Ptosis is a condition of the upper eyelids in which the lids begin to droop and sag. It can happen for any number of reasons, and in extreme cases, it can obscure one’s vision and interfere with one’s daily life. Below, we cover the genetic reasons for eyelid ptosis.
If this begins to happen, an eyelid surgery is called for in order to reduce the impact of the ptosis on your eyes and return your vision to normal. One of the causes of ptosis is through hereditary processes. This is especially the case with ptosis that expresses itself in extreme ways.
Genetic Reasons for Eyelid Ptosis
If you have a case of ptosis that you think might warrant eyelid surgery to correct, or are just interested in learning more about this condition, take a look at this primer on the subject.
Ptosis: What Is It?
Overall, ptosis is quite easy to diagnose. A drooping eyelid in one or both eyes is the primary sign. Very slight alterations in the patient’s eyesight are frequently a sign of ptosis. Anxiety and fatigue around the eyes might occasionally accompany this.
In the end, you’ll have to rely on your doctor’s experience to identify whether or not you have ptosis. They likely will be able to distinguish whether or not yours is genetically expressed.
The Effects of Ptosis
Ptosis is a disorder with a wide range of potential consequences. A large portion of this is dependent on how severe the illness is.
If ptosis is modest, it can just be a cosmetic concern. More severe situations, however, may start to make it more difficult for a person to go about their daily lives. This covers factors such as having the capacity to safely
Among the observable signs of ptosis are the following:
- Increased tear production despite feeling dry
- Visible changes in the skin surrounding the eyes
- Partial or complete obscuration of vision
You may want to seek expert treatment for ptosis if you notice that it is causing problems in your day-to-day activities. Furthermore, children who experience ptosis are at long-term danger.
Potential Health Issues
Ptosis is not only visually unpleasant, but it can also pose a medical risk if it advances to a certain degree. When the skin hangs over the eyes, it makes it difficult to do daily tasks like driving and using heavy equipment.
Generally speaking, only the elderly or people with certain medical issues are likely to develop this severe ptosis.
Considering Your Particular Situation
Since each person’s experience with ptosis is unique, your doctor will probably recommend a plan of action and set of guidelines based on how best to assess your particular needs.
In addition to discussing the specifics of your ptosis, your doctor will ask you a series of questions to ascertain your overall physical health and medical background.
In the end, everything is done to give you the best possible care that precisely matches your requirements as a patient. In light of that, it will also help you to express your personal hopes and concerns about the surgical procedure.
The Effects of Genetics on the Development of Ptosis
When ptosis is inherited genetically, it’s known as congenital ptosis. Congenital ptosis is equally prevalent in both men and women, and occurs across ethnicities. Congenital ptosis typically does not indicate the presence of another underlying condition.
If your ptosis appears over a short amount of time, it typically means that it isn’t genetically inherited. This is more typically indicative of other underlying conditions that produce ptosis. Examples include nerve damage, and other underlying causes.
How Do I Know If My Ptosis is Genetic?
It can be at times difficult to determine whether or not a patient’s ptosis is genetic. One of the largest indicators is whether the ptosis develops at an extremely young age, as this bars some of the other common causes of ptosis to develop, including aging.
Another major indicator would be if you have a close parent or relative who has had ptosis in the past. This might give you an indication that your own ptosis has somehow been inherited genetically. At present time, there aren’t many risk indicators that are completely known aside from the above that have been previously stated. The most common type of ptosis is known as NSCP.
There are several different subtypes of genetic ptosis. Some of the more common subtypes of genetic ptosis include the following conditions:
- Horner syndrome
- Blepharophimosis
- Steinert Disease
- Congenital Fibrosis
- And more
There are many more subtypes of genetically induced ptosis. Discovering which one is impacting you will be part of the steps you and your physician take to develop a treatment plan. The more information that you can get during this procedure, the better off you are in the long run.
The candidate gene that causes the development of NSCP is somewhat rare. This gene is known as ZFHX4/ZFH-4, for those with understanding in these things. Further work is required to look at the ZFHX4 gene and how mutations express themselves in order to create the ptosis effect.
Ptosis and Nerves
The facial, or “seventh,” nerve provides information to the eyes. The circumferential orbicularis oculi, which closes the upper and lower eyelids, is innervated by this neuron.
The muscles and skin around the eyes lose their structural integrity if this nerve is injured, which causes the drooping effect. This drooping effect can express itself in many different ways. It might be some time before the drooping effect of ptosis affects you heavily enough that you begin to notice it.
Furthermore, harm to the central nervous system can affect the body’s muscles in every part. Damage of this kind, depending on which part of the nervous system is damaged, can result in dysfunction at different sites.
Repairing Congenital Ptosis
In most situations, treating the underlying illness will resolve ptosis if it is the underlying cause of the condition. Nonetheless, blepharoplasty is the preferred course of action for treating nerve damage. In congenital ptosis, there isn’t an underlying condition aside from the patient’s genes. However, the methods of treatment are much the same.
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a very successful method for lessening or curing the effects of ptosis. Because ptosis affects the upper eyelids, the eyelid procedure used to treat it is referred to as upper eyelid surgery.
In order to restore a pleasant, symmetrical form, your physician manipulates the skin and muscles surrounding the eyelids during an upper eyelid surgery. This usually suffices to remove the ptosis and restore the eye region.
Talk to Your Doctor About Your Personal Information
In order to optimize your procedural outcomes, your physician may propose a number of additional measures, depending on the specifics of your individual medical condition.
All of this will be discussed with your doctor during your pre-operative visit. You will be able to go over all the important information about your treatment at this time.
You will have the opportunity to go into further detail about these matters as each patient has a different profile when it comes to their needs related to ptosis repair.
An Indicative Symptom of Aging
One of the first parts of the body to show the effects of aging is the eyelids. As the years go by, gravity inevitably starts to work, which causes the eyelids to gradually droop.
Because of this, the eyelids are frequently interpreted as signs of stress or aging, two characteristics that are regrettably viewed as drawbacks in our society.
Long-term trouble can be avoided by avoiding the emotional, psychological, and professional repercussions of this occurrence. Additionally, it gets you ready to navigate life and place yourself at your best possible performance level.
Comparing Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
Given that both upper and lower blepharoplasty operate on the previously described facial regions, the differences between the two procedures are rather evident.
While upper blepharoplasty treats conditions affecting the top eyelids, lower blepharoplasty tries to address issues with the lower eyelids.
Generally speaking, the specifics of your case and the problems you’re attempting to resolve will determine which one you receive. In the case of ptosis, you will likely only receive an upper blepharoplasty.
What Is the Duration of Results?
Regarding the predicted length of outcomes, upper and lower blepharoplasty have different durations. Lower blepharoplasty outcomes have a long half-life and should last a lifetime if properly cared for.
However, because the results of upper eyelid surgery are always defying gravity, they should last for approximately 5-7 years before requiring revision surgery.
That being said, most patients will only be receiving an upper blepharoplasty to rectify their ptosis. This is due to the fact that ptosis typically only affects the upper eyelids, and a lower eyelid surgery isn’t necessary in these situations.
The Top Eyelid Surgeon in Los Angeles
Dr. Christopher Zoumalan and the rest of his team in Los Angeles offer patients some of the finest quality ptosis repair surgery and other procedures available. If you’re interested in discussing your particular situation with ptosis with someone, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
