Should You Get a Droopy Eyelid Surgery in Singapore?

Understanding Ptosis

Ptosis, also known as droopy eyelid, is a medical condition whereby one’s upper eyelid is sagging, making one look tired all the time. In severe cases, the eyelid may cover the pupil, thus affecting vision. The cause of ptosis can be congenital or acquired. 

Congenital ptosis occurs since birth due to incomplete development of the levator muscle, which is the muscle that lifts the upper eyelid. If congenital ptosis is left uncorrected, the child might develop astigmatism, amblyopia (lazy eye) or chin-up position.

The most common cause of acquired ptosis is ageing. As one ages, the levator muscle weakens and can no longer keep the eyelid lifted. This is when the upper eyelid starts to hang down and cover the eye. 

Other causes of acquired ptosis can be due to trauma, eye injury or disease. Ptosis can be acquired if the levator muscle is injured, leading to the malfunction of the muscle or if the nerves controlling the levator muscle are damaged. Ocular or systemic diseases that can cause acquired ptosis include Horner syndrome, Myasthenia gravis, stroke, tumour or stye. 

It is imperative to identify the underlying cause of acquired ptosis before the oculoplastic surgeon can recommend the appropriate treatment including, ptosis correction surgery (droopy eyelid surgery).