Blepharoptosis is an eye disorder in which the eyelids droop. More precisely the upper eyelids bend down on the lower ones. Blepharoptosis is not a disease on its own. It is actually a symptom of other serious health disorders such as stroke, brain tumor, or cancer.

It can also be a symptom of a neurological disorder, wherein the nerves or muscles of the eyes are weakened (leading to Blepharoptosis). Blepharoptosis can be temporary, or even permanent.

The patient is likely to suffer vision distortion or loss, depending upon the patient's condition. Blepharoptosis is a temporary problem and does not necessarily require clinical attention and may return to the normal state with time.

What are the symptoms of Blepharoptosis?

The most obvious sign in a person is a drooping eyelid. It can occur at any time, and the drooping is visibly notable. People born with Blepharoptosis will have an uneven shape or wrinkle on their eyelids. However, some symptoms that accompany the droopy eye are:

• Block normal vision.
• Eyes will be either watery or dry.
• Fatigue.
• Stress.
• Migraine.

What are the causes of Blepharoptosis?

Blepharoptosis is not a disease, but a symptom. It is associated with neurological disorders or cancer of the nerves or muscles. The common causes of Blepharoptosis are:

• Weakening of muscles, nerves, or sagging skin of the eyelids.
• Horner's Syndrome (nerve damage in the face and eyes).
• Stroke.
• Lung cancer.
• Diabetes.
• Myasthenia gravis (a neuromuscular disorder that affects muscle movement)

What are the various risks associated with Blepharoptosis?

Some common risks of Blepharoptosis are:

• Amblyopia.
• Disrupted vision.
• Headaches.
• Scars.
• Wrinkle in the eyelids.

What are the different preventions to be taken?

As Blepharoptosis arises due to weakened muscle, there is no prevention in particular. However, one can undertake eye exercise and patch exercise to strengthen the muscle.

How is Blepharoptosis diagnosed?

The doctor might use the following methods to diagnose Blepharoptosis:

• Physical Examination
• Frequency of Eyelid Droop
• Blood Tests
• Sit Lamp Examination
• Vision Chart

How is Blepharoptosis treated?

Blepharoptosis that occurs naturally (at birth or because of age) does not require clinical treatment. The doctor will offer advice for home-based treatment. The patient can opt for cosmetic treatment to correct the appearance of the eyelids.

Surgery

If Blepharoptosis is blocking vision, the doctor will recommend surgical repair. Alternatively, the patient may be required to wear glasses to prop up the affected eyelids. Surgical intervention may be required to strengthen the levator muscles.

Another medical procedure known as the sling procedure (uses the forehead muscles to push the eyelids up) is also available as treatment.