Among the cosmetic imperfections of the face, the ptosis of the upper eyelid is common in women. This is a sagging, omission of the eyelid, which often appears gradually and eventually progresses. Many are looking for ways to get rid of such a defect, while it is important to first determine its cause.
Ptosis of the upper eyelid - causes
Eliminate an unpleasant phenomenon will be easier if you determine what is associated with its appearance. Ptosis of the upper eyelid of the cause can have associated with congenital abnormalities or be an acquired defect. Congenital descent of the upper eyelid is divided into two main types:
- genetically conditioned ptosis with underdevelopment of the muscle lifting the upper eyelid (shortening, thinning, loosening or lack of muscle);
- ptosis of a neurological nature (the nerve, innervating the muscle of the century, with the central nervous system is broken), developed in utero due to various pathologies of the mother or as a result of birth trauma.
The causes of acquired ptosis may be factors leading to paresis or paralysis of the muscle responsible for raising the upper eyelid and opening the eye. This muscle is called a levator, it is located under the fat layer of the upper eyelid, attaching to the tarsal cartilaginous plate and to the skin of the eyelid. In addition, the sagging develops due to weakening, stretching or travimation of the levator. Depending on the reason, they distinguish such basic types of acquired ptosis:
1. Aponeurotic associated with:
- general aging of the organism;
- damage to muscle fibers or aponeurosis of the muscle (tendon plate) as a result of trauma or an ophthalmic, plastic surgery.
2. Neurogenic, resulting from:
- injuries with damage to the nervous system;
- neurological diseases (stroke, multiple sclerosis and others);
- infection of the nervous system;
- defeat of the sympathetic cervical nerve, responsible for raising the eyelid;
- Neuropathy in diabetics;
- intracranial aneurysm.
3. Myasthenic, caused by generalized myasthenia gravis.
4. Mechanical arising from:
- formation of a traumatic scar on the eyelid;
- formation of a spike;
- hit foreign body in the eye.
5. Oncogenic, which leads to the growth of a malignant tumor in the orbit.
Congenital ptosis of the upper eyelid
In most cases, the congenital, genetically conditioned omission of the upper eyelid, which is transmitted from one of the parents, is two-sided. This defect associated with the underdevelopment of the upper eyelid muscle is found in childhood and is often combined with strabismus or amblyopia. In rare cases, congenital ptosis is caused by palpebromandibular syndrome, in which the musculature of the upper eyelid is innervated by the action of the jaw muscles. In addition, ptosis occurs against the background of blepharophimosis, when narrowing and shortening of the eye gap is observed.
Ptosis of the upper eyelid after botox
A common side effect is the omission of the century after Botox. This unpleasant phenomenon is noted in 15-20% of patients who underwent injection procedures with preparations of botulinum toxin in the forehead area. The reason for ptosis in this case is the introduction of the drug into the muscle that lifts the upper eyelid, which causes it to shrink. This often happens when rejuvenating botox therapy is carried out through too short time intervals, as a result of which the facial muscles do not have time to restore their mobility.
Sometimes the omission of the eyelids is caused by the administration of an excessively large amount of the drug or an unprofessional approach to the marking of the points of the injections, when the anatomical features of the face are ignored (for example, the narrow forehead) and the injections are made according to the general scheme. If these points are incorrectly selected, the eyelid drooping is due to the paralysis of the muscles, which were not planned to hurt.
Omission of the upper eyelid after an insect bite
It happens that the omission of the cause century has associated with bites in the eye area of different insects - mosquitoes, midges, bees and so on. In this case, there is an inflammatory-allergic edema, which causes the sagging of the eyelid. In this case, in addition to the symptoms of ptosis, there are such manifestations as reddening of the eyelid, its puffiness, itchy skin and burning sensation.
Age descent of the upper eyelid
In the elderly, the descent of the upper eyelid of the cause is associated with the weakening and stretching of the muscle fibers and ligaments, as a result of which the skin tissues begin to sag. In addition, this is facilitated by the age-related decline in skin elasticity due to decreased production of collagen and elastin, microcirculation disorders in tissues and other processes associated with aging.
Ptosis of the upper eyelid - symptoms
When the eyelid hangs down, this is manifested by the following signs:
- the lowered eyelid of one or both eyes, leading to a partial or complete closure of the eye gap (the edge of the upper eyelid covers the iris more than 1.5 mm);
- constantly raised eyebrows due to attempts to compensate for ptosis;
- drowsy facial expression;
- habit of throwing your head back to improve visibility;
- difficulty in blinking eye movements;
- difficulty or inability to completely close the eye;
- increased eye fatigue;
- reduced visual acuity;
- double vision , sensation of sand in them;
- tendency to inflammation of the eyes.
