What is Ptosis Repair

Ptosis is the medical term for drooping of the upper eyelid(s). Ptosis may be mild to severe. For example, with severe ptosis the lid partially or completely covers the pupil, thus blocking one's field of vision. In most cases, ptosis is acquired due to the aging and drooping of the delicate skin around the eyes.

The Operation

Repair is usually completed under general anaesthesia in infants and young children and under local anaesthesia in adults. The Surgeon must make an incision in the drooping eyelid, and carefully advance and tighten the levator muscle, which elevates the upper eyelid. The eyelid is often carefully compared to the opposite eye in terms of lid height in awake patients, however, this is not possible in patients under general anaesthesia (infants and young children). In children with poor levator muscle function, a “levator sling” may be used. This is a more complex procedure in which muscles of the brow or forehead may be used to assist in elevation of the upper eyelid. Once the lid height is secured in the desired location, the eyelid incision is closed with tiny sutures. One or both eyes may need to be treated.