Also called ptosis. An upper lid that sits low over the eye.
What it is
Ptosis means an upper lid that sits lower than it should, because the muscle that lifts it has stretched or is not working properly.
Symptoms
A lid covering part of the pupil, a tired look, lifting the brow or tilting the head to see, and aching in the forehead by the evening.
Causes
Most often the lifting muscle stretching with age. It can also follow cataract surgery, long contact lens wear, or be present from birth.
When to get it checked
See someone promptly if a lid drops suddenly, or comes with double vision, a different pupil size or headache.
How it is checked
Every plan starts with an examination by a consultant, not a photograph or a questionnaire.
- Your consultant examines your lids, measures their height and position, and checks the surface of your eye and how well it closes. Photographs are taken for your record.
- What your consultant finds is explained in plain English, there and then.
- You leave with a written plan and, where treatment is right for you, a written fee.
- You are never asked to decide on the day.
If surgery is not the right answer, your consultant will say so, and explain what happens if you do nothing.
Questions patients ask
Do I need a referral?
No. You can request a consultation directly. A letter from your GP or optometrist is helpful if you have one, and your insurer may ask for it.
Will I need surgery?
Not always. Your consultant will explain whether treatment is needed, what each option involves, and what happens if you do nothing.
What happens at the consultation?
Your consultant examines your lids, measures their height and position, and checks the surface of your eye and how well it closes. Photographs are taken for your record. You leave with a written plan and fee, and time to decide.
How soon can I be seen?
The clinic team will offer the first suitable appointment, and sooner where your consultant judges it urgent.