The psychological well-being and appearance concerns of patients presenting with ptosis

Abstract

Purpose Ptosis affects both the function and appearance of the eyes and face, because of drooping of the eyelids. Previous research has focused on functional impairment; however, similar appearance altering eye conditions have been demonstrated to have major impacts on psychosocial functioning. Methods This study examines the psychological well-being and appearance concerns of patients presenting with ptosis recruited from Bristol Eye Hospital using validated questionnaires focusing on demographics and psychosocial factors before surgery. Results Patients reported higher levels of anxiety, depression, and appearance concern than population norms, with scores comparable to previous research examining the impact of other disfiguring eye conditions. Gender differences were observed, with almost half of females experiencing significant psychosocial issues related to appearance concern about their ptosis compared with 20% of males. Linear regressions revealed that the main predictor of poor adjustment to the appearance of ptosis was the level of concern an individual had regarding the negative perceptions of other people. These results implicate psychosocial factors and demographics as predictors of the development of appearancerelated distress and compromised psychological well-being for patients with ptosis who are currently seeking surgery. Conclusions This study provides clinicians with a greater understanding of the concerns of affected patients, and treatment motivations. The findings may also inform the development of patient reported outcome measures and support for patients, which targets the psychosocial impact of the condition.

Pre-operative experiences and post-operative benefits of ptosis surgery: A qualitative study

“…Previous research into the impact of ptosis and other conditions affecting the 69 appearance of the eyes(13) (14) (15) demonstrates negative impacts of these 70 conditions due to the psychosocial effects of living with an appearance altering 71 condition, and suggests that patients with ptosis may be motivated to seek surgery to 72 ameliorate the psychological impacts as well the functional concomitants of the 73 condition(15) (13). The withholding of ptosis surgery on the grounds that it is a 74 cosmetic procedure and is therefore unworthy of funding risks denying treatment to 75 patients experiencing significant reductions in quality of life (QOL) as the result of the 76 condition.…”

Blepharoptosis among Korean adults: Age-related prevalence and threshold age for evaluation

“…Moderate to severe blepharoptosis can impair visual function (e.g., loss of superior visual fields) [6] cause psychological distress (e.g., anxiety and depression) [5], reduce health-related quality of life [18], and cause tension-related headaches [7][8][9]. Blepharoptosis in older adults may be underestimated or ignored because both physicians and patients consider the condition to be a result of the aging process.…”

“…Richards et al reported that patients with blepharoptosis had higher levels of anxiety, depression, and concerns regarding their appearance than the general population [5]. When questioned about their visual function-related quality of life, Briceño et al reported that after surgery for ptosis repair, patients reported a significant increase in visual function [6].…”

Investigation of health anxiety and its related factors in nursing students

“…Thus, interventions that improve relationships, support systems, and family functioning may reduce the negative impact of stressors 9. Richards et al suggested that psychosocial factors and demographics were predictors of the development of appearance-related distress and compromised the psychological well-being of patients with ptosis 10. Therefore, appearance is an important aspect of health anxiety.…”