Veteran actress Zeenat Aman has revealed her struggle with ptosis. We asked an expert what ptosis is, its causes, and treatment options.
At the height of her film career, in the 1970s and 1980s, actress Zeenat Aman charmed audiences with her glamorous charm, immense grace and talent. Nowadays, she continues to earn love not only for her work, but also for her unfiltered personality on Instagram. In a final post, she addressed an “elephant in the room” – her droopy eyelid that has been in the news since she once revealed she had been the victim of physical abuse. An injury several years ago left Zeenat Aman with damaged muscles around her right eye, a condition called ptosis.
Zeenat Aman talks about ptosis
The 71-year-old, who has played unforgettable roles on screen, often shares personal anecdotes that inspire her fans to never lose their inner spark. Just like no one is immune to the ups and downs of life, Zeenat Aman is no exception. Her heartwarming Instagram note gives us a glimpse into her struggle with ptosis that obstructed her vision and made her journey more difficult in an industry where appearance matters.
She wrote: “There has been an elephant in the room with me for 40 years. It’s time to show this elephant the door. I suffer from a condition known as ptosis, the result of an injury I suffered decades ago that damaged the muscles around my right eye. Over the years, my eyelid has drooped more and more. And a few years ago it became so acute that it started to obstruct my vision.
Coping with her difficult situation and a drastic change in circumstances has been difficult for Zeenat Aman. Being in the public eye made it difficult for him to hide his condition for long. However, naysayers and skeptics did not dampen his spirit.
“When so much of a person’s career is based on their appearance, it’s difficult to accept a drastic change. I know for a fact that this ptosis has reduced my opportunities and made me the subject of unwanted attention. But despite the gossip, comments and questions, I never felt diminished. Of course, it helped that there were always a few devotees who stood by me and chose to continue working with me,” Zeenat said.
Zeenat Aman Undergoes Surgery for Ptosis Treatment
For decades, her treatment options were unsuccessful. She hid her condition behind sunglasses or hair. This year brought her some happy news and a glimmer of hope when a renowned ophthalmologist informed her that things had progressed and that surgery to lift the eyelid and restore her field of vision was possible.
Even the slightest thought of undergoing surgery made her feel intimidated and shaken. But after undergoing a battery of tests, she finally decided to embark on this procedure, with the support of her loved ones during difficult times. After an hour of surgery, she left occupational therapy. In her words, she said: “Alive, well and looking like a pirate with an eyepatch. »
Select the topics that interest you and let us personalize your feed.
“The recovery has been slow, steady and continues. But I am happy to share that my vision is much clearer now,” adds Zeenat Aman, who even shared a photo of her son Zahaan kissing her forehead, reassuring her before taking her to occupational therapy.
Check out Zeenat Aman’s ptosis post on Instagram!
What is ptosis?
Ptosis, commonly known as droopy eyelid, is a medical term used to describe drooping or drooping of the upper eyelid, senior ophthalmologist Dr. Y. Jayapal Reddy tells Health Shots. This condition can affect one or both eyes and can vary in severity, from mild drooping to more coverage of the eye. Ptosis can occur in individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly. This can be caused by a variety of factors and can lead to both cosmetic and functional problems.
Congenital ptosis is usually seen in childhood, while age-related ptosis becomes more prevalent in adults over 40 years old. Additionally, neurological and traumatic causes of ptosis can affect people of different ages.
What causes eyelid ptosis?
Some of the common causes of ptosis include:
1. Age-related ptosis is the most common, resulting from a weakening of the eyelid muscles during the aging process.
2. Congenital ptosis occurs from birth and often requires treatment if it interferes with vision.
3. Neurological conditions, such as myasthenia gravis or Horner syndrome, can affect eyelid muscle control, leading to ptosis.
4. Trauma to the eye can damage muscles or nerves, causing ptosis
5. Although rare, tumors in or around the eyelid can be another cause of ptosis
What is the treatment for ptosis?
Treatment options include observation for mild age-related ptosis, surgery for moderate to severe cases involving adjustment of the eyelid muscles, treatment of underlying medical or neurological problems if present, temporary solutions such as eyelid crutches or ptosis crutches to support the eyelid and improve vision, and, in specific cases, the use of Botox injections for temporary relief, says Dr. Reddy.