How Can Upneeq Eyedrops Help Me?

Published on January 5, 2022 ​​​​​​​

Do you look perpetually tired because your eyelids hang low? Perhaps people have even commented on your heavy, hooded upper eyelids that can cause your eyes to appear partially closed? If you can say yes to either of these, then you could have a condition known as blepharoptosis.

What is blepharoptosis?

Blepharoptosis, sometimes known as ptosis for short, is a condition characterized by the drooping of the upper eyelid that can affect either one or both eyes. The extent of the drooping can vary between individuals, with some experiencing the condition mildly, while others find that it is severe enough to impair their vision. 

There are several different caused of blepharoptosis, but the majority of cases occur as a result of the aging process. This is because, as we get older, the skin and muscles of the eyelids stretch and weaken. This causes them to lose elasticity, and once combined with gravity, they can droop over the eye. If you have previously undergone surgery to your eye, you may be at increased risk of this happening, since the instruments that are often used to keep the eyes open during surgery can stretch the eyelid.

Blepharoptosis can also occur if the muscles that support the eyelid are weakened by disease or injury, such as if the nerves that control the muscles are damaged. And in some cases, you can even be born with the condition.

What are the symptoms of blepharoptosis?

There are a number of symptoms associated with blepharoptosis, including:

• Double vision
• Difficulty completely closing the eye
• Crossed or misaligned eyes
• Drooping eyelid
• Eye fatigue
• Irritation of the eye
• Tilting the head to see better

What is Upneeq and how can it help?

Upneeq is the only FDA-approved prescription eyedrop for low-lying eyelids. This once-daily administered prescription-only product works by stimulating a particular involuntary eyelid muscle, the Muller’s muscle, to contract, becoming shorter and tighter to pull the eyelid upwards and reduce drooping. The daily results from Upneeq last for anywhere from 8 to 10 hours, however the effects are not permanent.

How successful is Upneeq?

Clinical trials have shown that Upneeq was able to lift the eyelids in as little as two hours, with the initial response starting as quickly as five minutes following the first dose of treatment. Around 84% of patients had some form of improvement, with 74% experiencing more than a 50% improvement in their vision after Upneeq treatment.

If you would like to find out more about how Upneeq could help you to overcome the effects of living with blepharoptosis, visit Dau Family Eye Care in St. John's or Jacksonville, Florida. To schedule an appointment, call us at 904-713-2020.