Why Your Child's Ptosis Must Be Treated

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If you've recently learned that your child has ptosis, or you suspect that they may have it, you may be concerned at the prospect of treatment. The only way to correct ptosis-induced drooping eyelids is by surgically shortening the lid and muscle that controls the eyelid, and it's reasonable for any parent to feel worried at the idea of their child going under the knife. However, treating ptosis is necessary for your child to live an active and normal life. This guide will explain the problem with not treating ptosis, and why you shouldn't worry about the surgery. 

Avoiding Surgery

It may seem like not having your child's ptosis treated and surgically corrected isn't a big deal. After all, ptosis isn't generally that noticeable, and your child may be able to see pretty well right now. However, as time goes by, there's a strong likelihood that your child's vision will deterioriate, and they may develop more obvious symptoms of ptosis.

Children who don't have their ptosis-affected, drooping eyelid surgically repaired often begin to lose their vision in the affected eye, and develop a disorder called amblyopia. Unfortunately, as the years go on, the muscles responsible for controlling the affected eye weaken and may cause your child to become cross-eyed. Unfortunately, once this has occurred, surgery to repair the eyelid will generally not reverse the problem, and your child's vision may be permanently affected. Additionally, having crossed eyes is far more noticeable than a drooping eyelid, which may make your child feel self-conscious.

A Simple Surgery

Now that you know why the surgery is a necessity, it's time to discuss the procedure itself. The surgery for ptosis is extremely easy as far as surgeries go and takes very little time. While most children are put under general anesthesia for the procedure, this is to not only reduce pain but to prevent them from moving their head or eyes during the operation. The surgery doesn't involve any major arteries, so the likelihood of your child even needing a blood transfusion during the operation is very low. Most children do not require hospitalization, and can go home after they wake up from the surgery.    

The idea of your child having a surgical procedure can be scary, but you have to make a decision that will change your child's future forever. With one simple procedure, your child can avoid a future of permanent vision damage, and will live a normal and healthy life. Contact a local ophthalmologist, such as one from Nevada Institute Of Ophthalmology, for further assistance.  

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4 August 2015

A New You

Growing up, one of my best friends was also my cousin. This special cousin and I shared something in common. We both had fiery red hair. When we were kids, many people thought we were sisters when they saw us together. Sadly, my cousin was born with crossed eyes, and because of her condition, she was often ridiculed by the other kids at school. As we grew older we began researching modern ways to correct her problem. Together we found the perfect solution. If you were born with crossed eyes, don’t despair. You do have hope. On this blog, you will discover the latest treatments optometrists use to help cure a patient’s crossed eyes.