Ptosis Repair
Blepharoptosis or "Ptosis" as it is commonly referred to, is a condition where the upper eyelid has stretched over time and is sitting lower on the eye itself.
This condition is sometimes called "lazy eye" by patients. The muscle responsible for raising the upper eyelid when you blink or open your eyes has lost its strength or has stretched to a point that it can no longer open the eye to the extent that it once could. There can be different reasons for this condition to occur and Dr. Sarcia will evaluate this at the time of your consultation.
Dr. Sarcia performs the Ptosis repair surgery in an hour to an hour and a half in an outpatient setting. Local anesthetic and mild sedation is administered by our Anesthesia team. The offending muscle called the "Levator" muscle is accessed and tightened carefully to increase the opening of the eyelid incrementally. This may be needed on both eyes even though the condition can appear to affect one side more than the other.
After the procedure, we ask patients to take about a week off of heavy activity and to expect about 2-4 weeks of gradually resolving bruising and swelling. Sun protection with a good pair of sunglasses is strongly encouraged to help with the healing process.
Insurance does cover this surgery in certain settings if patients meet their carriers' requirements:
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Patients are required to have a Visual Field Examination performed by their eye doctor where their peripheral vision is tested.
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They must then be evaluated by Dr. Sarcia.
If the patient's condition satisfies their insurance's requirements, and they are deemed a good surgical candidate, the procedure may be scheduled.