Ptosis: What To Do About Drooping Eyelids
One of the challenges of growing old is facing the migration of your face downward. You can use different methods to regain a more youthful face, such as having a facelift or various fillers injected to make your skin tighter. But most of these procedures are considered cosmetic only, so you will have to dig into your savings to pay for them. However, if you have droopy eyelids, your vision may be impacted and surgery may be medically necessary. If you have this problem, you should consult an eye professional.
Ptosis
If you have "pathological eyelid drooping," then you have a form of ptosis. If one eyelid droops, you have unilateral ptosis, but if both eyelids droop, you have bilateral ptosis. For many people, their droopy eyelids stem from natural causes. As you age, the muscle that opens your eye can stretch and make your eyelid drop over much of your eyeball. You may also experience trauma to an eye caused by an injury or surgery that can cause this issue. Certain neurological and congenital reasons can also affect your eyelid.
This condition is distressing for several reasons. Obviously, drooping eyelids affect your appearance, which can make you self-conscious and insecure. Perhaps more seriously, ptosis can keep you from seeing clearly. Once the eyelid begins to block the pupil, your vision suffers and you need medical intervention.
Solution
Usually, the only way to correct a drooping eyelid is through a surgical procedure that tightens the eyelid muscle. The surgery is considered minor and is an outpatient procedure. In some instances, extra fat and skin will also be removed from the eye, giving your face a more youthful appearance while also giving you a clearer field of vision.
Usually, your insurance company will not pay for cosmetic procedures, so if you just want your eyes to look more open, you will have to pay out-of-pocket. However, if your optometrist says the procedure is necessary to correct your vision, it should fall under the regular benefits of your insurance. Before you undergo this surgery, check with your carrier to make sure all aspects of it are covered.
Drooping eyelids are often more than an annoyance. They can seriously impede your vision, making it dangerous to drive and difficult to carry out basic tasks. If you are having this problem, make an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist, such as those at Coastal Eye Group PC, for an exam. They can advise if surgery is the best option for you. As a bonus, you may get a fresher, more youthful looking face.