Ptosis Specialist
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Rand Rodgers, MD
Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon
A drooping eyelid, or ptosis, can restrict or completely block your vision. Rand Rodgers, MD, and his expert team offer surgical treatment for ptosis at their offices in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Great Neck, and New Rochelle, New York. If ptosis is affecting your ability to read, drive, or causing any discomfort, call or book an appointment online today.
Ptosis Q&A
What is ptosis?
Ptosis is a condition that occurs when the upper eyelid droops and covers part of the eye. Most of the time, ptosis affects only one eye. The eyelid may droop only a little, or it can descend so much that it completely covers the pupil. Drooping eyelids can make it difficult, or even impossible, to see.
Who gets ptosis?
Children and adults can get ptosis, but aging, in general, makes you more susceptible to developing this condition. Over time, the muscles that keep your eyelid elevated become thin and weak. Eventually, these muscles may lose the ability to hold the upper eyelids in their proper place. The age-related form of ptosis may affect both eyes.
Sometimes, children are born with ptosis. This condition is called congenital ptosis and it’s often caused by problems with the muscle that lifts the eyelid. In some cases, children born with ptosis may have other eye problems, such as amblyopia (lazy eye).
What causes ptosis?
Aside from congenital birth anomalies and advancing age, several events or conditions can lead to ptosis. Other potential causes of ptosis include:
- Neurological disease
- Paralytic disease
- Previous eye surgery
Injury is another common cause of ptosis. Eye trauma, such as during a car accident or a bad fall, can damage the structures in and around the eye.
How do you diagnose and treat ptosis?
First, Dr. Rodgers performs a comprehensive eye exam and reviews your symptoms and medical history. To determine the exact cause of your ptosis, he may take additional tests, such as a blood test.
Surgery to tighten the eyelid muscles is the most common treatment for ptosis in children and adults. There are many possible approaches to ptosis surgery, so Dr. Rodgers discusses the best options for your unique situation.
Dr. Rodgers is an expert ophthalmic plastic surgeon and can perform surgery as an outpatient procedure at his office, so you don’t need to go to the hospital. He numbs your eye with local anesthesia and elevates the eyelid to match the other eye. This procedure is highly successful and results in minimal scarring.
To learn more about your treatment options for ptosis, call Rand Rodgers, MD, or book an appointment online today.
