Ptosis Treatment Queens & Nassau County

Name: Ptosis
Brand: The Pediatric Eye Center
Rating: 4.8 (342 reviews)

An infant or child with ptosis has a drooping upper eyelid that may interfere with vision. At The Pediatric Eye Center, we can correct this condition to restore normal eyelid function and support your child’s long-term visual development.

What Is Ptosis in Children?

A drooping eyelid is called ptosis. In older adults, ptosis often develops as part of aging, when the tissues that hold the eyelid stretch over time. In babies, ptosis is usually present from birth because the muscle that lifts the eyelid did not develop normally. Pediatric ptosis may also have a neurological cause. It is important to distinguish congenital (“myogenic,” or muscle-related) ptosis from ptosis caused by a neurological condition.

Understanding Congenital Ptosis

Congenital ptosis results from abnormal muscle and connective tissue development that lifts the eyelid. While it can be linked to certain syndromes, most cases occur on their own. A hallmark sign is that the affected lid does not lower completely when the eyes look down, known as lid lag. Another common feature is a smooth eyelid surface with a poorly formed upper eyelid crease.

What Causes Neurologic Ptosis?

All muscles work in response to their nerve supply, including the muscles that move the eyes (extraocular muscles) and those that lift the eyelid (levator and Muller muscles). If a nerve problem affects the levator, ptosis can occur and may be accompanied by changes in the pupil or abnormal movement of some extraocular muscles.

In addition to nerve-related causes, ptosis can result from chemical disruptions at the junction between the nerve and muscle, as in myasthenia gravis. While rare in children, this condition must still be considered.

Before & After Ptosis

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What Are the Risks of Pediatric Ptosis?

Amblyopia

If the drooping eyelid blocks the eye, the brain will not receive clear visual input from that side, leading to amblyopia (lazy eye). While amblyopia can be reversed until around age 12, the underlying cause must be treated.

High Astigmatism

Even if the pupil is not fully covered, pressure from the eyelid can cause significant astigmatism, which may also lead to amblyopia.

Chin-Up Head Position

Some babies with ptosis naturally tilt their chin upward (torticollis) to see under the drooping lid and use both eyes.

When to Consider Congenital Ptosis Management in Queens & Nassau County

If the eyelid completely covers the pupil, surgery should be done immediately to prevent or treat amblyopia. Surgery is also recommended if ptosis causes high astigmatism or if a child is constantly lifting her chin to see.

This abnormal head posture can interfere with normal binocular vision and depth perception. If your child has any of these signs, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lichtenstein to discuss safe and effective treatment options.

Doctor Lichtenstein is incredibly friendly and patient with my son. I highly recommend him without any hesitation. After my son's eye surgery, he even gave me his personal number to reach out with any questions. He’s very responsive and attentive. His staff is equally wonderful—always reaching out and being very kind. They were incredibly helpful with scheduling my son's surgery and kept me well-informed with everything I needed to know.

Wedad Elbazi

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Factors to Consider When Timing Surgical Intervention

If the ptosis is mild and does not cause amblyopia, surgery can be delayed until a child is four or five years old. At this age, children are less likely to be self-conscious or teased. Some parents still prefer earlier surgery, which is often a reasonable choice.

Primary Approaches to Ptosis Repair

There are two main surgical methods for correcting ptosis. Dr. Lichtenstein specializes in the most advanced techniques of pediatric ptosis surgery in Queens and Nassau County.

Technique 1 Strengthening the Eyelid Muscles

This involves tightening the levator or Muller muscle. Levator surgery typically uses an incision in the skin of the eyelid, while Muller surgery is performed from the underside of the lid. The best approach depends on each patient’s needs.

Technique 2 Mechanical Eyelid Suspension

This method lifts the eyelid by placing material under the skin to hold it in place, bypassing weak muscle function. Materials may be synthetic, from a donor, or taken from the patient’s thigh (fascia lata). Donor tissue is thoroughly screened and irradiated, with an extremely low risk of disease transmission. All suspension materials carry about a 20% failure rate.

What Are the Risks of Ptosis Surgery?

The most common risk is the need for additional surgery. While many children need only one repair, some require more than one, and it’s impossible to predict who will. Infection is incredibly rare but possible; severe cases could threaten vision or cause systemic illness.

To reduce risk, oral antibiotics are prescribed after frontalis suspension, and patients are seen during the first post-operative week when infection risk is highest.

Eyelid Position After Surgery

Immediately after surgery, the eyelid may be higher than its final position, particularly with suspension procedures. A higher lid can cause dryness during sleep, making lubrication especially important in the early healing period.

Children with congenital ptosis often have difficulty lowering the lid completely, and surgery can increase this tendency. As a result, the operated eye may remain slightly open during sleep or when looking down, especially after a suspension repair.

