Authored by Dr Harsh Sharma, Edited and Peer Reviewed by Dr. Pooja Sharma

Published July 22, 2023, Last updated July 22, 2023

Ptosis ( pronounced tosis) is a condition of the eye in which the upper eyelid droops downwards. Another name for it is blepharoptosis or upper eyelid ptosis. The ptosis may be slight or more pronounced. In some cases, it can even droop down to the pupil and in extreme cases, cover the eye completely. The following 5 homeopathic medicines for ptosis are very effective –

1. Alumina

2. Causticum

3. Gelsemium

4. Mag Phos

5. Opium

Before we come to the detailed indications suggesting the use of these individual medicines, let us understand a little more about ptosis, its incidence, causes and symptoms.

What is Ptosis?

As I have mentioned in the first paragraph, ptosis is an eye condition in which the upper eye lid droops. It means that the position of the upper eye lid is abnormally low, so much so that it may occlude the vision of the patient. Ptosis may be unilateral ( present on one side ) or bilateral ( present on both sides ). It may occur at any age though it is much more likely in children.

What are the causes of Ptosis?

Ptosis may be present at birth or may develop later on in life. When it is present at the time of birth, we call it congenital ptosis. Acquired ptosis is the one which occurs later in life. Acquired ptosis may be due to following reasons-

Neurogenic – where there is some defect in the nerve of the levator muscle of the upper eyelid.

Myogenic – where there is some defect in the levator muscle of the upper eyelid.

Mechanical – where a tumor or some other mass does not allow the levator muscle to function properly

Trauma – in some cases, trauma or an injury to the eye can cause ptosis.

Treatment of Ptosis

There is hardly any treatment in allopathy for ptosis. The mainstay of the treatment remains surgery to elevate the levator muscle of the upper eyelid. In most of the cases, there is relapse and the problem recurs very soon. Many patients get multiple surgeries done but without any lasting relief.

Homeopathic treatment of Ptosis

Homeopathy is much more effective in the treatment of ptosis. Homeopathic medicines rely on the innate natural healing powers of the human body to provide lasting relief. Mother nature has provided human body almost unbelievable powers to heal itself and sustain itself. We have, due to our own mistakes subdued those natural healing powers. Homeopathy brings out those latent powers and allows the body to start functioning in a natural harmonious manner.

5 Best Homeopathic medicines for Ptosis

There are many medicines in the homeopathic system of medicine, which have proved very effective at treating Ptosis. One may not be able to name all those medicines and explain their symptomatology here. Therefore, I am giving a select few homeopathic medicines for ptosis which have proved to be very effective –

1. Alumina – One of the best homeopathic medicines for ptosis with coldness of eyes

2. Causticum- One of the best Homeopathic remedies for ptosis with rheumatic complaints

3. Gelsemium – One of the best homeopathic medicines for ptosis with weakness

4. Mag Phos – One of the best Homeopathic remedies for ptosis with increased lachrymation

5. Opium – One of the best homeopathic medicines for ptosis worse after sleep

It may not be possible to give details of all the symptoms that lead to the prescription of these medicines. I am giving a few important pointers to these medicines which can give you a fair idea about the nature of these medicines.

1. Alumina – One of the best homeopathic medicines for ptosis with coldness of eyes

When the eyes feel cold in cases of ptosis, Alumina is one of the best homeopathic medicines for ptosis. The patient is usually sluggish. There is heaviness of the eyelids. Dryness is also present in eyes along with burning and smarting. Heaviness, numbness and staggering are commonly present in such patients. Constipation is another concomitant symptom in patients who need Alumina.

2. Causticum- One of the best Homeopathic remedies for ptosis with rheumatic complaints

When rheumatic complaints are present along with ptosis, Causticum is one of the best homeopathic medicines for ptosis. Joints may have tearing and drawing pains. Soreness of muscles is also present in some cases. The paralysis of the eye muscle may result due to exposure to cold also. There may be sparks and dark spots before the eyes.

3. Gelsemium – One of the best homeopathic medicines for ptosis with weakness

When there is generalized weakness along with Ptosis, Gelsemium is one of the best homeopathic medicines for ptosis. The eyelids feel so heavy that the patient can hardly open them. Double vision and smoky vision are often present. All troubles, even the ptosis of the eye feel worse from heat of sun. Any excitement of emotions like anxiety from an exam tends to worsen the problem.

4. Mag Phos – One of the best medicines for ptosis with increased lachrymation

When there is increased watery discharge from the eyes along with ptosis, Mag Phos is one of the best Homeopathic medicines for ptosis. There may be neuralgic pains in the eye which get better by application of warmth. Eyelids twitch frequently. The eyes feel tired and the vision is blurred. Patient tends to see colored lights before his eyes.

5. Opium – One of the best remedies for ptosis worse after sleep

When the eyelids seem to droop more after sleep, Opium is one of the best homeopathic medicines for ptosis. Eyelids remain half closed but get worse in the morning or after sleep even during daytime. The patient seems to be staring in a glassy manner.  Slowness of voluntary movements is also common.