Ptosis (Drooping Eyelid)
The causes of a drooping upper eyelid and the two most commonly used surgical techniques.
A drooping upper eyelid is called “ptosis”. It can be seen in newborn babies as well as in adults and older people.
Causes of Ptosis
- Problems with the nerve that holds the eyelid up
- Defects in the eyelid muscle (in congenital ptosis this muscle is underdeveloped)
- Ageing and eye surgery
- Mechanical causes (for example tumours of the eyelid)
Treatment of Ptosis
Ptosis is treated surgically. There are various techniques, but the two most commonly used are:
- Levator resection: this technique is preferred when the eyelid muscle functions well enough.
- Frontalis sling technique: used when the eyelid muscle is very weak — in congenital ptosis, in paralysis of the eyelid nerve, and in people who have had ptosis surgery before without correction. Its disadvantage is that the operated side closes less fully when blinking.
How Levator Resection Is Performed (Strengthening and Shortening the Eyelid Muscle)
- The upper eyelid is numbed with an injection.
- An incision is made along the upper lid crease.
- The eyelid muscle is reached and shortened.
- The incision is closed with stitches and the operation is complete.
At a glance
Levator Resection at a Glance
- Anaesthesia
- An anaesthetic injection in the eyelids
- Duration
- 20 minutes per lid
- Bandage
- The eye is bandaged.
- After surgery
- The bandage is removed the next day. Keep water off the eyelid for a week. There is swelling and bruising of the eyelid, which lasts 5–7 days.
- Stitches
- Removed after 5 days.
- Return to work
- You can go back to work after the stitches are removed.
- Check-ups
- The day after surgery, after 5 days and after 1 month
- Eye drops and ointment
- Antibiotic ointment on the eyelids for 1 week, antibiotic eye drops for 1 week
How the Frontalis Sling Is Performed (Suspending the Eyelid from the Forehead Muscle)
- The eyelid and forehead are numbed with an injection. General anaesthesia is used for children.
- A silicone band is passed through the inner part of the eyelid and the upper lid is lifted. (Materials other than silicone can also be used.)
- The silicone band is stitched beneath the skin of the forehead and the operation is complete.
At a glance
Frontalis Sling at a Glance
- Anaesthesia
- An anaesthetic injection in the eyelids and forehead; general anaesthesia for children
- Duration
- 15 minutes per lid
- Bandage
- The eye is bandaged. The bandage is removed the next day.
- After surgery
- Swelling and bruising of the lids, lasting 5 days. Keep water off the eyelid for a week.
- Stitches
- Removed after 5 days.
- Return to work
- You can go back to work after the stitches are removed.
- Check-ups
- The day after surgery, after 5 days and after 1 month
- Eye drops and ointment
- Antibiotic ointment on the eyelids for 1 week, antibiotic eye drops for 1 week
Have your eyes assessed
Send your prescription history, previous eye reports and any corneal imaging for an individual assessment — in person in İstanbul or over video.
With every surgical or interventional procedure, results vary from person to person. Please obtain a detailed opinion from your doctor before any procedure.
This article is for general information only and does not replace a medical examination or personalised medical advice.