Pediatric Blepharoptosis: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
BLEPHAROPTOSIS NORTHERN VIRGINIA
Most people identify drooping eyelids as a sign of aging thats reserved for older adults. However, children are also susceptible to eyelid ptosis. This condition is known as pediatric blepharoptosis, and it can lead to disturbed visual development and function and interfere with quality of life.
If you would like to know more about pediatric blepharoptosis, including causes, diagnosis, and treatment options, read on.
WHAT IS PEDIATRIC BLEPHAROPTOSIS?
Pediatric blepharoptosis is an ocular condition that occurs in infants and children. It is commonly referred to as ptosis and presents as an abnormally low-lying upper eyelid.
This eye condition requires prompt evaluation by an oculo-facial cosmetic plastic surgeon like Dr. Rostami or Dr. Naz, as it can have significant aesthetic and functional implications.
WHAT CAUSES THIS CONDITION IN CHILDREN?
Congenital blepharoptosis exists at birth and typically results in unilateral poor levator function. Other causes of this eye condition in children include those that are myogenic, neurogenic, mechanical, or traumatic in nature.
EVALUATION OF PEDIATRIC BLEPHAROPTOSIS
Evaluation of this eye condition in children requires a thorough in-person consultation with an oculo-facial cosmetic plastic surgeon.
During this appointment, the provider will assess the height and function of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle via a thorough ophthalmic exam, patient history, birth history, family history of ocular pathologies, and history of eye trauma.
HOW TO TREAT IT?
There are several surgical treatment options, including frontalis sling, levator resection, and Müllers muscle-conjunctival resection with or without a tarsectomy.
Dr. Rostami and Dr. Naz will carefully select the technique based on evaluation of levator function, degree of ptosis, and the patients response to 2.5% phenylephrine testing.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PEDIATRIC BLEPHAROPTOSIS
If you would like to learn more about pediatric blepharoptosis in Northern Virginia, please contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Rostami and Dr. Naz.