Ptosis occurs when your eyelid droops, which occurs even though you have your eyes open wide. This might occur in one or both eyelids, and, in severe cases, your eyelid will hang over your pupil, disrupting your vision. Chiropractic care does not have a known benefit in the treatment of ptosis, and this type of care could result in the onset of ptosis. Knowing about ptosis and the role of chiropractics might help you discuss your options with your eye doctor.
Causes
Levator muscles control the eyelid, and if these muscles stretch, relax or separate, you could experience ptosis. This commonly occurs as part of natural aging. Adults might also have medical conditions such as an ocular tumor or Horner syndrome that affects levator muscles and result in ptosis.
In children, poor development of these muscles can result in ptosis, or ptosis might indicate the presence of conditions such as a neurological condition or eye movement disorders.
Chiropractics
Chiropractors adjust the spine and use machines and other methods to stimulate muscles. Many people elect to have chiropractic treatment for conditions such as headaches and back pain instead of following traditional medicine that often involves medications or invasive surgery. In the case of ptosis, however, chiropractic medicine does not have a known benefit. In fact, one report in 2001 from the University of California, Los Angeles, showed that a woman in her mid-40s had chiropractic neck manipulation that brought on Horner’s syndrome. This does not mean that neck manipulation will cause this condition but this might indicate a potential risk factor.
Treatment
Ptosis that stems from neurological disorders or other medical conditions might not improve until the condition affecting the muscles resolves. In certain cases, such as with strokes, ptosis won't resolve. A plastic surgeon or eyelid specialist will often recommend surgery to repair the levator muscle in patients with age-induced ptosis. In most cases, this will resolve the droopy lid.
Considerations
If you have drooping eyelid, talk with your doctor. A sudden onset of ptosis requires immediate medical attention, particularly if you experience weakness in other muscles as well. Your doctor will perform an examination and testing to determine the cause for your condition, and she will recommend any treatment necessary based on the cause of your ptosis.
References
- PubMed Health: Ptosis
- Eye Care America: The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology: Ptosis
- University of Minnesota: How Can Chiropractic Help Me?
- “American Journal of Ophthalmology”; Horner’s Syndrome and Dissection of the Internal Carotid Artery After Chiropractic Manipulation of the Neck; B. L. Parwar, et al.; April 2001
- MedlinePlus: Horner Syndrome
