Ptosis
Ptosis is also known as blepharoptosis, which has the same meaning.
(However, note that when used as a suffix, "-ptosis" denotes a lowered position of tissue, a body part, or organ.)
Ptosis refers to the drooping of the upper eyelid, that is the upper eyelid resting at a lower position than is normal. Either just one eye (unilateral) or both eye (bilateral) may be affected.
Possible causes of ptosis include:
- Disorder of the third cranial nerve, the oculomotor nerve.
In this case ptosis is likely to be accompanied by paralysis of eye movements. - Horner's
Syndrome.
In this case ptosis is likely to be accompanied by a small pupil and absence of sweating on the affected side of the face - Myasthenia Gravis.
In this case ptosis will increase with fatigue (tiredness) and be part of more widespread fatigue. - Congenital.
In this case the ptosis is present from birth. - Disease of the eye muscles.
In this case the ptosis is accompanied by weak or lacking ability to move the eye.
Treatment options include addressing any treatable cause(s).
If appropriate, surgery may be recommended and may involve adjustments to relevant tissues and facial muscles.
More about Ophthalmology:
This section includes short definitions
of many diseases, disorders, and conditions of the eyes and visual system.
For definitions of other terms in this category, choose from the list
to the left (but note that this is not a complete/exhaustive list).
Other related pages include
- A diagram of the eye
- Definitions and descriptions of the parts of the eye
- A concise description of the human retina
- Definitions of parts of the retina
- Clinical and surgical procedures re. eyes and human visual system
For further information see also our pages of books about ophthalmology.
The following books may also be of interest:
