Adult ptosis may also occur as a complication of other diseases involving the levator muscle or its nerve supply, such as diabetes. Your ophthalmologist can provide a comprehensive assessment of your ptosis, a discussion of the available treatment methods, and information about possible risks and complications. Your ophthalmologist may use blood tests, X-rays or other tests to determine the cause of the ptosis and plan the best treatment. If treatment is necessary, it is usually surgical. Sometimes a small tuck in the lifting muscle and eyelid can raise the lid sufficiently.
More severe ptosis requires reattachment and strengthening of the levator muscle.
The risks of ptosis surgery include infection, bleeding, and reduced vision, but these complications occur very infrequently. Immediately after surgery, you may find it difficult to completely close your eye, but this is only temporary. Lubricant drops and ointment can be helpful during this period. Although improvement of the lid height is usually achieved, the eyelids may not appear perfectly symmetrical. In rare cases, full eyelid movement does not return.