What problems can occur as a result of childhood ptosis?
One or more of the following vision problems may accompany ptosis in childhood: astigmatism (refractive error), obstruction of the visual axis, chin up head position, and amblyopia. The abnormal resting position of the eyelid on the cornea may result in astigmatism or other refractive error and is a risk factor to develop amblyopia. Another risk factor for amblyopia is an eyelid so droopy that it actually blocks vision into the eye. Also, a chin up head position to see below the droopy eyelid may be noted. Contraction of the frontalis muscle (in the forehead) to help elevate the eyelid is a very common compensatory mechanism.
