By By Angela R. Wilson | UAB Community Health and Human Services Intern
Photo: @forestwhitaker | INSTAGRAM
Forest Whittaker is an actor, producer, and director who has garnered lots of accolades and awards. His career spans over 6 decades and includes an Academy Award for his portrayal of the Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the film The Last King of Scotland. While people often take notice of his accomplishments in the film industry, they also may notice at times the physical appearance of his eyes. Whitaker has a condition known as ptosis which not only impairs his vison, but also causes his eyelid to droop down. Ptosis is also known in simple terms as a lazy eye or drooping eye.
Ptosis can be hereditary, as in Whittaker’s case, but you can also get it as an adult if the nerves in your eyelid muscles become damaged. Ptosis can occur because of injury, disease, or other underlying conditions such as a stroke or neurological disorders. The muscles and ligaments that raise your eyes become weak and can no longer support holding them open. Lastly, Ptosis can occur as we get older and our eyes age. It is not uncommon for the ligaments and muscles around the eyes to become weaker as we get older. Ptosis can affect one eyelid (unilateral ptosis), or both eyes (bilateral ptosis). It can also be temporary or permanent and can significantly reduce your vison depending on how much of your pupil is obstructed.
Treatment of Ptosis depends on the cause and ranges from topical to surgical. A complete eye exam, blood tests, and imaging tests will assist the ophthalmologist in determining the best treatment. FDA approved medications like Upneeq, containing oxymetazoline, are drops that can be used to raise the eyelids and open them up wider. Surgery may be needed for more severe types of ptosis. Ptosis surgery involves making a small adjustment to the eyelids or strengthening the Levator Palpebrae Superioris muscle. Levator Palpebrae muscles raise and maintain the upper eyelid. The surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia (to help with discomfort) and lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.
There are several options to treat ptosis. Just make sure you have a conversation with your physician to go over your expectations and concerns so that you can choose the best way to proceed.
References:
American Optometric Association. (2023). Ptosis. https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/ptosis?sso=y
Boyd, K. (2022). American Academy of Opthamology. What Is Ptosis?. https://www.aaa.org.
Seltman. W. (2022). WebMD. Droopy Eyelid (Ptosis). 5 Causes of Drooping Eyelid & Treatment. https://www.webmd.com.
PHAME-US 