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Ptosis (pronounced “tō-sis”) is the medical term for drooping of
the upper eyelid(s). This lowering of the upper eyelid margin
may cause a reduction in the field of vision when the eyelid
either partially or completely obstructs the pupil. Patients
with ptosis often have difficulty keeping their eyelids open. To
compensate, they will often arch their eyebrows in an effort to
raise the drooping eyelids. In severe cases, people with ptosis
may need to lift their eyelids with their fingers in order to
see.
What Causes Ptosis?
There are many causes of ptosis including muscular or neurologic
disease, trauma, or simply the natural aging process. As we age,
the tendon that attaches the levator muscle to the eyelid could
stretch and cause the eyelid to fall. The levator muscle is the
major muscle responsible for elevating the upper eyelid. Ptosis
may also occur following routine lasik or cataract surgery.
Can ptosis be corrected? Ptosis can be corrected surgically and usually involves
tightening the levator muscle to elevate the eyelid. In severe
ptosis, when the levator muscle is extremely weak, a “sling”
operation may be performed, enabling the forehead muscles to
elevate the eyelid(s). The goal is to elevate the eyelid to
permit a full field of vision and to achieve symmetry with the
opposite upper eyelid.
Who Should
Perform Ptosis Surgery?
When choosing a surgeon to perform ptosis surgery, look for an
ophthalmic plastic reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon who
specializes in the eyelids, orbit, and tear drain system. It’s
also important that he or she has completed an American Society
of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS)
fellowship. This indicates your surgeon is not only a board
certified ophthalmologist who knows the anatomy and structure of
the eyelids and orbit and all surrounding areas, but also has
had extensive training in ophthalmic plastic reconstructive and
cosmetic surgery. Dr. Shorr is Director of the Fellowship in
Ophthalmic Plastic Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery at the
Jules Stein Eye Institute, UCLA School of Medicine. He and his
associates are board certified ophthalmologists as well as
ophthalmic plastic reconstructive and cosmetic surgeons who have
completed an ASOPRS fellowship.
Dr. Norman Shorr is an early pioneer and innovator of many
cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid, eyebrow, forehead and
midface procedures performed today worldwide. He and our
surgeons continue to innovate and contribute to the specialty of
cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgery.
Call today to
schedule your personal consultation!
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