Newborn Ptosis in one eye

[Susu500]

Our newborn granddaughter has a slight ptosis in her right eye that seems worse at times and hardly there at other times. Could this be due to birth trauma and could it improve on its own? Does she need to see a pediatric ophthamologist (she is only a week old)?

[Forum-OD-MP]

if she was born in the U.S. she has likely already seen a pediatric ophthalmologist.  most kids see one on the day they are born, at least they do in our local hospital.

but to answer your question, ptosis that "comes and goes" will likely resolve on its own.  if it does not then yes, you will need to see a pediatric ophthalmologist, especially if it is occluding her vision in that eye a large percentage of the time.  a surgical correction may be warranted to prevent vision loss in the affected eye.  again, this would only occur if the ptosis is bad enough to occlude that eye most of the time.  if it just looks a little droopier but does not occlude her vision, then most surgeons will wait until the child is much older before they attempt surgery.

[peekawho]

I've worked in hospital nurseries all over the United States, and I've never seen a pediatric opthamologist set foot in one, unless there is an obvious problem and the ped requests a consult.  

Your local hospital is way on the ball, if all babies get a ped opth consult at birth!  

To the original poster...were forceps used, or the birth unusually difficult?

[Susu500]

There was not a pediatric ophthamologist present. It was an emergency c-section after mother did not dilate beyond 3 in a 12 hour period. Baby was getting stressed.
Thanks for your input.

[Susu500]

Her eye seems almost normal already. I guess it was a temporary condition. Thanks to all for the input!