Veteran actor Zeenat Aman on Tuesday took to Instagram and opened up about her silent battle with ptosis or ‘drooping eyelid’. Sharing a picture of her surgery day, Aman talked about her journey to regain her vision and self-confidence.
“On 18th May 2023, I shot for the cover of Vogue India. On 19th May 2023, I woke up early in the morning, packed a small suitcase, and kissed Lily on her muzzle. Then Zahaan and Cara drove me to Hinduja hospital in Khar,” the 71-year-old actor shared.
She also revealed that she has been struggling with ptosis for over four decades. She got ptosis rom an injury sustained many years ago that had damaged the muscles around her right eye.
The condition caused her eyelid to droop progressively, eventually impairing her vision.
“The treatments available to me at that time, and for decades after, were unsuccessful. Then this year in April, a leading ophthalmologist informed me that things had advanced, and a surgery to lift the eyelid and restore my field of vision was possible. I dithered for a long time, then underwent a battery of tests and finally committed to the procedure. That morning in the hospital I was terrified. My extremities turned icy and involuntarily shivers racked my body. Zahaan kissed my forehead, reassured me and wheeled me to the OT, where I surrendered to the hands of my medical team. I emerged from there an hour later – alive, well and looking like a pirate with an eye patch,” she shared on Instagram.
Recovery has been slow, steady and is ongoing. But I’m happy to share that my vision is so much clearer now, she added.
She also thanked Hinduja hospital and Dr. Savari Desai for her successful treatment.
What is ptosis?
According to American Academy of Ophthalmology, ptosis occurs when the upper eyelid droops over the eye. The eylid can drop a little or it may cover the pupil. This eye condition can limit or even completely block normal vision.
This condition can be present at birth or acquired later in life. Ptosis of the eyelid can affect one or both upper eyelids. It can also be worse in one eye than the other, as per Cleveland Clinic.
What are the symptoms of ptosis?
Other than drooping eyelid, symptoms of ptosis include:
- Excessive rubbing of your eyes.
- Increased tearing.
- Decreased or impaired vision.
- Tiredness and achiness around your eyes.
What are the causes of ptosis?
Ptosis can occur if the muscles or ligaments that normally raise your eyelid are weakened by injury or disease. Sometimes certain diseases can also lead to ptosis:
- Stye.
- Horner syndrome.
- Myasthenia gravis.
- Stroke.
- Tumor.
- External ophthalmoplegia.
How ptosis is treated?
According to Cleveland Clinic, the type of treatment depends on whether the ptosis is caused by a disease or by aging. Treating ptosis caused by aging usually involves surgery. There are certain eye drops that are prescribed by doctors. Always consult your doctors before starting any treatment.