Zeenat Aman talks about being diagnosed with ptosis; know more about the condition

She further said that when so much of one’s career is predicated on one’s appearance, coming to terms with a dramatic change is difficult. “I know for a fact that this ptosis narrowed my opportunities and made me the subject of unwanted attention. But despite the gossip, the comments, and the questions, I never felt diminished by it. It helped of course that there were always a few stalwarts that stood by me and chose to work with me still,” said the 71-year-old.

She also spoke about the treatment options. “The treatments available to me at that time, and for decades after, were unsuccessful. Then this year in April, a leading ophthalmologist informed me that things had advanced, and surgery to lift the eyelid and restore my field of vision was possible. I dithered for a long time, then underwent a battery of tests, and finally committed to the procedure. That morning in the hospital I was terrified. My extremities turned icy and involuntarily shivers racked my body. Zahaan kissed my forehead, reassured me, and wheeled me to the OT, where I surrendered to the hands of my medical team. I emerged from there an hour later – alive, well, and looking like a pirate with an eye patch,” said Zeenat.

She also added that recovery has been slow, steady, and ongoing. “But I’m happy to share that my vision is so much clearer now. This post can not conclude without a word of gratitude to my family, the stellar staff at Hinduja Hospital, and especially the brilliant Dr. Savari Desai.”

What is ptosis?

Ptosis, often referred to as “droopy eyelid”, is a medical condition characterised by the abnormal drooping of the upper eyelid.

“It occurs when the muscles responsible for lifting the eyelid or the nerves controlling them weaken or become damaged,” said Dr Saurabh Varshney, senior consultant ophthalmology, Primus Super Speciality Hospital.

Risks

The risks associated with ptosis include obstructed vision, eye strain, and potential amblyopia (lazy eye) if not treated promptly. “In some cases, ptosis can be a sign of an underlying medical condition or nerve disorder, making it essential to diagnose and address the root cause,” said Dr Varshney.

Severity

According to Dr Varshney, this condition can affect one or both eyes and may vary in severity, from a mild droop that doesn’t significantly impact vision to a more severe form that partially or completely obstructs the visual field. “Ptosis can be congenital, meaning it is present from birth, or acquired due to various factors such as age, eye trauma, or neurological disorders,” said Dr Varshney.

 

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Treatment

In newborns, severe ptosis may require urgent surgical intervention to prevent irreversible amblyopia (lazy eye). Dr Varshney said that treatment options may include surgery to repair the eyelid’s positioning or management of any underlying medical issues, depending on the specific case.

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