Ptosis in Children vs. Adults: What’s the Difference?

Ptosis, or drooping of the upper eyelid, affects people of all ages. However, the cause, diagnosis, and treatment options can vary significantly between children and adults. At his Amarillo, TX practice, board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon Dr. W. John Murrell has extensive experience and training in diagnosing and surgically treating ptosis in both adult and pediatric patients. He brings specialized skills to cases that affect both vision and appearance.

What Causes Ptosis in Children?

In children, ptosis is most often congenital, meaning the condition is present at birth. Congenital ptosis typically results from poor development of the levator muscle, which is responsible for lifting the eyelid. It may affect one or both eyes and often becomes noticeable within the first year of life. In some cases, it’s mild and monitored over time, but if the eyelid blocks vision, treatment is more urgent to avoid amblyopia (lazy eye) or delayed visual development.

Children with ptosis often undergo a comprehensive eye exam and visual acuity test. Imaging may be used to rule out related conditions. If the child is at risk of permanent vision impairment, surgery is often recommended early in life to ensure proper visual development.

What Causes Ptosis in Adults?

In adults, ptosis is usually acquired and can stem from several causes. The most common is age-related stretching or weakening of the levator muscle, known as involutional or aponeurotic ptosis. It may also result from trauma, previous eye surgery, nerve damage, or certain medical conditions like myasthenia gravis.

Unlike congenital ptosis, adult cases usually develop gradually. While often not urgent from a developmental standpoint, ptosis in adults can interfere with vision, cause eye fatigue, and affect facial symmetry. Dr. Murrell carefully evaluates adult patients to determine the cause and severity of their ptosis before recommending the best course of treatment.

Surgical Techniques: Children vs. Adults

Surgical correction of ptosis differs by age group. In children, especially those with poor levator function, frontalis sling surgery may be used to connect the eyelid to the forehead muscle. This allows the child to lift the eyelid using their forehead.

In adults, ptosis repair often involves tightening or reattaching the levator muscle, which is generally more developed than in congenital cases. Recovery is typically quicker in adults, and results often restore both functional vision and aesthetic appearance.

Expert Ptosis Care in Amarillo

Whether you’re seeking ptosis treatment for yourself or your child, Dr. Murrell offers highly specialized care with decades of experience in oculoplastics. To schedule a consultation in Amarillo, contact (806) 351-1177. Early evaluation and expert treatment can help protect vision and improve quality of life.