Can eyelid ptosis be corrected with exercises?

What is Eyelid Ptosis?

Eyelid ptosis is the condition in which the eyelid droops, covering part or all of the eye. When the tissues above the eyelid sag and cover the eye, it is called pseudo-ptosis, whereas when the eyelid itself droops, it is referred to as ptosis.

What Are the Causes of Eyelid Ptosis?

The most common cause of eyelid ptosis is the loosening that occurs over time due to gravity and the stretching of the muscles responsible for lifting the eyelid.

Frequent eye rubbing, contact lens use, recurrent swelling attacks caused by allergies or infections, trauma, past eye and eyelid diseases, and previous eye surgeries can also lead to eyelid ptosis.

Eyelid ptosis can also be congenital, meaning it is present from birth and can be observed immediately after birth. Less commonly, orbital diseases/tumors, brain tumors/vascular and nerve anomalies, hereditary diseases, and neurological disorders can also cause eyelid ptosis.

How Can Eyelid Ptosis Be Treated?

The treatment of eyelid ptosis depends on the examination findings and whether there is an underlying disease. The most common cause of eyelid ptosis is structural problems, and the treatment is surgical. If an underlying condition is present, the treatment focuses on resolving that specific issue.

Can Eyelid Ptosis Be Corrected with Exercises?

Exercises have no role in the treatment of eyelid ptosis. No exercise can prevent or treat eyelid ptosis.

How Is Eyelid Ptosis Surgery Performed?

The surgical technique chosen for eyelid ptosis depends on the examination findings. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, allowing communication with the patient, and the eyelid level adjustment is made during the surgery.

If a technique that does not require a skin incision and is performed from the inside of the eyelid is deemed appropriate, this surgery can be performed under sedation (mild sedative anesthesia) or general anesthesia. In infants and children, eyelid ptosis surgery is performed under general anesthesia, during which a pre-determined amount of muscle shortening is carried out while the patient is asleep. Suspension surgeries can also be performed under either local or general anesthesia.