Acquired ptosis is a condition that causes one or both of your upper eyelids to droop. It affects 4-13% of the general population and occurs in up to one in five people over 70.
Traditionally, acquired ptosis was treated with surgery. However, that’s starting to change, thanks to the FDA approval of Upneeq® eye-opening drops.
At 2020 Family Vision, with locations in Novi, Lake Orion, Bloomfield Hills, Farmington Hill, and Ypsilanti, Michigan, our team is proud to offer this new treatment to adults of all ages.
Read on to learn:
Upneeq® eye-opening drops are an FDA-approved type of prescription eye drops that temporarily lift droopy eyelids caused by acquired ptosis.
When administered, they stimulate the small muscle in the upper eyelid that helps keep the eyelid elevated. This stimulation causes the treated eyelid to open.
The active ingredient in Upneeq® is oxymetazoline, which is found in many nasal decongestants. When applied to droopy eyelids, it helps hold them open, improving your appearance and field of vision.
Upneeq® eye-opening drops come in single-use vials. They’re easy to use and small enough to put in your purse or briefcase.
We typically recommend Upneeq® eye-opening drops to people with mild or moderate ptosis because these individuals tend to see the best results.
Since Upneeq® only elevates your eyelid for about eight hours, the treatment isn’t a permanent solution. If your symptoms are severe, surgery often makes more sense.
After reviewing your health history, discussing your symptoms, and completing a comprehensive eye exam, we can determine the best approach for your situation.
Ptosis treatment with Upneeq® is easy. Simply apply one drop of the solution to your affected eye(s) once daily.
If you wear contact lenses, remove them before application and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. Each dosage comes in a separate vial. Once you’re finished for the day, throw the vial away.
Upneeq® is a temporary treatment that lasts 6-8 hours. Most people notice results within 5-15 minutes, with full effects developing in an hour or two.
Following the application, many people say their eyes appear more open and refreshed. Some also notice a larger field of vision and feel more confident about their overall appearance.
Because the effects wear off over time, consistent application is necessary to maintain your results.
Upneeq® is safe and typically well-tolerated, but some people experience:
Other rare side effects include blurred vision or headache, but these only affect a small number of users.
If you experience any pain or other worrisome symptoms, stop using Upneeq® immediately and let us know.
If droopy upper eyelids are affecting your vision or self-esteem, contact us to learn more about Upneeq® eye-opening drops.
Call the nearest office today to make an appointment, or book your visit online. We can determine whether you’re a good candidate and recommend another approach if it would be more effective.
