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# Ptosis In San Diego, CA
## What Is Ptosis?
Ptosis is characterized by the drooping of the upper eyelids. Although many people associate ptosis with aging, many people including children may develop ptosis after eye surgery, an eye injury, or as a result of a congenital condition. Ptosis may affect just one eye or both eyes and can cause disrupted vision in patients with severe drooping. Because ptosis may be a result of a serious underlying health condition, it’s important for patients to see a doctor for their drooping eyelids as soon as they see a development.
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At American Eye Associates and California Retina Associates, we offer a wide range of cutting-edge treatments, expert surgical techniques, and the latest diagnostic services that will help you live your most healthy and comfortable life. We are happy to offer ophthalmology services to men and women in San Diego, Chula Vista, and the surrounding areas of Imperial County, California. Contact us to schedule your one-on-one consultation with one of our expert ophthalmologists today.
## What is a Ptosis?
## Frequently Asked Questions
# What Causes Ptosis?
Typically, ptosis is caused by weakened muscles responsible for raising the eyelid or from damage to the nerves that control the responsible muscles. In some cases, ptosis may simply be caused by loose or sagging skin on the upper eyelid. In rare cases, ptosis may be caused by a more severe underlying condition. In addition to the possibility of the disorder occurring as a congenital condition, or as a consequence of an injury or surgery, ptosis may be caused by:
* Migraine headache
* Growth in the eyelid, such as a stye
* Bell’s palsy
* Diabetes
* Stroke
* Myasthenia gravis
* Horner syndrome
* Benign or malignant tumor
# How Is Ptosis Diagnosed?
Ptosis itself is typically easily diagnosed by our skilled ophthalmologists, however, a series of comprehensive eye exams must be performed to determine what is causing the ptosis. Necessary exams may include visual field testing, slit-lamp examinations, and tension tests for the muscles affecting the upper eyelid. If there is a concern about a severe underlying health condition, we will be happy to refer you to a trusted internist or physician for further diagnostic testing.
# How Can I Treat Ptosis?
Patients often seek treatment for drooping eyelids for cosmetic reasons or to rejuvenate their appearance. The most common treatment for ptosis is a surgical eyelid lift procedure called blepharoplasty (LINK). During blepharoplasty, a small incision will be made along the natural crease of the eyelid through which excess tissue can be removed and weakened muscles can be tightened. Patients with less severe cases of ptosis may opt for a ptosis crutch or an attachment to the frames of glasses that manually lift up the drooping eyelid.
# How Can I Prevent Ptosis?
While there is no way to prevent the onset of ptosis, the best way to reduce risks associated with the onset of ptosis is to make sure you are getting regularly examined by a skilled physician like one of our expert ophthalmologists. Getting regular examinations can ensure your ptosis is not being caused by a severe health condition and that it is not obstructing your vision.
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 Chula Vista, CA 91911
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 El Centro, CA 92243
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 National City, CA 91950
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## American Eye Associates
##### American Eye Associates, formerly known as California Retina Associates, is one of a select number of practices that truly emphasize the treatment of conditions affecting the cornea, retina, and vitreous. Our expert team of medical professionals is dedicated to your eye health care. We work hand-in-hand with your general physicians to explore options for the most advanced, FDA-approved treatment for your eye disease.
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# Retinal Care
# In San Diego, CA
## What Is Retinal Care?
Retinal care includes any treatments or services that are focused on the health and function of the retinas. The retina is an essential component of the eye that makes vision possible. It collects light that enters the eyes, transmitting signals to your brain that allow you to comprehend your vision. Any conditions or injuries to the retinas can severely damage your vision, making retinal care an essential part of long-term eye health. At American Eye Associates, our retinal care services help patients manage and treat any retinal conditions.
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# How Much Does Retinal Care Cost?
The coverage of retinal care can vary by insurance providers. Some may offer full coverage, while others may offer partial coverage only if certain conditions are met. In cases where a patient has a designated vision insurance plan, coverage is often included. To help you minimize the cost of your retinal care, we are proud to offer numerous  options for eligible patients. These allow patients to split the cost of their treatment into affordable, low-interest, monthly instalments.
