Ptosis is the medical term for drooping of the upper eyelid. It can affect one or both eyes and may vary from mild to severe. In some cases, the eyelid can interfere with vision by covering the top part of the visual field. For others, it may be primarily a cosmetic concern.
Patients with ptosis may experience difficulty keeping their eyelids open, eyestrain, or fatigue — particularly when reading or performing visual tasks for extended periods.
There are several possible causes of ptosis. The most common is age-related (involutional) ptosis, which occurs when the attachments of the muscles responsible for lifting the eyelid gradually loosen or stretch over time.
Ptosis surgery
Surgery is often performed to correct ptosis. This can be done either from the outer, skin side of the eyelid, or from the inner surface. The procedure usually involves removing excess skin and soft tissue if present and tightening or reattaching the muscle in the eyelid with stitches to restore lid position and improve function.
Ptosis Surgery – Why Specialist Care Matters
Eyelid surgery involves working with the delicate tissues that protect your eyes and support vision. That’s why it’s important to choose an oculoplastic surgeon – an ophthalmologist with advanced training in eyelid and orbital surgery. In the right hands, complications are uncommon and usually minor.
At Progressive Vision, your care is led by Consultant Eye Surgeon Ms. Clare Quigley. Clare combines international fellowship training in the UK and Australia with experience as a Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon in the UK. She is known for her surgical expertise, her outstanding academic achievements, and her compassionate, patient-first approach.
Request an AppointmentWhat to Expect During Ptosis Surgery at Progressive Vision
The procedure is done in our Swords clinic by an Eye Doctor. You will be in the clinic
for about 2 hours. If you take blood thinners, like aspirin, please let your Eye Doctor
know as you may need to pause them around the time of the procedure.
Before the surgery, we will take photographs of your eye.
- Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing (no hoodies or thick jumpers).
- Do not wear any eye make-up.
- You can eat, drink, and take any other medication as normal.
- Arrange a lift to and from our state-of-the-art clinic in Swords.
- Numbing eye drops will be used to make your eye more comfortable during the procedure. You may also be given oral sedation to help you feel relaxed.
- Consent – you’ll sign your consent form before surgery.
- Your eye doctor will mark the area of excess skin to accurately assess the natural position of the eyelid.
- A local anaesthetic injection is given to numb the eyelid.
- A small incision is made either on the skin side or the inner surface of the eyelid.
- Through this incision, your eye doctor will remove or reposition excess skin and, in some cases, underlying muscle or fat.
- Once the desired amount of tissue has been removed, the incision is closed with stitches, which are usually removed 1–2 weeks later.
- Because the incision is placed in the eyelid crease, the resulting scar is usually well hidden.
- Recovery (in clinic) – 40 minutes with cold compress, pads removed, tea/coffee, post-op instructions given
- After the procedure, the eye patch should remain in place overnight, unless surgery was done on both eyes, in that case, your doctor will give you specific instructions.
- Once the patch is removed, you should apply a cold compress every 1 to 2 hours, for 15 minutes, for the first two days to help reduce swelling.
- Use a soft cloth barrier between the ice pack and your skin.
- Swelling and bruising usually settles over 1 to 2 weeks.
- Post-operative care also involves gently cleaning the stitch line with boiled, cooled water and applying ointment twice daily until the stitches are removed.
- Stitches are usually taken out 1 to 2 weeks after the surgery.
- You should not do any strenuous activity until the stitches have been removed.
- This includes heavy lifting, manual work, gardening, and vigorous cleaning.
- It is important to avoid excessive sun exposure for 4 weeks after surgery, as it may affect healing and increase the risk of scarring.
- If you are working, please let us know, as you may need to take some time off depending on the type of job you do.
- You will be on an antibiotic ointment twice a day for 2 weeks after the procedure until your stitches are removed.
- You can also use preservative free lubricating drops if your eye feels dry or irritated.
Next Steps
You don’t need a referral to see us – simply get in touch to arrange your assessment. Our friendly team will guide you through the booking process and answer any questions you may have. With clinics in Sandyford and Swords, we’re here to provide expert, compassionate care that fits around your needs.
📞 Call us: 01 213 5652
📧 Email us: info@progressivevision.ie
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