Ptosis (eyelid)

Ptosis (from Greek πτῶσις, case reduction '), also ptosis, called in ophthalmology the full or even partial drooping of one or both upper eyelids ( Blepharoptosis ). The droop or stick out of the lower lid is referred to, however, as ectropion. A ptosis in childhood can lead to amblyopia.

The word ptosis can also refer generally to a medical sinking of organs under the influence of gravity, such as the kidney ( Nephroptosis ) or chest ( Mastoptosis ).

Causes

A ptosis is only a symptom and can have very different causes:

Therapy

After removal of possible primary causes of a surgical correction of the levator is usually performed. It may be possible then the eye during sleep not be completely closed, so you have to prevent drying of the cornea with eye drops.

Pseudoptosis

Under a pseudoptosis refers to disorders of Lidhaltung by relatively too large eyelids. This can also occur through lessening of skin tone in old age. A pseudoptosis can also arise from the deeper level of an eye ( hypotropia ), as well as by a blepharospasm.