What is myoclonic ptosis and how is it treated?

Because the eyes are the windows to our soul, keeping them healthy and in optimal condition is essential. However, many people face issues such as eyelid muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, and sagging skin around the eyes. These problems can severely affect a person’s confidence and daily life. In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, treatment options for eyelid muscle weakness, and everything you need to know about The Vogue Clinic Chonburi.

What is ptosis?

Eyelid muscle weakness is a condition where the eyelid muscles do not function fully. It occurs due to the stretching of the eyelid muscles, making them weak and unable to support the eyelid properly. This causes the upper eyelid to droop more than usual, partially covering the pupil and resulting in incomplete visibility of the iris. The condition involves the coordinated function of three parts: the eyelid, the nerves, and the eyelid muscles. As a result, the eyes may appear sleepy or tired all the time, making them look dull, uninterested, or lethargic. This can negatively affect one’s appearance and personality, often making the face look older than its actual age.

Causes of weak eye muscles

There are several causes of eyelid muscle weakness, ranging from genetics to lifestyle choices. Some main causes include aging, poor nutrition, smoking, lack of sleep, and allergies. Age-related muscle weakness is the most common factor, as the muscles around the eyes lose elasticity and firmness. Allergic reactions can cause swelling and puffiness around the eyes, which weakens the muscle tissue.

1. Congenital ptosis (weak eyelid muscles present from birth)

Congenital ptosis is a condition where the eyelid droops from childhood, affecting either one eye or both. It may result from abnormal function of the muscles responsible for opening the eyelid, leading to reduced vision, which can cause astigmatism or lazy eye if left untreated.

2. التقدم في العمر

Age-related ptosis occurs when the eyelid skin structure sags and the eyelid muscles lose elasticity due to prolonged use. The strength of the eyelid and the muscles that lift it decrease, reducing the ability to raise the eyelid. This leads to drooping eyelids covering the pupil more than normal, causing vision problems. As a result, people often develop habits like raising their eyebrows and forehead wrinkles.

3. Nerve dysfunction affecting the muscles that control the eyelids

The eyelid drooping may vary at different times, often improving after resting or in the morning upon waking. This type of ptosis (muscle weakness) should not be treated with eyelid muscle surgery. When doctors suspect this condition, further examinations are conducted to diagnose it accurately, and treatment follows the appropriate guidelines. It is a condition that currently cannot be completely cured.

4. Accidents or complications from faulty double eyelid surgery

Brain injuries affecting the nerves that control the eye muscles, trauma to the eyelid area, or surgeries performed by inexperienced doctors can all lead to ptosis (eyelid muscle weakness) later on.

Symptoms of weak eye muscles

Symptoms of eyelid muscle weakness can be easily identified and include drooping eyelids, sagging skin, under-eye bags, and persistent fatigue. Some individuals may experience blurred vision, difficulty closing their eyes, and excessive tearing. These problems can significantly disrupt daily life and negatively impact confidence and self-esteem.

Is it dangerous to leave weak eye muscles untreated?

Leaving ptosis untreated—whether it is dangerous or not—depends on the severity of the condition and each individual’s lifestyle. The Vogue Clinic categorizes it into 3 points:

1. Impact on personal appearance:

People with ptosis often have droopy eyes that look tired or sleepy all the time, uneven eyelids, and lack brightness. This usually affects their appearance and leads to reduced confidence in daily life.

2. Health problems:

People with ptosis often have drooping eyelids that cover the pupils, causing them to raise their eyebrows to see clearly. This can lead to forehead pain and tension.

People with ptosis often experience vision problems, with reduced and narrowed visual fields because the drooping eyelids block their line of sight.

3. Problems affecting appearance

Symptoms of ptosis that affect appearance and cause permanent wrinkles include the upper eyelid covering the pupil, requiring the person to raise their eyebrows to see clearly. This not only leads to wrinkles on the forehead, making makeup application difficult and time-consuming, but also gives an older or aged appearance.

Treatment options for ptosis (droopy eyelid) include:

Nowadays, there are various treatment options available to restore the condition of droopy eyelids and help individuals regain a youthful and refreshed appearance. Some of these treatments include:

1. Medication Treatment

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a type of muscle weakness that can affect the eyelid muscles, causing droopy eyelids and difficulty opening the eyes. This condition should not be treated with eyelid muscle surgery. Instead, it is treated with medication. When visiting a doctor for treatment, further examinations will be performed to diagnose and provide the appropriate treatment plan.

2. Surgical Treatment

Surgery to treat ptosis involves adjusting the strength of the eyelid lifting muscle. Eyelid muscle surgery can help the eyes open wider. However, this type of surgery requires a specialized ophthalmologist to achieve the best treatment outcomes. Most experts will perform a thorough diagnosis to select the most appropriate method tailored to each individual’s condition.

Surgical treatment review

Preparation before surgery to correct ptosis (droopy eyelid muscle weakness)

• Refrain from taking all kinds of supplements for 2 weeks.
• Avoid using double eyelid tape for at least 1 week.
• Stop wearing contact lenses 3 weeks before surgery and continue to avoid them for 3 weeks after surgery.
• If you have a cough or constipation, please inform the clinic about 3 days in advance.
• Inform the doctor in advance about any underlying medical conditions, drug allergies, and any history of previous eye surgeries.
• Avoid all types of other cosmetic surgeries or eyebrow tattoos that have not yet healed for about 1 month before the procedure.
• Bring your ID card on the day of surgery.

Postoperative care after ptosis surgery (droopy eyelid muscle correction):

• Cold compresses help reduce swelling and speed up recovery.
• Apply a cold compress immediately after surgery for 72 continuous hours.
• Sleep with your head elevated for at least 2 weeks.
• During the day, gently blot sweat and excess oil from the face to keep the wound dry and clean.
• Avoid wearing contact lenses for at least 2–4 weeks.
• Keep the wound dry and avoid water contact for 7 days or until stitches are removed.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes during the first 2–4 weeks.
• Clean the wound twice daily, in the morning and evening.
• Avoid wearing makeup; if necessary, avoid eye makeup.
• Take all prescribed medications and attend all follow-up appointments.
• Avoid strenuous activities during the first week.
• Avoid certain foods such as fermented foods, processed foods, seafood, sweets, and alcoholic beverages.

Summary:

Ptosis is a common condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender.
There are several treatment options available to correct this condition and help restore a more youthful and attractive appearance.
في عيادة ذا فوغ شنبوري, we offer specialized care and solutions tailored to each individual.

Everyone can receive personalized consultation and treatment, with care provided by experienced specialists.
Time, attention, and expertise are at the heart of our clinic’s philosophy.
So, for anyone seeking care for ptosis, عيادة ذا فوغ شنبوري is here and ready to help.