It’s common knowledge that the body changes as we age, with some changes being more apparent than others. Seniors frequently experience drooping of the eyelids as one common change. Ptosis, the medical term for drooping eyelids, may seem like a minor cosmetic issue, but it can have more serious consequences. Thankfully, with elder care by their side, along with the support of loved ones and appropriate medical care, seniors can understand what’s behind drooping eyelids and what they can do to manage the condition.
What Is Ptosis?
Ptosis arises from the gradual weakening of the muscles responsible for raising the eyelids. The eyelids may droop as a result of this weakening, partially covering the eyes and possibly affecting vision. It’s important to understand that although aging is the main cause of ptosis, it can also develop as a result of other factors like genetics, illnesses, and lifestyle choices. This means that seniors might have lived with this condition for years. However, the impact Ptosis can have on seniors makes it more important than ever to understand how to manage the condition. It’s also important to understand that weakening muscles might not be the reason for eyelids drooping. Other factors include the following:
- Loss of Skin Elasticity: With age, the skin around the eyes becomes less elastic, just like the skin on the rest of the body. Droopy eyelids might be a result of this elasticity loss.
- Fat Redistribution: Alterations in the distribution of fat in the eye region may also contribute to drooping eyelids. Fat deposits may increase or decrease with age, changing the shape and look of the eyelids.
- Medical Conditions: Ptosis can result from certain medical conditions that affect the muscles and nerves that control eyelid movement, such as diabetes, stroke, and neurological disorders.
Helping Seniors Manage Drooping Eyelids
Even though total eyelid drooping reversal might not be achievable without surgery, seniors can utilize a number of techniques that reduce the impact of Ptosis and enhance their quality of life. Consider the following when helping seniors manage this condition:
- Frequent Eye Exams: To monitor changes in vision and address any concerns related to ptosis or other eye conditions, seniors should schedule routine eye exams with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
- Eyelid Exercises: By targeting the muscles surrounding the eyes, certain exercises can help alleviate drooping of the eyelids to some degree. These exercises can involve raising the eyebrows, massaging the eyelids gently, and blinking quickly.
- Appropriate Eyewear: Drooping eyelids and other age-related eye disorders can cause vision changes in seniors. Seniors can counteract these changes by wearing glasses or contact lenses with the right prescription.
- Proper Eyelid Cleaning: Maintaining clean and un-irritated eyelids helps stop additional issues like infections or inflammation, which can worsen the symptoms of ptosis.
- Changing the Lighting: To enhance visibility and lessen eyestrain, seniors with drooping eyelids may find that their living areas have enough lighting.
As mentioned, Ptosis surgery may be considered a treatment option if it substantially impairs vision or quality of life. A licensed ophthalmologist is able to review the different surgical options that are available, like blepharoplasty (eyelid lift surgery), with seniors. Additionally, elder care and loved ones can offer support and encouragement for seniors considering their options.
Seniors can lessen the impact of drooping eyelids on their daily lives by being aware of the underlying causes of ptosis and putting the right management strategies in place. With the help of loved ones and elder care, they can move forward with confidence and support.
Sources:
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/eyelid-drooping
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-aging-eye-when-to-worry-about-eyelid-problems
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/ptosis
If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Parker, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY Home Care of Parker. 303-953-9924
