Droopy Eyes

[tooj]

My wife is suffering badly from droopy eyelids. I wonder if anyone else suffering from this
problem has found a solution which might help. At the moment she has to hold one of them up
to read or watch the Tv. Her doctor does not recommend surgery (She's 73).

[Sqad]

Well, there you go, it's operation or nothing.

[woofgang]

Did her doc say what the cause is or why surgery isn't a good idea?

[jennyjoan]

Things have probably moved from about 40 years ago but not to scare you I know a lad who had one droopy eye and they pinned it or whatever they do back but it never blinked so was left starey eyed.

[woofgang]

JJ yes things have moved on a bit from then.......I am not sure that posting such a frightening thing is helpful.....

[jennyjoan]

sorry woofy but really only saying from what I experienced

[tooj]

I think jennyjoan has answered why she's worried about surgery.
I think the doctor is just worried about her age. I looked up theproblem on the computer and found lots of creams etc, and I wondered if anyone had tried them, and whether any had good results.

[woofgang]

tooj 15 years ago my late mum had successful surgery for entropion (where the eyelid rolls inwards) on both eyes in her mid 80's and she had a degree of heart failure when the op was done. She died of the heart failure (among other things) nine years ago. I am thinking it must be something more than just her age for the doc to be against surgery?

[Prudie]

I agree woof. People have cataracts done and GAs and all sorts done well into their 80s. Must be more to it. As for creams don't waste your money. I know you can get a beauty product for droopy lids which is like sticky strips you put in the crease to lift the lids but haven't tried them and have no idea if they work . I'd probably press the GP for more advice as it must be very depressing for her.

[hc4361]

If you can afford it find a good surgeon privately and see what s/he recommends.

I know of an excellent surgeon in the West Midlands.

[woofgang]

I think the first step is to find out why your doctor is so against it.

[Sqad]

I cannot think of any contra-indication for surgery except that your GP is against private practice (some are).
It can be performed satisfactory under local anaesthesia with or without sedation.
Make some inquiries re a local plastic surgeon as suggested by h.c at 1836.
When you have chosen your surgeon go back to your GP for a referral letter.

[woofgang]

surely if it is affecting this lady's life, it should be at least considered on the NHS? Its not a cosmetic issue. I am not saying that this lady "should" go through the NHS but it shouldn't be a consideration for the GP?

[Sqad]

woofy....I do not know the situation in whatever area tooj lives in, but if she wants something doing on the NHS she will HAVE to go through her GP . Now whether or not it should or shouldn't be a consideration for the GP is another question.

[Sqad]

tooj.

Make an appt for your wife to see another partner in the practice.

[woofgang]

good idea sqad....I would also suggest getting a clear answer to WHY its not recommended, assuming that the second GP doesn't like the idea either.