PTOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Ptosis is a medical term that refers to the abnormal drooping or sagging of an organ or body part. It is often used to describe a condition in which the upper eyelid is significantly lower in position than it should be, resulting in a partially closed eye appearance. This drooping of the eyelid can affect one or both eyes and can range in severity from minimal to severe, impairing vision in some cases.
Ptosis can occur due to a variety of reasons, including a congenital defect, age-related changes, muscle weakness or damage, nerve damage or dysfunction, trauma, or as a side effect of certain medical conditions or medications. The severity of ptosis can vary depending on the underlying cause and can manifest at birth or develop over time.
Individuals with ptosis may experience symptoms such as reduced visual field, difficulty keeping the eyes open, eyestrain, and fatigue due to the increased effort required to lift the eyelid. Ptosis can also impact a person's overall appearance, affecting their self-confidence and facial symmetry.
Treatment options for ptosis often depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Surgical intervention is commonly employed to correct the drooping eyelid by manipulating the attachment of the levator muscle responsible for lifting the eyelid. In some cases, non-surgical approaches like the use of adhesive tape or special glasses may be recommended to temporarily help lift the eyelid.
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1. A falling or sinking down of any organ. 2. Specifically a drooping of the upper eyelid, due to a fault of development, to paralysis of the levator palpebral muscle, to a weighting of the lid by a tumor, or to recession of the supporting eyeball.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PTOSIS
Etymology of PTOSIS
The word "ptosis" originates from the Greek word "ptōsis" (πτῶσις), which means "a falling, a dropping, a sinking". It is derived from the verb "piptein" (πίπτειν) meaning "to fall". "Ptosis" was later adopted into Latin as "ptōsis" with the same meaning, and eventually entered into medical terminology to refer specifically to the drooping or sagging of an organ or body part, such as the eyelid in the case of "ptosis palpebrarum".
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