Ptosis Symptoms: Understanding Signs of Acquired Ptosis

Are you experiencing changes in your eyelid position or function? Acquired ptosis, commonly known as droopy eyelid, is a prevalent condition that many people face as they age. For a condition that often goes undiagnosed, understanding these changes in the eyelids is a first step toward medical consultation and treatment.

What is Acquired Ptosis?

Acquired ptosis refers to the lowering or sagging of the upper eyelid. Acquired ptosis usually develops later in life and is most commonly caused by weakening muscles due to the aging process. Acquired ptosis is distinct from congenital ptosis, which is an eyelid condition present from birth. Recognizing the symptoms can be important for managing the condition effectively.

Key Symptoms of Acquired Ptosis

While this is not a complete list of possible symptoms related to acquired ptosis, here are some of the common symptoms to be aware of:

Visible Drooping of One or Both Eyelids: The most straightforward symptom of ptosis is the noticeable gradual lowering of the upper eyelid, which may affect one or both eyes.

Increased Effort to Keep Eyelids Open: If you're frequently raising your eyebrows or straining your forehead muscles to see better, it could indicate ptosis.

Eye Fatigue and Strain: Compensating for weakened eyelid muscles can lead to feelings of eye fatigue or strain.

Changes in Vision: Significant drooping might obstruct vision, affecting the ability to perform tasks like reading or driving.

Asymmetry in Eyelid Appearance: If one eyelid gradually appears different from the other, it might be a symptom of acquired ptosis, especially if the change develops gradually.

Frequent Head Tilting: You might find yourself tilting your head back to see more clearly if the drooping eyelid covers part of your pupil.

Difficulty with Eyewear: Those with ptosis may find that their glasses or contact lenses feel less comfortable or effective due to changes in the eyelid's position.

If you experience sudden onset of eyelid droop in one or both eyes, immediately seek medical attention as this can be a sign of a more serious orbital or neurological condition.

Causes Of Acquired Ptosis

Understanding the causes of acquired ptosis can help in identifying and managing the condition effectively.

As we age, the levator muscle, responsible for lifting the eyelid, naturally weakens and stretches. This gradual decline in muscle strength and elasticity can lead to drooping eyelids, affecting both appearance and vision.

Ptosis may also be related to more serious conditions such as stroke and/or brain aneurysm, Horner syndrome, myasthenia gravis, loss of the ability to move eye muscles, eye infection and eye tumors Tell your doctor if you have, or suspect, any of these conditions and seek immediate treatment.

When to See a Doctor

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, especially if they impact your vision or worsen over time, it's important to consult a healthcare professional.

Acquired ptosis is more than a cosmetic issue; it is a condition that can affect your vision and overall eye health. Patients should pay attention to changes in their eyelids, and talk to their doctor if they think they may have acquired ptosis.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is UPNEEQ?

UPNEEQ® (oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution), 0.1% is a prescription eyedrop used to treat acquired blepharoptosis (low-lying lids) in adults.

What warnings and precautions are associated with UPNEEQ?

Low-lying lids may be related to conditions such as stroke and/or brain aneurysm, Horner syndrome, myasthenia gravis, loss of the ability to move eye muscles, eye infection and eye tumors. Tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions.
UPNEEQ is a type of medication that may affect your blood pressure. If you have heart disease, uncontrolled high or low blood pressure, or feel faint at rest or when quickly standing up, you should call your doctor if your symptoms get worse.
Patients with reduced blood flow to the brain or heart, or patients who experience eye or mouth dryness due to an immune system disorder (Sjögren’s syndrome), should use care when taking UPNEEQ. Call your doctor immediately if you feel your symptoms may be getting worse.
UPNEEQ may increase the risk of eye pressure due to fluid buildup (angle-closure glaucoma) in patients with untreated narrow-angle glaucoma. Call your doctor immediately if you feel increased pressure in your eye after using UPNEEQ.
Do not let the tip of the UPNEEQ vial touch your eye or any other surface. This can help prevent eye injury or contamination. Each UPNEEQ vial is for one-time use and should be discarded after being used.

What are the most common side effects of UPNEEQ?

The most common adverse reactions with UPNEEQ (occurring in 1-5% of patients) were eye inflammation, eye redness, dry eye, blurred vision, eye pain at time of use, eye irritation, and headache.

What should my doctor know about before prescribing me UPNEEQ?

Your doctor should review your full medical history before prescribing UPNEEQ.
UPNEEQ belongs to a class of medication (alpha-adrenergic agonists) that may affect your blood pressure. Use UPNEEQ carefully if you currently take an alpha-adrenergic agonist medication to treat heart disease or an enlarged prostate. Patients taking beta-blockers, or other medications to treat hypertension or an abnormal heartbeat, should also be careful when using UPNEEQ.
Patients who use a certain class of antidepressant medication (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) should also be careful when using UPNEEQ, as it may affect the way your body absorbs the medication.

These are not all of the possible side effects of UPNEEQ. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
To report side effects or product complaints, contact RVL Pharmaceuticals at 1-877-482-3788. You may also report side effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch.
This is a summary of the most important safety information for UPNEEQ. For more in-depth safety information, please review the full Prescribing Information for UPNEEQ.