【Ptosis Neglect Risk Survey】66.7% of People Neglecting 'Difficulty Opening Eyes / Heavy Eyelids' Symptoms for Over a Year, 74.3% of Neglect Group Suffer from Chronic Headaches, Stiff Shoulders, and Eye Strain Concurrently ~IC Clinic Survey~

【Conclusion】Key Points of This Survey

Symptoms to check for ptosis include 'heavy eyelids,' 'difficulty opening eyes,' 'increased forehead wrinkles,' and 'chronic headaches/stiff shoulders.' Those who fall into these categories may have ptosis. If recognized as a functional disorder, ptosis can be treated with outpatient surgery covered by insurance (approx. 40,000-50,000 JPY with 30% co-pay), with a downtime of about 1-2 weeks. Neglecting it risks worsening headaches, stiff shoulders, and eye strain, so early consultation is recommended.

・It was found that 66.7% of people have neglected 'difficulty opening eyes / heavy eyelids' symptoms for over a year.

・74.3% of those who neglect symptoms concurrently suffer from chronic headaches, stiff shoulders, and eye strain.

・81.3% of people were 'unaware' that ptosis surgery is covered by insurance.

Terminology Explanation

■ What is Ptosis (Ganken Kasui)?

Ptosis is a condition where the function of the muscle that lifts the upper eyelid (levator palpebrae superioris) or its aponeurosis deteriorates, preventing the eyelid from opening sufficiently. It can be congenital or acquired, with many acquired cases caused by aging, long-term contact lens use, or habitual eye rubbing. Besides narrowing the field of vision, unconsciously using forehead muscles to open the eyelids can lead to headaches, stiff shoulders, and eye strain.

■ What is Levator Aponeurosis Advancement?

Levator aponeurosis advancement is a common surgical method for ptosis. It is a treatment that restores the eyelid's lifting power by re-fixing the stretched or loosened levator aponeurosis to the tarsal plate. It is covered by insurance if recognized as a functional disorder.

■ What is Levator Muscle Shortening?

Levator muscle shortening is a surgical method that strengthens the eyelid's lifting power by shortening the levator muscle itself. It is often applied when the aponeurosis advancement method is insufficient or when levator function is significantly impaired.

Comparison of Ptosis Surgical Methods (Insurance-covered vs. Self-pay)

Comparison Item	Insurance-covered Surgery (Levator Aponeurosis Advancement)	Self-pay (Ptosis + Double Eyelid Formation)
Estimated Cost	Approx. 40,000-50,000 JPY (30% co-pay)	Approx. 300,000-500,000 JPY
Surgery Time	Approx. 40-60 minutes (both eyes)	Approx. 60-90 minutes (both eyes)
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