ptosis

eyePtosis, as the name suggests, is a condition in which the eyelids droop, making it difficult to see. The eyelid protects the eyeball, moistens the surface of the eye when blinking, secretes tear components, etc., but it is the muscle tissue around the eyelid that moves the eyelid. For some reason, this function deteriorates, and if the pupil, which is the center of the pupil, is hidden, the field of vision will be blocked and it will be difficult to see. In order to lift the obstructive eyelids with the forehead, deep wrinkles are carved on the forehead, which may cause symptoms such as headaches. In addition, if the eyelids do not rise, the patient will be in a position to raise the chin and try to look up, causing symptoms such as stiff shoulders and neck. Since these are performed unconsciously, it is often the case that unexplained headaches and stiff shoulders are actually caused by ptosis.

Blepharoptosis can be congenital or acquired. Congenital ptosis can be an underdevelopment of the musculature within the eyelids or a problem with the shape of the eye you were born with. Acquired is aponeurotic ptosis, in which the muscle that lifts the eyelid (levator palpebrae superioris muscle) has detached from the eyelid, and eyelid skin that is difficult to see due to the heavy eyelid skin that has been stretched due to aging. There is flaccidity, and a combination of both. If it develops suddenly, it is better to consult a neurologist as soon as possible because a problem with the nerves or brain is suspected.

eyeThere are many different causes of drooping eyelids. If it is congenital, the cause is obvious, but if it is acquired, the person's predisposition, environmental factors, and lifestyle habits are involved in the onset, and the degree of occurrence varies on a case-by-case basis. Aponeurotic ptosis is known to be caused by mechanical irritation to the eyelids. For example, wearing hard contact lenses is famous. In addition, there have been reports of side effects of glaucoma eye drops, such as a history of intraocular surgery or trauma, frequent eye rubbing due to allergies or dry eyes, etc.

For the treatment of ptosis, the first step is to exclude or treat internal diseases, and if the symptoms seem to be fixed, surgical treatment is considered. Surgery can be done on a day trip under local anesthesia unless it is a small child. There are many types of surgery, from surgery that does not cut the skin, to surgery that removes a large amount of skin, and grafting of tendons and artificial materials. The surgical procedure that suits each individual is determined based on the degree of ptosis, excess skin condition, and function of the levator muscle. In severe cases, multiple treatments may be required.

First of all, you will receive counseling to diagnose whether the symptoms you are having trouble with are due to ptosis and whether the ptosis is the target of treatment. If ptosis is diagnosed, a simulation of surgery will be performed. For those who wish to have surgery, blood will be drawn to distinguish systemic diseases that cause ptosis. We will let you know the results of the blood test in about two weeks. If there is no abnormality in blood sampling, we will decide the date of surgery.

If blepharoptosis is diagnosed, surgery is covered by insurance. What is the difference between blepharoptosis surgery covered by insurance and cosmetic surgery performed by cosmetic surgery? That is, while blepharoptosis surgery performed by insurance aims to improve visual function and improve various symptoms caused by ptosis, cosmetic surgery is surgery performed to improve appearance. In blepharoptosis surgery covered by insurance, the appearance is secondary, so we cannot accept orders for the surgical method or double width. Therefore, people who are particular about their appearance may recommend cosmetic surgery.

eyeIn order to be diagnosed with ptosis, it is necessary to meet the diagnostic criteria for ptosis. The distance from the edge of the upper eyelid to the center of the iris (pupil) is called MRD1 (Margin reflex distance), and if it is less than 2 mm, ptosis is diagnosed. In addition, as a criterion for whether or not to undergo surgery, our hospital emphasizes whether symptoms such as difficulty in seeing upwards, headaches, and stiff shoulders are caused by drooping eyelids.