It should be understood that the ptosis of the upper eyelid is not just an aesthetic defect, but a serious ophthalmic problem that can provoke a significant visual impairment. Especially dangerous when pathology is one-sided. Ignore the symptoms of ptosis of the upper eyelid, even pronounced slightly, can not, since the deviation is able to progress rapidly.
Ptosis of upper eyelid - degree
Depending on how far the edge of the eyelid is lowered in relation to the pupil of the eye, the ptosis of the upper eyelid is subdivided into three degrees of severity:
- ptosis of the 1st degree of the upper eyelid - when a third of the pupil is covered;
- ptosis of the 2nd degree - when half of the pupil is covered or 2/3 of its part;
- ptosis 3 degrees - means complete covering of the pupil of the eye.
Ptosis of the upper eyelid - diagnosis
To diagnose the pathology in question, a normal ophthalmologic examination is required, with the omission of the eyelid and its degree according to the distance between the center of the pupil and the edge of the upper eyelid. In order to find the cause of the deviation and the complications to which it resulted, the doctor assesses the mobility of the eyelids and eyebrows, the symmetry of the movements of the eyes, determines the size of the fold of the eyelid. In addition, the sharpness and field of vision is established, the fundus is studied, the intraocular pressure is measured.
If there is a suspicion of traumatic lesions of the bone structures, an overview radiograph of the orbit is assigned to identify the site of the lesion, and if a nervous system is suspected, computer or magnetic resonance imaging of the brain may be recommended. It is often necessary to consult a neurologist, a neurosurgeon.
Ptosis of the upper eyelid - treatment without surgery
Special treatment for the lowering of the eyelid is not required, if this is a temporary condition. For example, the ptosis of the upper eyelid, caused by an insect bite, will self-eradicate after swelling has come down. To accelerate this, antihistamine external (Fenistil) and systemic drugs ( Loratadine , Suprastin), local corticosteroids (Advantan, Hydrocortisone) are used. The same is true for ptosis after injections of Botox, which occurs after a couple of weeks (sometimes drugs can be recommended for the speedy normalization of muscle mobility - Neuromidine, apraklonidine).
Age-related ptosis of the upper eyelid treatment can be conservative, while in most cases recommend tightening corrective medical masks, creams with lifting effect. If a neurogenic ptosis of the upper eyelid is diagnosed, how to get rid of it, the doctor will tell you after a series of studies. Often in such cases, to restore the function of the nerve appoint:
- Physiotherapeutic procedures ( UHF , galvanotherapy, myostimulation, paraffin therapy);
- preparations for nerve tissue nutrition ( B vitamins );
- special massage and gymnastics for the eyes.
Massage with ptosis of the upper eyelid
In clinics and cosmetology salons to correct the situation in the early stages can recommend manual and vacuum massage with ptosis of the upper eyelid. Independently it is possible to conduct massage and at home, following such recommendations (duration of the session is 5-10 minutes):
- Remove make-up, apply cosmetic oil to the skin.
- Smooth circular motions make stroking the upper eyelids with index fingers from the inner to the outer corner of the eye.
- Continue the massage, changing the stroking light tapping.
- The next stage is the making of pressing movements in the same direction (do not touch the eyeballs).
- At the end of the session, close your eyes with cotton pads soaked with warm infusion of chamomile, hold for several minutes.
Gymnastics with ptosis of the upper eyelid
The following exercises with ptosis of the upper eyelid give a good effect (each exercise is repeated 10-15 times):
- Having adopted a comfortable position, look ahead and perform slow circular movements with eyes clockwise and counterclockwise.
- To make movements with the eyes up and down.
- Raising his head up, slightly open his mouth and quickly blink his eyes for 30 seconds; To translate a sight from the remote point on the one nearest to eyes and on the contrary.
- Closing his eyes and holding his eyelids with his fingers, make attempts to open his eyes as wide as possible; pressing his finger to the bridge of his nose, alternately looking at him with his left or right eye.
- Blink for a few seconds and open your eyes sharply.
Omission of the upper eyelid - treatment with folk remedies
When ptosis of the upper eyelid is diagnosed, treatment at home can be supplemented with folk remedies using natural products. So, good results show the use of masks for eyelids based on fresh potatoes. These procedures help to remove puffiness, strengthen and tighten the skin around the eyes , which helps to reduce the manifestation of ptosis. You just grate the potatoes on the grater, cool the resulting mass in the refrigerator and apply to the eyelids for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with water.
Ptosis of the upper eyelid - operation
If the question arises as to how to cure the ptosis of the upper eyelid 2 or 3 degrees, then it will not be possible to achieve a positive result without surgical techniques. The operation is performed under local or general anesthesia. In case of congenital ptosis, the muscle that lifts the eyelid is shortened, and with the acquired pathology, the aponeurosis of this muscle is excised. In addition, a small part of the skin is removed and a cosmetic suture is applied. To reduce trauma, improve the scarring of the eyelid, diathermocoagulation is used in the operation.