Ptosis Correction Surgery is a surgical procedure done to correct the ptosis condition (dropping of the upper eyelid). In this procedure, the muscles that lift the upper eyelid are tightened.
The ptosis correction surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure generally takes about 45 to 90 minutes to complete. The procedure helps improve the vision and functioning of the eyelid.
Surgery Name |
Ptosis Correction Surgery |
Diseases Treated |
Ptosis |
Benefits of the Surgery |
Improves vision, Improves functioning of the eyelid, Younger look, Boosts confidence |
Treated by |
Ophthalmologist |
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Ptosis Surgery Cost here.
What is Ptosis Correction Surgery?
Ptosis Correction surgery is a surgical procedure done to correct the ptosis condition (dropping of the upper eyelid). Ptosis is caused by weakness in the muscle that controls the raising of the eyelid. It might be difficult to raise the eyelid and fully open the eye, which gives a tired appearance and may obstruct vision.
Anatomy and Physiology of the Eyelid
Eyelids are movable tissues primarily of skin and muscles that shield and protect the eyeball from mechanical damage and help to provide moisture essential for the normal functioning of the conjunctiva (a mucous membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the visible portion) and cornea (the transparent part of the eyeball that covers the iris and the pupil).
Each eyelid contains:
- A fibrous plate called a tarsus, which gives it the structure and the shape
- Muscles which move the eyelid
- Meibomian (or tarsal) glands secrete lubricating fluids.
The lids are covered with skin, lined with mucous membrane, and bordered with a fringe of hairs, the eyelashes. The movement of the lids occurs through the action of a circular lid-closing muscle the orbicularis oculi, and of the lid-raising muscle, the levator of the upper lid. Impulses for closing and opening of the eyelids come from the facial nerves and oculomotor nerve, respectively. The lid borders are always lubricated with an oily secretion called sebum.
Conditions treated with Ptosis Correction Surgery
Ptosis can occur in all age groups and result from various factors. Ptosis correction surgery is conducted to tighten the muscles that lift the upper eyelid. This surgery can help get rid of various types of ptosis conditions including:
- Aponeurotic ptosis
- Neurogenic ptosis
- Myogenic ptosis
- Mechanical ptosis
- Traumatic ptosis
Who needs Ptosis Correction Surgery?
Individuals suffering from the following issues need ptosis correction surgery:
- Obstruction in vision and loss of peripheral field of vision due to ptosis.
- Heaviness in the eyelids.
- Cosmetic issues such as ptosis give a tired-looking appearance
Know more about Ptosis Surgery
What to expect before and on the day of Ptosis Correction Surgery?
Before the patient undergoes the ptosis correction procedure, the doctor/ surgeon will discuss and prepare the patient for the surgery. These steps often involve:
Before Ptosis Correction Surgery
Before the surgery, your eye surgeon will:
- Determine the cause, type and severity of the ptosis.
- Do a comprehensive examination of the eyes, such as a visual acuity test (how well the patient can read the smallest letters on a standardised chart), perform a close physical examination of the eyelid, and ask about the patient’s family health history.
- Will measure the marginal reflex distance-1, which is the distance between the corneal light reflex of the pupillary centre and the upper eyelid’s margin, to know the level of visual obstruction and amount of droop/sag.
- Ask the patient about the goals for the surgery and will explain the complications of the surgery as well.
- Will take the patient’s pre-operative photographs for comparison.
A few days before the surgery, the patient will meet the anesthesiologist for the following:
- The medical history of the patient (including anaesthesia history) will be checked, and the results of the investigations recommended by the doctor will be reviewed.
- For ptosis correction surgery, local anaesthesia will be preferred.
- Medical history and physical examination will determine if the patient is fit for anaesthesia.
- The patient will be instructed whether he/she can take any oral medicine.
- The patient will be advised not to eat and drink before the surgery.
On the day of Ptosis Correction Surgery
On the day of the surgery, the healthcare staff will take the patient to the pre-operative room, where he/she can expect the following:
- Consent formalities
- The healthcare staff will note the following information:
- The time of the patient’s last meal and fluids
- Medical history, current symptoms and allergies
- Vital signs like body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate
- The healthcare staff will trim the hair on the surgical site if needed.
- They will place a soft, thin tube called an intravenous line into a vein in the hand or arm so that medicines can be given directly into the blood vessel.
What to expect after the Ptosis Correction Surgery?
A patient who has undergone tympanostomy can expect the following after the surgery:
The recovery process at the hospital
After the surgery, the patient will be moved from the operating room to the recovery room (also called the post-operative room), where:
- The healthcare staff will closely monitor the patient’s condition for a few hours.
- The patient will receive painkillers and antibiotics for post-surgical pain and prevent any infection.
- If the patient has had outpatient surgery, he/she will be sent home on the same day after you are stable on monitoring.
- The surgeon will cover the eyelids and eyes with ointment and a bandage.
- The care team will guide the patient to take over-the-counter pain medication.
- The surgeon will recommend lubrication eye drops or antibiotics to lower the itching and burning.
- If the patient has had outpatient surgery, he/she will be sent home on the same day after you are stable on monitoring.
Recovery process/expectation after hospital discharge
- Instructions provided by the doctor must be followed at home.
- The patient can place a cold pack wrapped in a towel over the area to lower bruising and swelling.
- As much as possible, keep the head lifted for several days.
- The patient should avoid
- Wearing contact lenses for at least two weeks.
- Strenuous activities for almost three weeks.
- Getting the eyelid wet.
- Swimming for four weeks.
- Drinking alcohol and wearing eye makeup for a few weeks.
- Going in the sun.
First follow-up appointment
- The first follow-up will be around 7 to 10 days after the surgery.
- The doctor will evaluate the recovery of the eyelid and also change the dressing done post the surgery.
- The doctor might also change the medication or advise the patient to continue with the previous medication for some more time, depending on the condition and recovery of the surgical area.
- The doctor will also advise the patient for further timely follow-ups as well.
Risks and complications of Ptosis Correction Surgery
Like any other surgery, risks and complications are also associated with ptosis correction surgery. These include:
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Allergic reaction to the material, medicine, or equipment
- Cornea tear/abrasion
- Cosmetic issue
- Over-correction (eyelid raised too high)
- Under-correction (eyelid not raised enough)
- Bleeding in the eye socket
- Contour defects in the eyelid
- Conjunctival prolapse (extreme cut between the levator and conjunctiva that damages the suspensory ligament that holds the lens in its place).
- Suture granuloma (small cluster of inflammatory cells formed at the site of surgery)
- Infection of the surgical site
When is consultation with the doctor needed?
The patient must consult the doctor immediately if he or she notices the following symptoms:
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Vision impairment
- Redness and swelling in the eyelid
- Infection in the eye
Risks of delayed Ptosis Correction Surgery
Generally, ptosis does not have severe consequences if not treated. However, if the ptosis is affecting vision (mostly in the case of children), then it may cause:
- A chin-up position: If the ptosis is severe, the patient may develop a chin-up position to see things correctly. A chin-up position can further affect skills development and may cause neck problems. It also causes contraction of the forehead muscle to lift the upper eyelid.
- Astigmatism: It is a misshaping of the cornea. The pressure on the front of the eye causes refractive error and distortion of vision.
- Amblyopia: It is an abnormal development of vision which results from astigmatism or other refractive errors.
- Deprivation Amblyopia: If the eye is completely covered due to ptosis, light does not enter the eye, so no image will be created. This is known as deprivation amblyopia.