# What Retinal Care Services Are Available?
At American Eye Associates, we currently offer the following retinal care services:
# Macular Degeneration
## What Is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in patients age 65 and older. The macula is the part of the retina responsible for color vision and visual acuity — particularly central vision, which is necessary for many everyday tasks like reading or driving. Macular degeneration, sometimes called age-related macular degeneration or AMD, is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 65.
The eye doctors at American Eye Associates and California Eye Associates are internationally recognized for their work treating conditions affecting the retina. During routine retinal exams, we can often detect early signs of macular degeneration and, while there is no cure for this disorder, prompt treatment can be very effective at delaying its progression. Because there is no cure, early detection, and prompt intervention are essential for preventing a complete loss of vision.
# What Are The Symptoms Of Macular Degeneration?
Symptoms of macular degeneration may include:
* Difficulties adapting to low light levels or the need for increasingly bright light when doing close-up work
* Difficulties recognizing faces
* A decrease in the brightness of colors
* Blurry, blind or distorted spots in your central vision
* Generally hazy or unclear vision
The vision loss caused by macular degeneration is usually slow and painless. However, sudden vision loss can be caused by certain types of this disorder.
# Does Macular Degeneration Always Occur In Both Eyes?
It is possible to develop AMD in only one eye, but as it progresses it will usually affect both eyes. Once AMD develops in one eye, the person is more likely to develop it in the other eye than someone who does not have AMD in either eye.
# What Are The Types Of Macular Degeneration?
There are two types of macular degeneration.
Dry macular degeneration is the more common type, affecting approximately 80 to 90 percent of people with the disease. In these cases, small deposits called drusen to develop on the retina, below the macula, causing it to deteriorate over time.
Wet macular degeneration is much less common but more likely to cause severe vision loss. In these cases, abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina grow toward the macula and bleed or leak fluid, which can damage the macula and pull it away from its base.
# What Are The Stages Of Macular Degeneration?
The progression of macular degeneration differs in different patients. There are three stages of this eye disease:
* **Early-stage AMD** — This features medium-sized drusen deposits and no pigment changes. No loss of vision.
* **Intermediate AMD** — Large drusen and/or pigment changes. There may mild vision loss, but most people don’t experience any problems.
* **Late-state AMD** — Dry or wet macular degeneration that causes vision loss.
# Should I Make Lifestyle Changes If I Have Macular Degeneration?
That depends on the stage. If you have early-stage AMD you won’t have any loss of vision yet. Treatment may be able to delay the progression of the disease to a degree that you can live basically the way you have.
But if you are experiencing some blurry vision and loss of color, you may begin to want to make changes in your home. Here are some steps that can help around the house:
* Brighten your living spaces by increasing overhead lighting and adding under-cabinet lighting. Changing to different types of light bulbs could be beneficial.
* Reduce glare with blinds and curtains.
* Rearrange furniture that can be an impedance when moving between rooms.
* Remove area rugs or tack or tape them down.
* In the bathroom try and use contrasting colors to make it easier to differentiate between the tub, toilet, and sink.
* Increase lighting on any stairs and mark the top and bottom steps with colors.
* Install handrails in bathrooms and in stairwells.
The team at American Eye Associates and California Retinal Associates will help you navigate possible changes from driving to using a computer. These changes, as you would expect, are unique to each patient.
# What Are The Risk Factors For Macular Degeneration?
Your risk for macular degeneration is significantly increased if you are a smoker, but genetics, obesity, high blood pressure and the use of some drugs may also increase your risk.
# Does Macular Degeneration Always Lead To Blindness?
Age-related macular degeneration usually produces a slow, painless loss of vision. The vision loss is not as severe in the dry form compared to the wet form. Vision loss generally begins in the center of the patient’s vision. Macular degeneration involves vision loss, but not usually complete blindness. Due to the central vision that is lost, however, advanced macular degeneration patients are considered to be legally blind.
# What Are Macular Degeneration Treatments?
There is currently no macular degeneration treatment that is proven to cure the disease. However, the condition can be managed through lifestyle changes and other habits. There are also medical therapies and other interventions that can help preserve vision in advanced cases of AMD.
# What Are Macular Holes?
Macular holes are tears or breaks in the macula that can distort central vision. Unlike macular degeneration, macular holes can be treated.
# What Is A Macular Pucker?
Similar to macular degeneration and macular holes, a macular pucker is a condition that occurs when scar tissue forms on the macula.