Ptosis

Ptosis is a Greek word that means “downward displacement.” In ophthalmology, it refers to a drooping upper eyelid. The lid may droop only slightly or it may drop enough to partially or completely cover the pupil, restricting or obscuring vision. Ptosis may be inherited. It can affect one or both eyelids, be present at birth, or occur later in life. When an infant is born with moderate ptosis, treatment is necessary to allow normal visual development. If the ptosis is not corrected, a condition called amblyopia, or “lazy eye,” may develop. If untreated, amblyopia can lead to permanent suppression of sight in one eye. Ptosis in both children and adults can be successfully treated with surgery to improve visual function and cosmetic appearance.