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What is ptosis?
What is ptosis?
Ptosis is a condition where the upper eyelid droops lower than normal, partially covering the eye.
It can make the eyes look tired and, in more severe cases, block vision or cause eye strain.
Ptosis may be present from birth or develop later in life due to ageing, muscle weakness, nerve problems, or previous eye surgery, and it can often be corrected with a minor surgical procedure.
What causes ptosis?
What causes ptosis?
Ageing – stretching or weakening of the eyelid lifting muscle over time (most common cause)
Congenital ptosis – present from birth due to poor muscle development
Nerve problems – affecting the nerve that lifts the eyelid (e.g. after stroke or nerve injury)
Muscle conditions – such as myasthenia gravis or other neuromuscular disorders
Previous eye surgery or trauma – which can weaken the eyelid muscle or its attachment
Long-term contact lens use – especially hard lenses, due to repeated eyelid manipulation
Eye or eyelid tumours or swelling – adding weight to the eyelid
What is the treatment for ptosis?
What is the treatment for ptosis?
Observation may be all that is needed if the drooping is mild and not affecting vision.
Treating the underlying condition is important if ptosis is caused by a nerve or muscle disorder.
Ptosis surgery is the most common treatment when the eyelid droop interferes with vision or causes symptoms; it tightens or repositions the eyelid-lifting muscle to raise the eyelid to a more normal position.
Before and after surgery
Before and after surgery
What are the risks associated with ptosis surgery?
What are the risks associated with ptosis surgery?
Ptosis surgery is generally safe, but as with any operation, there are some potential risks:
Dry or irritated eyes, especially in the early healing period
Over- or under-correction, where the eyelid ends up slightly too high or still droopy
Eyelid asymmetry between the two eyes
Difficulty fully closing the eye, usually temporary
Infection, these are uncommon but may require prolonged treatment with systemic antibiotics
Bleeding. Mild bleeding is expected. Heavy bleeding can happen if you have a bleeding disorder.
Need for further surgery, if eyelid position changes during healing
What to expect after surgery?
What to expect after surgery?
After ptosis surgery, most patients recover smoothly, but it’s normal to notice some temporary changes.
Swelling and bruising around the eyelids are common for the first 1–2 weeks
Mild discomfort, tightness, or heaviness of the eyelids may occur and usually settles quickly
Blurred vision or watery eyes can happen temporarily due to ointment or swelling
Eyelid position may change slightly in the first few weeks as healing occurs
Final eyelid height and symmetry position may take 6 - 10 weeks to stabilize.
Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions. These includes :
Use of topical antibiotics and or anti-inflammatory (Chloramphenicrol, Maxidex, Maxitrol)
Do not rub your eyelids
Maintain a good hand hygiene and keep the wounds clean
I have a health insurance cover. Do I qualify for surgery?
I have a health insurance cover. Do I qualify for surgery?
Whether you qualify for surgery depends on your individual health insurance policy, including who your insurance provider is and what level of cover you have. Some policies require specific medical criteria to be met and may involve an excess or access fee.
We recommend contacting your insurance company directly to confirm your eligibility and any out-of-pocket costs before proceeding with surgery.
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