Ptosis is an eye condition where the eyelids droop over the eyes. This can affect one or both the eyes of a person. Severe cases of Ptosis may affect a person’s vision. Ptosis can happen to both adults and children. In Singapore, Ptosis is one of the common conditions a person asks for treatment and, TES Clinic is one of the several trusted healthcare facilities that offers treatment to ptosis and other eye conditions. 

Here are a few information about ptosis and its available treatments:

What causes ptosis?

Ptosis can result from a lot of factors. Commonly, ptosis is caused by nerve damage or weakness of the eye muscles that lifts the eyelids and loosened upper eyelid skin that can be acquired from normal aging, from injury/disease,  or birth defects. Some diseases that result in ptosis include stroke, tumor in the eye area, diabetes, etc.

What are the symptoms of ptosis?

Symptoms of ptosis are either aesthetic or functional issues. Aesthetic symptoms include looking tired and older than they seem to be. Functional symptoms involve visual  difficulties that make day to day activities such as driving or reading a burden and experiencing issues in closing eyes or blinking, dry or watery eyes, and having difficulties in seeing. Some may experience pain in the eye area making an affected person look tired.

How is ptosis detected?

Detection (or diagnosis) of ptosis, like other medical conditions, will rely on performing tests and checking a person’s medical history. Other relevant information such as how often and how long your eyelid droops is also helpful to the doctor, aside from undergoing medical tests.

Among the tests required by the doctor for diagnosis, is the slit lamp exam which uses a high-intensity light for the doctor to examine your eyes closely in order to see problems or irregularities. All parts of the eyes are usually examined using the slit lamp test including the eyelids, iris, cornea, sclera, retina, the optic nerve, lens and the conjunctiva. Another test used to diagnose ptosis is the Tensilon test which requires the use of Tensilon-a kind of drug that boosts muscle strength. This test will determine if  a person is suffering from Myasthenia Gravis, a kind of neuromuscular disorder that may be causing the eyelid to droop. 

What are the treatments for ptosis in Singapore?

The treatment for ptosis will rely on how severe the condition is. Most cases of Ptosis are actually not causing any major discomfort and do not necessitate a treatment. Most people opt for treatment for aesthetic (cosmetic) concerns or for visual correction. 

Ptosis can be treated through surgery called Blepharoplasty (Ptosis surgery).  This type of surgery involves the removal of excess skin, fat or muscles in the around the eyes. Aside from surgery, Ptosis can also be treated with the use of  Ptosis crutch to hold the eyelid in place. Ptosis crutch will entail the addition of frames to  the eyeglasses.

How do you prepare for Ptosis Surgery?

Before any procedure is scheduled, an initial consultation will need to take place where the patient will discuss with the doctor his or her medical history and goals for having the surgery. It is important to be honest or open to the doctor about your medical history to avoid any complications. Discussion of your goals is also important to be able to set proper expectations, etc. 

At TES Clinic, for those who want to undergo Blepharoplasty for aesthetic reasons, a  consultation will first take place where discussion of expectations and possible outcomes takes place between the doctor and the patient.  

To be able to plan the surgery, the doctor will require you to undergo some important physical exams such as a complete eye exam, visual field testing and eyelid photography. 

When a schedule is already set, be sure to arrange someone to help you get to the hospital and get home after the surgery, as well as to help with your recovery. 

Some drugs or medicine may cause complications so make sure you avoid them for the meantime prior to your scheduled operation. Your doctor will be able to guide you on this matter.

What happens during Ptosis Surgery?

Before undergoing the actual surgery, the patient will be given some drugs to numb the eyelids and help the patient to keep calm.  Once the preliminaries are done, the surgeon will begin the surgery. For the upper eyelid, the surgeon will make incisions along the eyelid folds and also remove extra skin and  muscle. The levator muscles (lifting the eyelids) will be tightened to give additional lift to the eyelids. The folds of the eyelids are then stitched up to close an incision made earlier. For the lower eyelid, incisions are made on the area of the skin found on the natural crease of the eyes  or inside the lower lid. Excess skin is fat and fat removed is repositioned and the cut is closed/stitched.

What to do when recovering from Ptosis surgery?

After surgery, it is natural to feel blurry vision, sensitivity to light, pain or discomfort, etc. To help with your recovery process, always follow the instructions from your doctor including any required medications. Also, avoid any extreme physical activities such as exercising. Also, a follow-up check-up may be required and be sure to visit the doctor again. 

What are the risks involved in undergoing Ptosis Surgery?

Ptosis surgery will involve certain risks such as:

• Reaction to anesthesia
• Blood clots
• Skin discoloration
• Eye muscle injury
• Vision problems such as temporary blurry vision and loss of eyesight in rare cases
• Scarring
• Irritated and dry eyes
• Bleeling
• Infection

• What is the cost for Ptosis surgery?

The cost of the procedure will most-likely include the surgeon’s/doctor’s fee, medical facility

fees/charges, medication prescribed/administered, etc. the price range for ptosis surgery is from

$5,000 to $12,000.

Is ptosis surgery covered by Medisave or insurance?

Depending on the severity of ptosis, ptosis surgery is recognized by Singapore’s Ministry of

Health and can be covered by Medisave and insurance claims.

TES Clinic
304 Orchard Road, Lucky Plaza Suites

05-42, Orchard Medical Specialists

Singapore 238863

+65 6737 0552
+65 9735 9930