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 rests 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 the diagram
of the eye, and definitions
of parts of the eye, a description
of the human retina, and definitions
of parts of the retina, and the section of short definitions
of clinical and surgical procedures re. eyes and human visual system.
For further information see also our section of Books
about Ophthalmology. |
 |
This Section
is about
Diseases
and Disorders of the Eyes and Visual System.
To read about other diseases, disorders, or conditions of the eye and
human visual system, use the links on the left-side of this page.
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