Do you have trouble seeing, particularly when reading? Do you feel like low-lying lids make you look older than you really are? Do you wish there was something you could do to improve your field of vision? If so, you may have ptosis and benefit from Upneeq at Dr. Berger’s Office in Burbank, CA.
What Is Upneeq?
Upneeq is an FDA-approved prescription eye drop designed to treat ptosis, a condition otherwise known as low-lying lids. This oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution can lift your eyelids quickly and improve your upper field of vision significantly. Specifically, it is known to lift low-lying lids in as little as two hours, and no downtime after the procedure! Moreover, in some clinical trials, improvements were noticeable just 300 seconds after the application of the first dose.
What Causes Low-Lying Lids?
Sometimes, people are born with low-lying lids. In such cases, the low-lying lids are caused by genetics. However, if you do not suffer from congenital blepharoptosis, your low-lying lids are known as acquired low-lying lids. There are a number of reasons why acquired low-lying lids may occur. Among the most common causes of low-lying lids that develop later in life are:
- Fatigue
- Eye surgery
- Eye injury
- Years of wearing contacts
- Eyelid pressure due to edema
- Eyelid pressure due to sagging skin
- Eyelid pressure due to cysts
- Myasthenia gravis
- Autoimmune disorders
How It WorksÂ
This non-invasive vision-improving treatment works thanks to the oxymetazoline in the solution. Oxymetazoline is an alpha adrenergic agonist that encourages Muller’s muscle contractions. Put another way, it forces your eyelids to raise because the levator palpebrae muscles in your upper eyelids tighten and lift. When your upper eyelids lift themselves, you look younger. Additionally, your upper field of vision improves drastically.
One of the best things about this treatment is that it is incredibly easy to use. Specifically, this medication can be applied in just two simple steps. The first step you need to take to apply this medication is opening the foil wrapper with a pair of scissors and pulling out the single-use vial. The second step you need to take to apply this medication is applying a single drop of medication into each affected eye.
Is This Treatment Safe?
Yes, this treatment is completely safe for adults with normal blood pressure and healthy heart function. However, you should be aware that the single-use vial is kept sterile. Allow nothing to touch the vial’s tip, including your eye, your desk, or your bathroom counter. You also should avoid touching the tip of the vial with your fingertip. Keep in mind that you should discard the vial after your drop or drops have been applied. Do not re-use the vial.
How Effective Is This Treatment?
This treatment is incredibly effective. In fact, 74% of people who used this drug for ptosis treatment reported that their upper eyelids were over 50% better. Also of note, 40.8% of people reported that their upper field of vision improved by over 50% two weeks after their first dose.
How Long Do the Results of This Treatment Last?
Generally, you can expect your treatment results to last for approximately six hours. However, it is important to note that individual results vary. It is also important to note that this is a once-daily treatment.
Who Is This Right for?Â
To determine whether this treatment is appropriate for you, it is imperative that you attend an initial evaluation. According to the FDA, it is safe and effective for most fairly healthy people who are concerned about upper eyelid sagging. However, we need to evaluate your concerns and discuss your health before we can make a final determination regarding your candidacy.
For example, we need to know about any immune system disorders you may have that cause your eyes or mouth to become dry. We also need to confirm that you do not currently suffer from untreated narrow-angle glaucoma. As another example, we need to verify that you do not suffer from uncontrolled hypertension or hypotension, heart disease, or periods of feeling faint in the absence of physical activity.
Can I Benefit From This Treatment if I Wear Contacts?
Yes, you can benefit from this medication, even if you wear contacts every day. You just have to keep in mind that you must remove your contacts before you apply your medication. You should also keep in mind that you should wait at least 15 minutes after applying your medication before putting your contacts back in.
Can I Benefit From This Treatment if I Use Other Topical Eye Medications?
Yes, it is possible to qualify for this non-invasive eyelid lifting treatment if you use other topical eye medications. However, you should keep in mind that you must wait at least 15 minutes after applying your eyelid lifting medication to apply your other topical medications.
Will I Qualify for This Treatment if I Can See My Whole Iris?
If you can see your whole iris, your condition may not be severe enough for this treatment. As a general rule, we look for candidates who cannot see their whole iris. However, there are exceptions to this general rule. For example, you may qualify for this treatment if your entire iris is visible but you have to tilt your head back to be able to look up. Similarly, you may qualify for this treatment if you find that you are struggling to read, drive, or use a computer.
Take the First Step To Look Younger Today
If you are concerned about a limited field of vision, or you feel like you look older than you are due to low-lying eyelids, you may be a good candidate for Upneeq. This prescription eye drop works by forcing your upper eyelid muscles to contract, lifting your low-lying lids. If you think you could benefit from this treatment, contact us to schedule your initial consultation.