A new study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology takes a closer look at eyelid surgery for ptosis repair, a procedure that has functional and aesthetic benefits - improving the patient's vision, appearance, and quality of life.
Ptosis, a condition characterized by drooping upper eyelids, can interfere with vision, cause discomfort and detract from your appearance. Through upper eyelid surgery and blepharoptosis repair, these problems may be corrected.
The new study published in Ophthalmology journal analyzed the results of 13 other studies, looking at the reported outcomes of these surgeries.
"As oculoplastic surgeons, we see the visual improvement and comfort that patients obtain from the surgical correction of upper lid ptosis and dermatochalasis," said Kenneth V. Cahill, MD; "this study was performed to analyze the scientific data available to substantiate this."
Sometimes, Dr. Cahill says, patients are denied functional blepharoplasty and ptosis repair surgery by third party payors because of "arbitrary and/or incorrect policies regarding the functional indications for these procedures."
Although eyelid surgery is frequently performed as an elective cosmetic procedure, ptosis repair improves vision and should be characterized as such.
The procedure helps address problems such as:
Dr. Tamara R. Fountain, an American Academy of Ophthalmology clinical consultant, was not involved in the study. But said she is always amazed at how life-changing the surgery can be for patients who suffer from ptosis.
"For my patients who have been denied coverage and then choose to pay out of pocket, they often tell me it was the best investment they'd ever made and only wish they'd done it sooner," Dr. Fountain said.
Read more from Medscape Medical News or view the abstract from elsevier.com.
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