PTOSIS |
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DESCRIPTIONPtosis (pronounced: tosis; the "p" is silent) is drooping of the upper eyelid, partially or completely covering the eye. The upper eyelid, the eye, and the motor and sensory nerves to the eye are involved.
Appropriate health care includes:
Self-care after diagnosis.
Physician's monitoring of general condition and medications. Some ophthal mologists recommend keeping the lid raised with a support that is part of eyeglasses.
Surgery to strengthen the muscles of the eyelid (sometimes).
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Drooping of one or both eyelids, accompanied by poor blinking reflexes. The extent of droop may vary at different times of the day.
CAUSES
May be present at birth or may accompany other problems, including:
Paralysis of nerve fibers to the eyelids.
Myasthenia gravis.
Muscular dystrophy.
Diabetes.
Brain tumor.
Birth injury.
Head or eyelid injury.
Tumor in the upper lobe of a lung.
RISK FACTORS
Family history of ptosis.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCENo specific preventive measures.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
X-rays of various body regions to look for the underlying cause.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Permanent disfigurement.
Irritation and infection in the child's eye caused by poor blinking reflexes and continuous contact between the eyelid and eye surface.
Visual disturbance.
PROBABLE OUTCOME
Sometimes curable if the underlying cause can be corrected by surgery or medication.
TREATMENT
HOME CARE
Keep the child's eye moist with non-prescription, artificial tears.
Urge your child to wear safety goggles to protect the eye from injury when exposed to dust or flying debris.
MEDICATION
Medicine usually is not necessary for ptosis, but it may be necessary for the underlying disorder.
See Medications section for information regarding medicines your doctor may prescribe.
ACTIVITY
No restrictions.
DIET & FLUIDS
No special diet.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?Yes. Try to maintain normal activities for your child's age.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Your child has symptoms of ptosis.
The ptosis worsens or the child's vision is affected.
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