Associated symptoms
The accompanying symptoms of ptosis depend on the cause. In the case of age-related ptosis, usually only a wrinkled, inelastic skin can be observed on the whole body. In the case of a stroke, the other symptoms depend on the spread of the damage.
Those affected can develop complete hemiplegia of one half of the body, have speech disorders, drool and make a confused overall impression. The symptoms usually occur close together and suddenly. In the case of encephalitis and meningitis, clouding of consciousness and a stiff neck are more likely to be observed.
High fever and general symptoms of illness also occur. After Botox poisoning, ptosis is an early warning sign and those affected develop paralysis of the whole body up to the respiratory muscles. Thyroid diseases are, when ptosis occurs, often accompanied by hoarseness and mood swings. Furthermore, altered levels of thyroid hormones are also known to occur and can lead to weight changes and fatigue. The accompanying symptoms of a ptosis are therefore just as variable as the causes and allow conclusions to be drawn about precisely these causes.
Therapy
The treatment of drooping eyelids also depends on the cause. In the case of age-related weakness of the connective tissue, treatment is often not necessary. Only if the eyelids restrict vision or the affected person is suffering psychologically from ptosis, surgery can be considered.
It is a very small and relatively low-risk procedure. Moisturizers can be used for prevention, but this is no guarantee that ptosis will not occur. In stroke patients and in cases of encephalitis, the cause must be eliminated.A blocked vessel can be freed with blood-thinning medication and encephalitis must be treated with antibiotics.
If these measures succeed in time, the ptosis disappears on its own. In the case of thyroid diseases, too, the focus is on fighting the cause. After Botox poisoning, drugs can be given to bind the free toxin.
However, the already bound poison cannot be eliminated and the affected persons must be treated with intensive care until the poison is broken down. In the case of congenital drooping eyelids, surgery is usually the only way to help the affected person. Just like in old age, this is only necessary in case of complaints.
A temporary therapy option is the use of tapes for the eyelids. Through this the eyelid can be lifted and the visual field can be enlarged again. An operation to lift or tighten the eyelids is only necessary if the eyelids restrict vision.
However, an operation can also be performed for cosmetic reasons if the affected person suffers from the hanging songs. Since this is a very small and low-risk procedure, it is often performed for these cosmetic reasons as well. During the operation the eyelid muscle is corrected.
In case of a medically necessary tightening or correction, the health insurance company will cover the costs. This is particularly the case for the visual impairment caused by the drooping eyelid. In the case of cosmetic surgery, the costs range from 1200 to 3600 euros, depending on the procedure. These costs include the complete care before and after the operation. The exact costs should be discussed with the treating physician.