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Ptosis Repair


 

Ptosis Repair: Correct Drooping Eyelids


Ptosis is the drooping of the upper eyelid, a condition that may occur in children or adults to varying degrees. Dr. Dustin Heringer and Dr. William McLeish perform surgery for ptosis repair at their Scottsdale, AZ, practice, allowing patients to experience better vision, an enhanced appearance, and a higher quality of life.

What is Ptosis?

Ptosis causes drooping of one or both of the upper eyelids, typically due to a weakened levator muscle. The condition may result from aging, or can be present at birth. The eyelid may droop only slightly, or to such a degree that a patient’s vision becomes impaired. Most individuals with ptosis consider the condition a functional as well as aesthetic issue.

Ptosis repair offers both functional and aesthetic benefits.

Congenital ptosis, which is present at birth, typically results from an underdeveloped levator muscle, and can cause astigmatism and amblyopia (lazy eye). Acquired ptosis has a variety of causes:

  • a mass on the eyelid
  • eye injuries
  • a neurological condition that affects the muscles or nerves around the eyes
  • complications of corrective surgeries to the eye

Ptosis Repair

Dr. Heringer or Dr. McLeish typically perform corrective surgery on adult patients, although the doctor can perform the procedure on children if the condition does not improve by age two or three. The doctor usually performs the surgery on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.

Our practitioners offer the highest quality care for ptosis repair to restore your vision, enhance your appearance, and improve your overall quality of life.

First, the doctor will make an incision in the upper crease of the patient’s eyelid to access the levator muscle. He will then tighten and carefully reattach the muscle to the supporting structure of the lid, the tarsal plate, remaining mindful of the symmetry of the eyelids. Finally, the doctor will use temporary sutures to close the incision.

Ptosis surgery is much more complex than blepharoplasty, which involves the removal of tissue from the eyelid. That is why it is imperative to select a skilled physician to perform this procedure. Dr. Heringer has undergone intensive training to achieve the necessary expertise to successfully perform this surgery.

Post-surgical Care

Patients will need to apply eye drops regularly to lubricate their eyes. They may experience blurry vision at a distance for up to two weeks, and blurry near vision for up to a month. Because of the use of eye drops, reduced blinking, and the temporary inability to maintain regular eye closure, some patients may experience a change in their vision.

Our doctors recommend waiting three to four months before initiating a change in your prescription for glasses or contact lenses, to allow your eyes adequate time to fully heal. Patients should not wear contact lenses for the first two to three weeks following surgery.

Schedule a Consultation

If you or your child are experiencing drooping of one or both eyelids, contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Heringer or Dr. McLeish. Our practitioners offer the highest quality care for ptosis repair to restore your vision, enhance your appearance, and improve your overall quality of life.

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