Ptosis Surgery in Singapore

Ptosis, pronounced toe-sis, when the upper lid sits too low. A lower lid that sags away from the eye is a different condition, ectropion.

It can. A low lid blocks the top of your view first, and a heavier droop can cover the pupil. Many people raise their eyebrows or tip their chin up to see, which can leave the forehead aching by the end of the day, and reading can be harder because the lid sits lower when you look down.

Not usually. Ptosis from age comes from a stretched tendon, which does not tighten again by itself, so it tends to stay or slowly worsen. A droop that follows a Botox injection usually settles as the Botox wears off.

Not lastingly, for most adults. Eyelid exercises do not tighten a stretched tendon. Surgery is the lasting treatment; whether it is needed, and when, is decided once the lid and your vision have been measured.

In ptosis the edge of the lid itself sits low, over the pupil. With hooded lids, extra skin folds down over a lid that sits at the right height. Many people have some of both, and each is treated differently, which is why the lid is measured first.

Usually not. Most droops come on slowly, over months or years. But an eyelid that droops suddenly, especially with double vision, a severe headache, a pupil that looks larger or smaller than the other, or weakness elsewhere, can be a sign of a nerve problem, a problem with a blood vessel in the head or neck, or a stroke. Go to A&E straight away.

Yes. Some children are born with a droopy lid. If it covers the pupil, the eye behind it may not learn to see well, a condition called lazy eye, so a child with a droopy eyelid should be checked by an eye doctor early.

Not during it. The eyelid is numbed with a local anaesthetic first. Afterwards it is usually sore and bruised for a few days, and ordinary painkillers are generally enough.

Bruising and swelling usually settle over one to two weeks, and most people are back to ordinary activities within days. The lid can feel tight and may not close fully at first, so lubricating drops keep the eye comfortable while it settles. Avoid rubbing the eye, swimming and eye make-up while it heals.

The aim is lids at the same height, and the height is checked during the operation. A lid can still settle a little lower or higher than planned as the swelling goes down; where it does, a small adjustment can be made later.

Often, towards part of it, where the droop affects your vision. Whether yours qualifies depends on the lid’s measurements and a visual field test, and how much applies depends on your plan. We confirm it at your consultation at our Camden clinic.

An eye surgeon, usually one whose subspecialty is oculoplastics: the eyelids, the orbit and the tear drainage system. At The Straits Eye Centre it is treated by Dr Jason Lee, Senior Consultant, at our Camden clinic.