Droopy eyelids, otherwise called ptosis, are expected to be a side effect of aging. But they can also occur to anyone, including children, due to several factors. Although droopy eyelids might not need repair, the ptosis Peoria specialists recommend you seek treatment when the condition affects your confidence or interferes with your vision. The condition can gradually develop as you age or can be present at birth. The good news is that there is a way to correct the problem and improve the quality of your life. But you will need a discussion with your doctor about your treatment. Here is a treatment guideline for you.
Get an Expert Diagnosis
When you feel that your droopy eyelids are affecting the quality of your life, you ought to get a diagnosis from an expert as you think about treatment. Your doctor needs to examine your condition and understand the cause. Although ptosis is mainly a result of aging, it can be due to serious health complications. Therefore, your doctor will need to perform a thorough exam to rule out or confirm infections, neurological problems, autoimmune disorders, or other possible illnesses. Your doctor might recommend an eye exam, a slit lamp test, or a tension test.
Consider the Possible Causes of Ptosis
Having some clues about what could have contributed to your droopy eyelids can make it easier to deliberate your treatment decisions with your doctor. Remember that many factors can cause your eyelids to droop, from the natural aging process to underlying medical conditions. Some of the common reasons for ptosis include age, lazy eye, myasthenia gravis, Lyme disease, Horner’s syndrome, stroke, bell palsy, eyelid infections, dehydration due to alcohol and tobacco use, and genetics or congenital malfunctions.
Mange Any Underlying Condition First
When an underlying medical condition is responsible for your droopy eyelids, your doctor will have to recommend a treatment for that condition before thinking about anything to do with your eyelids. You might notice some improvements in your droopy eyelids after the treatment. Your doctor might recommend medications to manage myasthenia gravis if it is behind your condition.
Consider Surgery
Surgery could be an option if your droopy eyelids happened due to aging or are still there even after managing an underlying medical cause. Although many health practitioners do not recommend surgery as the first line of treatment, there are no proven home remedies to relieve ptosis. Therefore, you might have fewer options than asking your doctor about surgery since it is the only proven sure fix to droopy eyelids. It involves your doctor removing excess fat and skin and tightening your eyelid skin. Remember to discuss the steps involved in the procedure and what you can expect from your doctor.
Seek Emergency Medical Attention
Droopy eyelids can sometimes be more than a cosmetic issue. It can indicate something more severe that could call for emergency medical care. If your ptosis is associated with paralysis of the face, vision changes, headaches, eye pain, and nausea or vomiting, it is time to seek immediate medical attention. Do not hesitate to call your doctor.
Now you know what you should do if you have droopy eyelids, significantly limiting your self-confidence and esteem or affecting your vision. You can learn if you can benefit from surgery from the ptosis specialists at Arizona Ocular & Facial Plastic Surgery. You can set up your consultation appointment online.