Ptosis (Upper Eyelid Drooping)
Ptosis refers to the drooping of the upper eyelid. Normally, the upper eyelid edge should be at the limbus level, or covering the limbus by about 1-2 mm. In ptosis, the upper eyelid edge descends to varying degrees.
Causes:
- Neurogenic Causes: Problems in the nerve that holds the eyelid up.
- Myogenic Causes: Defects in the eyelid muscle (in congenital ptosis, the muscle is underdeveloped).
- Senile Causes: Aging and eye surgeries.
- Mechanical Causes: Factors that add weight to the eyelid (e.g., tumors, hematomas, etc.).
Treatment:
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Levator Resection: This technique is preferred when the function of the eyelid muscle is sufficient.
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Frontal Sling Technique: This technique is used when the eyelid muscle is very weak. It is applied in cases of congenital ptosis, paralysis of the eyelid nerve, or in individuals who have previously undergone eyelid surgery but did not achieve the desired result. The disadvantage of this technique is that the operated eyelid may remain slightly open during blinking.