Ptosis is the medical word for the drooping and sagging of the skin around the eyeballs, which makes an individual appear older and more exhausted. So, can ptosis affect eyesight?
In more severe situations, ptosis can truly actively develop into a medical issue due to excessive skin drooping, which increases the risk of mistakes and accidents. If the skin droops significantly over the eyes, there is a potential that one’s vision will be entirely obscured until the problem is rectified.
Can Ptosis Affect Eyesight?
If you suspect you have a case of ptosis or would just like to know more about this condition, take a look at this overview of how it can impact your eyesight and your options for ptosis repair.
Ptosis Basics
Ptosis is the scientific term for a variety of fluctuating conditions affecting the area around the eyelid that affect a person’s ability to go about their daily life.
In general, it describes when the skin around the eyes and the area around the eyelids starts to droop and sag to the point where it becomes unsightly, harmful, or uncomfortable from a medical standpoint.
In the grand scheme of medical matters, the good news is that getting rid of this annoying ailment is not too difficult or dangerous. A proficient plastic surgeon is capable of adjusting the skin surrounding the eyes and excising any areas that may be hindering or blocking. The circumstances surrounding each patient will vary based on how their unique case is developing. Talk about the specifics of this with your doctor.
Medical-Grade Ptosis
Ptosis is generally not considered a life-threatening condition, although the aesthetic impacts of the condition, along with the potential for interference in day-to-day living, have the potential to provoke a patient into getting rid of this issue surgically.
Ptosis is considered medical grade if it interferes with your day-to-day life in a significant way and inhibits your ability to perform daily tasks at a normal level. Ultimately, it will be between you and your physician to determine whether or not your own case of ptosis meets these standards.
Assessing Your Own Situation
Since each person’s experience with ptosis is unique, your doctor will probably recommend a plan of action and set of guidelines based on how best to assess your particular needs.
In addition to discussing the specifics of your ptosis, your doctor will ask you a series of questions to ascertain your overall physical health and medical background.
Also, everything is done to give you the best possible care that precisely matches your requirements as a patient. In light of that, it will also help you to express your personal hopes and concerns about the surgical procedure.
Upper Blepharoplasty: A Solution for Ptosis
For ptosis of a medical grade, the most often called for treatment is an upper eyelid surgery, or upper blepharoplasty. During an upper blepharoplasty, your physician will surgically pull up the sagging skin over your eyelids so it doesn’t obstruct your vision anymore. In most cases, a successful upper blepharoplasty should completely resolve your issues with ptosis.
There are many different types of blepharoplasty surgeries. Most often, they distinguish the surgeries of either the upper or lower eyes. Given that both upper and lower blepharoplasty operate on the previously described facial regions, the differences between the two procedures are rather evident.
While upper blepharoplasty treats conditions affecting the top eyelids, lower blepharoplasty tries to address issues with the lower eyelids. Generally speaking, the specifics of your case and the problems you’re attempting to resolve will determine which one you receive. As mentioned above, ptosis almost always calls for an upper blepharoplasty, although a lower one may be complimentary to your overall aesthetic goals.
How Long Will My Results Last?
Because the results of upper eyelid surgery are always defying gravity, they should last for approximately 5-7 years before requiring revision surgery. This should be enough time for you to assess whether or not the surgery was ultimately to your benefit.
If you are of advanced age, you might find that you need to return for revision surgery sooner rather than later. Your physician can inform you whether a revision surgery may prove warranted after your initial results have settled in over time.
Sarasota’s Oculoplastic Expert
Sarasota IDO remains widely regarded as the most trustworthy source for oculoplastic surgery in Sarasota. If you have goals regarding rectifying medical grade ptosis that is obstructing your vision, contact us today in order to schedule a consultation and get the ball rolling.