Eyelid ptosis in children: when is surgery necessary?

When does a child need eyelid ptosis surgery? Dr. Mahmoud El Samkary explains the right timing and how ptosis in children affects vision.

Eyelid ptosis in children may be present from birth and can affect one eyelid or both. One of the questions parents most often ask Dr. Mahmoud El Samkary is: when should a child have ptosis surgery?

When is early surgery needed?

If the ptosis is significant and covers an important part of the field of vision in one eye, Dr. Mahmoud El Samkary prefers to operate at around one year of age, to prevent a lazy eye (amblyopia) in the affected eye.

When can we wait?

If the ptosis is mild or moderate and does not affect vision, surgery can be postponed until the age of 4 or 5, and it is better not to wait longer than that.

Why should ptosis in children not be left untreated?

Psychological effect: the child may be bullied because of the appearance of the eyelid, which affects their wellbeing.
Effect on vision: a drooping eyelid can affect the surface of the cornea and weaken vision.

Early examination of eyelid ptosis in children is the most important step in choosing the right time for surgery.