ptosis

DEFINITION of ptosis

Eyelid ptosis (also called blepharoptosis) is when the upper lid droops, sags, or falls and may reduce or block vision depending on severity. It can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later, and may relate to problems with the muscles/ligaments that raise the eyelid or with the nerves controlling them.​ Ptosis (blepharoptosis) refers to a drooping of the upper eyelid margin. It is clinically distinct from “dermatochalasis” (excess skin). Ptosis is caused by weakness or separation of the levator muscle or a nerve abnormality, whereas dermatochalasis is a skin-only issue.

ICD-10-CM Code(s):

H02.40- - Unspecified ptosis of eyelid

• Explanation: This is the most common code for acquired ptosis. It requires a 6th digit for laterality: H02.401 (Right), H02.402 (Left), H02.403 (Bilateral).
  • Use Case: Standard age-related (involutional) drooping of the eyelid muscle. Q10.0 - Congenital ptosis
• Explanation: Used when the ptosis is present from birth due to improper development of the levator muscle. >- Use Case: Pediatric patients or adults with a documented lifelong history of the condition.
• H02.41- - Mechanical ptosis
• Explanation: Used when the eyelid is drooping because of a physical weight, such as a large cyst or tumor, pushing the lid down. Requires a 6th digit for laterality: H02.411 (Right), H02.412 (Left), H02.413 (Bilateral).

Related terms

• blepharoptosis: another term for eyelid ptosis (“droopy eyelid”).
  • -ptosis (suffix/ending): used broadly for drooping/prolapse in terms like nephroptosis (kidney drooping).​
  • BPES: blepharophimosis, ptosis, epicanthus inversus syndrome (a named syndrome where ptosis is a key feature).

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ETYMOLOGY of ptosis

greek Ptosis comes from Greek ptōsis, literally “a falling/a fall,” from a verb meaning “to fall.”​
In medical word-building lists, -ptosis is explicitly glossed as “falling, drooping, downward placement, prolapse,” reflecting that original sense.

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DERIVATIONS of ptosis

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Query functionality

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Med roots Appendix A Prefixes Appendix B Combining Forms Appendix C Suffixes Appendix D Suffix forms