Age-related bagging of the upper eyelids involves fat protrusion that results from decreased firmness in the skin and a weakening of the levator muscle situated on the eyelid. Ptosis is also related to the levator muscle, though the cause may be congenital weakness that is not dependent on age. It is believed that congenital ptosis is inherited. It may be evident at birth, or it may develop sometime later in childhood, or even in adulthood. The condition may affect just one eye, or both, as the eyelid itself becomes separated from the muscle that lifts it. The primary concern with ptosis is that, at some point, tissue on the upper lid will impede the field of vision.
Correcting ptosis is necessary and important to quality of life. Individuals who have this condition may find that their eyes become exceedingly fatigued after just a few moments of reading. The eyelids simply do not seem to want to stay open. To see objects, one may have to lift their chin due to the resistance of the eyelids to open.
Ptosis Treatment Improves Quality of Life
We depend on clear vision to keep us safe and to give us a sense of well-being. Ptosis can be corrected with a straightforward surgical procedure that tightens the muscle and ensures its connectedness with the eyelid. If extra fat and skin are present, these may be removed through blepharoplasty during the same surgery.
At Fante Eye & Face Centre, patients receive the highest quality care for their cosmetic and functional concerns. To learn more about corrective surgery for ptosis, call our Denver office at (303) 839-1616.