crease. For the Incision technique, a small incision will be required for Ptosis correction.

Ptosis surgery is done under local anesthesia with sedation – that means the patient is awake but does not feel anything. Also, the patient will be able to go home the same day after the surgery because it is an outpatient treatment. Re-attaching or shortening the muscle that elevates the lid is typically done during ptosis surgery. Sutures are used for this, and they are hidden behind the skin. Because the operation is performed through an incision in the crease of the eyelid, there will be no visible scar after healing. At the same time, any extra skin on the upper eyelid might also be removed. The stitches along the fold of the upper eyelid will be removed after one week. It is typically ideal to perform surgery simultaneously on both eyes if both eyelids have Ptosis.

In Singapore, ptosis surgery might run anywhere from $7,000 to $18,000. This is dependent on the surgeon’s expertise, the cost of the anesthetic, the facility’s fee, and the medication used. Fortunately, Ptosis surgery may be covered by Medisave or Insurance if the Ptosis case (usually measured in its severity) qualifies.

Artisan Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery

Paragon

290 Orchard Road #07-11,

Paragon Medical Suites,

Singapore 238859

https://www.artisanplasticsurgery.sg/

(65) 8129 7887