WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What is ptosis? Ptosis is the drooping of one or both eyelids. It may affect your vision. You may tilt your head back to see underneath the drooping eyelid. You may also try to lift your eyelids by raising your eyebrows.

What causes ptosis?

• Poor development of the levator muscle (muscle that lifts the eyelid) present at birth
  
  
• Weakening or detachment of the levator muscle that occurs with aging, trauma, or eye surgery
  
  
• Conditions that affect the nerves of the eye such as Horner syndrome
  
  
• Conditions that affect the muscles such as myasthenia gravis or muscular dystrophy
  
  
• Swelling caused by a foreign body or tumor that makes the eyelid heavy

How is ptosis diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will examine your eyes, your eyelids, and check your vision. He will ask you when the ptosis occurred and how long you have had it. He will ask about any other symptoms or medical conditions you have. You may need other tests to find the cause of your ptosis.

How is ptosis treated? You may not need any treatment if your ptosis is mild. Treatment for the cause of your ptosis may be needed. If your ptosis is affecting your vision, you may need surgery. Surgery may be done to tighten your levator muscle or to reattach it. If your levator muscle is too weak, your eyelid may be attached to or suspended from the area under your eyebrow. This will allow your forehead muscles to do the work of lifting your eyelid.

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

• Your vision gets worse.
  
  
• You have new symptoms.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.