What is ptosis, the eye condition that Zeenat Aman has been battling for decades?

Veteran actor Zeenat Aman on Tuesday opened up about her long-standing struggle with a health condition called ptosis.In an Instagram post, she revealed that the condition is a result of an injury she suffered many decades ago that damaged the muscles around her right eye.The 71-year-old wrote, “There has been an elephant in the room with me for the past 40 years. It is time to show this elephant the door. I have a condition known as ptosis – the result of an injury I suffered many decades ago that damaged the muscles around my right eye. Over the years, it caused my eyelid to droop further and further. And a few years ago it became so acute that it began to obstruct my vision.”“Recovery has been slow, steady and is ongoing. But I’m happy to share that my vision is so much clearer now,” she added.What exactly is this condition? What’s the road to recovery?Let’s take a look.Ptosis – the drooping eyelid conditionPtosis, also known as “droopy eyelid” or “blepharoptosis,” is a medical condition characterised by the sagging or drooping of the upper eyelid. It is not painful but it covers the pupil, affecting the vision. One may have to tip their head back and lift their chin to see better.According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the condition can affect one or both eyelids and can vary in severity.As per Healthline, depending on the severity of the condition, droopy upper eyelids can block or greatly reduce vision depending on how much it obstructs the pupil.CausesThis condition can be caused by various factors, including age-related changes, muscle weaknesses, nerve damage, or congenital (present at birth) factors.However, various medical issues and conditions that might lead to ptosis are -- eyelid inflammation, homer syndrome (which affects the nerves to the eye and face), Myasthenia gravis (a disorder causing muscle weakness), cerebrovascular incidents or strokes, growth of abnormal tissue or tumors, progressive weakening of the eye muscles, known as external ophthalmoplegia, according to BQPrime.Symptoms

• Drooping eyelids obstructing the vision
• Extremely dry or watery eyes
• Fatigue or strain from continually lifting the eyelids
• Frequent tilting of the head in an attempt to see under the lid
• Uneven appearance of the eyes
• Wrinkling of the forehead to lift the sagging eyelid
• Difficulty in keeping the eye open, especially when tired
• Difficulty in driving, reading, or even ascending or descending stairs

Advanced treatmentThe treatment for this condition depends on its cause and severity.It may include medication, or other interventions to address the underlying condition or lifting the eyelid by undergoing a plastic surgery to improve vision and appearance.The nonsurgical option is glasses that can hold the eyelid up, called a ptosis crutch. According to Healthline, the treatment is most effective when the droopy eyelid is only temporary.Once-a-day type of eyedrop named "Upneeq," which contains oxymetazoline hydrochloride, has also been approved for the treatment of acquired ptosis and may help improve droopy eyelids.There is no way to prevent droopy eyelid, but getting a regular eye exam can be beneficial.With inputs from agencies