Eye surgery for baby for ptosis

[WorryingGary]

We are very worried about an eye surgery for my baby who is only 8 months old. Her left eye cannot open as big as right eye since birth. The doctor told us that surgery is needed to correct the situation and prevent laziness. I want to know when the best time is for eye surgery for baby only several months old.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

An upper eyelid that does not go all the way up is called ptosis. It is often hereditary. If it droops badly it can block the vision and reduce the ability of the eye to see normally (amblyopia).

Surgery is generally done when the position of the lid is stable (ie not raising or dropping more). You should be seeing an Eye MD that specializes in surgery of the eyelids (oculo-plastic surgery).

Please know that while surgery normally improved the situation it is usually not possible to make the eye lid look and work like the normal other eye. They won't look like idential twins. Repeat operations are often necessary.

Your child should also be followed closely over the next 3-5 years by a pediatric ophthalmologist to watch for amblyopia, and misalignment of the eyes (strabismus).

JCH III MD Eye Physician & Surgeon

[WorryingGary]

Dear Doctor,

Thank you very much for your information. We are worrying about whether or not there is too much risk for the baby since she is too young. Also, if we decide not to go for surgery, there is a possibility that it will recover on its own. However, as you mentioned, amblyopia and misalignment of the eyes might be a problem as well in the future. Is it normal for a baby to have operation for this or is it better to wait until she is older?

Best Regards,
Gary

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

The condition unfortunately doesn't normally improve with time. If you are in the care of a good peditrician, pediatric ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon and they use a pediatric hosptial or hospitial equiped for very young children then you are in good hands.

If the child sees a pediatric ophthalmologist and an oculoplastic surgeons and they both recommend surgery then that's an opinion and a second opinion that agree.

JCH III MD

[azparents]

It's been almost 2 years since the posts about your daughter's eye.  How is she now?  Did she have the surgery?  If she did, how's her vision development? I sincerely hope she is doing great.  We are now facing the same surgery for our son who is now 8 months old.  Thanks.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

You might consider leaving a note for WorryingGary if he doesn't answer your question.

JCH MD