Ptosis repair

What is ptosis?

Ptosis is the medical term for drooping of the upper eyelid, a condition that may affect one or both eyes. When the edge of the upper eyelid falls, it may block the upper field of your vision. The ptosis may be mild in which the lid partially covers the pupil, or severe – in which the lid completely covers the pupil. Ptosis that is present at birth is called congenital ptosis.

Ptosis should not be confused with extra skin, fat or muscle of the eyelid, which are typically addressed with blepharoplasty surgery. When ptosis can be shown to reduce peripheral vision significantly, its correction may be covered by your insurance. If the degree of ptosis is not as severe, it may be corrected as a cosmetic procedure.

What causes ptosis?

As we age, the tendon that attaches the levator muscle to the eyelid stretches and the eyelid falls, covering part of the eye. It is not uncommon for a patient to develop upper eyelid ptosis after cataract surgery. In most cases, however, this may improve with observation.

Ptosis can also be caused by injury to the oculomotor nerve (the nerve that stimulates the levator muscle), or the tendon connecting the levator muscle to the eyelid.

How is ptosis treated?

The main goals of ptosis surgery are elevation of the upper eyelid to allow normal visual development and an improved field of vision, as well as improved symmetry between the two upper eyelids. It is important to realize that when operating on an abnormal muscle, completely normal eyelid position and function after surgery may not be possible to achieve.

Ptosis surgery is an outpatient procedure involving tightening of the muscle that lifts the eyelid. The surgical approach taken at OCLI depends on specific findings and testing performed during the preoperative evaluation. In many cases the excess skin or fat may be removed by performing a blepharoplasty at the same time. Your OCLI oculoplastic surgeon will discuss your treatment options fully and will perform all the proper testing to determine whether your ptosis is deemed medically necessary and will be covered by insurance.

Oculoplastics providers

Brett J. Karlik, MD Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
Laura Tiedemann, MD Cosmetic & Reconstructive Oculoplastic Surgeon
Daniel Garibaldi, MD, FACS Cosmetic & Reconstructive Oculoplastic Surgeon
Marc S. Werner, MD Ophthalmologist
Peter J. Wong, MD Cosmetic & Reconstructive Oculoplastic Surgeon
Michael J. Richard, MD Ophthalmic Plastic, Reconstructive, and Cosmetic Surgery
Richard L. Deluca, MD Comprehensive Ophthalmologist, Laser Cataract and Refractive Surgeon
Jurij R. Bilyk, MD Cosmetic & Reconstructive Oculoplastic Surgeon
Frank G. Baloh, MD Cosmetic & Reconstructive Oculoplastic Surgeon

Hear what our patients are saying.

Great office, great doctor. Every employee was very friendly and knowledgeable.

Carolina Monteiro
Since you arrived you will be attended by great staff. They do a complete eye exam. They are very careful with the cleaning of every machine before you use it. You don’t have to wait too long in order to see the doctor who by the way is very clear to explain your condition. He is very professional and polite. I will highly recommend this place. Let me know if you have any questions or need anything else.

Laura Rodriguez
The entire staff is cordial and competent. Appropriate questions are asked and answered. One can feel very confident in the treatment offered.

Merle Price
The staff are very professional and thorough. I have confidence in the doctors.

Alyssa Rebhun
By far, the best group of Drs. in the industry. I have seen 3 of their Drs. and they were all above and beyond!! If you have any eye issues they will greatly help you with their great knowledge and compassion!! Would recommend OCLI over and over again!!

Lainey Ruocco
The whole process was easy from setting up the appointment to checking in to the exam. Great front office staff, technicians, and doctors!

Teresa Lamsam

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Ptosis repair

What is ptosis?

What causes ptosis?

How is ptosis treated?

Oculoplastics locations

Oculoplastics providers

Hear what our patients are saying.

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