Topic: Management and Treatment of Ptosis

Blepharoptosis of the upper eyelid is a near inevitability of the aging face, and is commonly encountered in the aesthetic patient. Consequences can vary from mild effects on overall cosmesis to severe visual disability and functional vision loss from obstruction of the visual axis. Blepharoptosis often occurs in conjunction with dermatochalasis, orbital fat prolapse, and brow ptosis, and surgical intervention to address any of the latter would also ideally include ptosis correction in order to maximize cosmetic and functional results. Correction of blepharoptosis of involutional etiologies is primarily based on the resection or plication of one or both of the main lid elevators via external or internal approaches. However, although it is fundamentally simple in concept, there continues to be refinements and modifications in our understanding of ptosis assessment and surgical technique. In particular, controversy surrounding the optimal assessment and management of unilateral or asymmetric ptosis is ongoing, techniques aimed at optimizing lid contour and symmetry of tarsal show are evolving, and the knowledge base surrounding post-operative effects such as dry eye continues to grow. The topics covered in this issue aim to cover and expand upon this broad spectrum of issues encountered in regard to blepharoptosis.

Blepharoptosis, eyelid, ptosis assessment, orbital fat prolapse, brow ptosis, ptosis correction

1 Apr 2020