The nonsurgical treatment of ptosis

Abstract

The surgical treatment of blepharoptosis is in most cases dependably effective and safe; by comparison, nonsurgical treatment generally provides less satisfactory results and can be difficult for the patient to tolerate. Therefore, relatively few patients will prefer medical treatment for symptomatic, chronic ptosis, except as a temporizing measure before a definitive procedure. The possible mechanisms for lifting the eyelid nonsurgically are external mechanical devices (skin-taping, adhesives, or spectacle-based lid crutches) to retract the upper lid, topical eye drops to stimulate Müller's muscle, and injectable botulinum toxin to weaken orbicularis tone. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.