Trusted by Pediatricians, Chosen by Families

We’re proud to be the pediatric eye care practice that doctors trust and families recommend. Our referrals come not only from local pediatricians but also from parents who tell their friends, neighbors, and extended family about their experience at The Pediatric Eye Center. Here’s why we’ve earned that trust:

Expertise That Spans Decades

Since opening his practice in 1999, Dr. Lichtenstein has provided expert eye care to tens of thousands of children throughout the tri-state area. With more than 25 years of pediatric surgical experience—and a healthy dose of compassion and dry humor—he approaches each appointment with the same level of care he’d want for his own kids.

Eye Exams That Actually Feel Kid-Friendly

Whether he’s pulling out a toy monkey, using a funny voice, or cracking dad jokes, Dr. Lichtenstein knows how to meet kids where they are. Toddlers get giggles, grade-schoolers get stories, and teens get a little space and a lot of respect. He knows what works, and he adapts his approach for every age group.

Honest Conversations, Always

Dr. Lichtenstein believes that parents—and kids old enough to understand—deserve clear, straightforward communication. He explains every diagnosis and treatment plan in language that makes sense, and he’s always happy to answer questions. It’s part of our belief that informed families make the best decisions for long-term eye health.

Ensure Your Child’s Comfort and Eye Health

If your child shows signs of ptosis, don’t wait to seek treatment. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn about effective treatment options to restore your child’s eye health and comfort.

little girl making a heart with her hands

Personalized, Physician-Led Ptosis Care

As a concerned parent, you want your child to have the best possible ptosis treatment outcome. Dr. Eric Lichtenstein’s extensive clinical and surgical experience, combined with his keen medical insight, enable him to craft a personalized plan focused on your child’s long-term vision health.

As one of New York’s most experienced pediatric ptosis doctors serving Queens and Nassau County parents, he provides respect, clarity, and confident leadership, along with genuine warmth in every interaction.

FAQ Ptosis

Is ptosis surgery safe for young children?

Yes. To ensure his patient's safety, Dr. Lichtenstein always works with a pediatric anesthesiologist when performing surgery. The surgery itself is not considered high risk.

Will my child need stitches?

Yes. Most procedures involve a few small stitches placed in a discreet area of the eyelid. In many cases, dissolvable sutures are used that do not need to be removed. The type and placement of stitches depend on the surgical technique used—levator advancement, Müller’s muscle resection, or frontalis suspension.

How long does it take to recover from ptosis surgery?

Most children feel back to normal within a few days. Swelling and redness improve quickly, and most kids return to school or play within a week. Follow-up visits are important to monitor healing and ensure proper eyelid position, especially because the eyelid may appear slightly high at first and then settle over time.

Will ptosis surgery improve my child’s vision?

If the eyelid was obstructing your child’s visual axis, or contributing to astigmatism or a chin-up posture, surgery can help restore proper visual input and reduce the risk of amblyopia. In less severe cases, the benefits may be more cosmetic but still important for self-confidence and long-term eye development.

A Doctor Who Really Connects With Kids and Parents

Dr. Eric Lichtenstein brings the best of both worlds to his patients: board-certified, fellowship-trained expertise and the natural empathy of a loving father. With warmth, compassion, and humor, he easily builds trust with anxious, fidgety kids—and reassures their parents, too.

Schedule a Consultation

If your child has a droopy eyelid or has been diagnosed with ptosis, we’re here to help. Early evaluation and timely treatment can protect your child’s vision and support healthy development. Call The Pediatric Eye Center today at (929) 588-8570 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lichtenstein—trusted pediatric ptosis doctor serving Queens and Nassau County.

Ptosis Treatment Queens & Nassau County

What Is Ptosis in Children?

Understanding Congenital Ptosis

What Causes Neurologic Ptosis?

Before & After Ptosis

What Are the Risks of Pediatric Ptosis?

Amblyopia

High Astigmatism

Chin-Up Head Position

When to Consider Congenital Ptosis Management in Queens & Nassau County

Schedule a Consultation

Factors to Consider When Timing Surgical Intervention

Primary Approaches to Ptosis Repair

Technique 1 Strengthening the Eyelid Muscles

Technique 2 Mechanical Eyelid Suspension

What Are the Risks of Ptosis Surgery?

Eyelid Position After Surgery

Trusted by Pediatricians, Chosen by Families

Expertise That Spans Decades

Eye Exams That Actually Feel Kid-Friendly

Honest Conversations, Always

Ensure Your Child’s Comfort and Eye Health

Personalized, Physician-Led Ptosis Care

FAQ Ptosis

Is ptosis surgery safe for young children?

Will my child need stitches?

How long does it take to recover from ptosis surgery?

Will ptosis surgery improve my child’s vision?

A Doctor Who Really Connects With Kids and Parents

Schedule a Consultation

Trusted by Pediatricians. Chosen by Families.