A fair, plain-language overview of all the non-surgical approaches available for managing ptosis. Written by our eyewear specialist team — covering every option, not just our own glasses.
Surgery is not the only path for people living with ptosis — and for many, it is not the right first step at all. There are several reasons why non-surgical approaches are worth understanding fully before making any decision.
For mild to moderate ptosis that is not significantly affecting vision, an eye care professional may advise a watchful approach rather than immediate surgery. Non-surgical options can help manage daily life in the meantime.
Many people simply prefer to avoid surgery where an alternative is available — particularly for a condition that is manageable with the right daily support. This is a completely valid choice.
In many countries, surgical appointments involve waiting periods. Non-surgical options can provide meaningful daily support in the interim — or indefinitely, if the person chooses not to pursue surgery.
We are an eyewear company, not medical advisors. This page presents all available non-surgical approaches fairly. For guidance on what is appropriate for your specific situation, please consult an eye care professional.
Spectacle frames fitted with a small adjustable support arm on the inside of the lens. When worn, this arm gently assists the upper eyelid to stay open — giving a clearer field of vision throughout the day.
The crutch mechanism is built into the frame and invisible from the front. It can be fine-tuned to suit the degree of drooping in the individual eyelid. Frames are available with or without prescription lenses.
Best suited to: Mild to moderate ptosis; age-related drooping; post-procedure ptosis; people who also need prescription lenses; those preferring a non-surgical daily approach.
A small piece of medical-grade adhesive tape or specialised putty applied to the outer surface of the upper eyelid to physically lift it. Widely available online and in some pharmacies.
Best suited to: Very mild drooping; occasional or event-specific use; short-term management; trialling a lift effect before committing to another approach.
Many people living with ptosis develop small adaptations to manage their daily life — from adjusting screen height to avoid looking upward, to using anti-glare lighting to reduce eye strain, to being mindful of posture to reduce neck tension from head tilting.
These adjustments do not change the drooping itself, but they can meaningfully reduce the daily fatigue and discomfort that ptosis causes — particularly when combined with one of the other approaches above.
Useful adjustments include: raising monitor height to eye level, using good lighting to reduce eye strain, taking regular visual breaks, and being mindful of compensatory head tilting.
For very mild ptosis that is not affecting vision or causing significant daily discomfort, an eye care professional may advise simply monitoring it over time — without any active intervention. This is a completely valid approach when the drooping is minimal and stable.
In these cases, the main value of periodic review is to notice if the ptosis is progressing — so that a decision about other options can be made before it becomes a more significant issue.
| Approach | How it works | Best for | Ongoing cost? | Works with Rx? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ptosis crutch glasses | Adjustable crutch arm inside the frame assists the eyelid open | Mild to moderate ptosis; daily use; Rx wearers | No — one-time | Yes |
| Eyelid tape / putty | Adhesive applied to eyelid skin to lift it physically | Very mild; short-term; occasional use | Yes — recurring | No |
| Lifestyle adjustments | Adapting posture, lighting, screen height to reduce strain | Reducing fatigue; complementing other approaches | No | — |
| Monitoring only | No intervention — periodic review by eye care professional | Very mild stable ptosis not affecting vision | No | — |
They serve different purposes. Surgery aims to create a lasting structural change to the eyelid. Non-surgical options like ptosis glasses provide daily support while worn, without any permanent change. For people with mild to moderate ptosis, non-surgical options can be very effective for daily function. For more significant drooping, surgery may ultimately be the better path — but this is a decision for an eye care professional to advise on individually.
Yes — many of our customers use ARTView ptosis glasses precisely in this situation. They provide practical daily support in the interim period, and you can continue wearing them or stop at any point. There is no contraindication to using ptosis glasses while awaiting a surgical consultation.
Medical-grade eyelid tape is generally safe for short-term and occasional use. With repeated daily application and removal over a long period, some people experience skin irritation, sensitivity or minor abrasion. This is one reason many people find ptosis crutch glasses more comfortable as a long-term daily approach.
You do not need a referral or prescription to order ARTView ptosis glasses. However, if you have not yet had your ptosis assessed by an eye care professional — particularly if it is recent, significant or accompanied by other symptoms — we do recommend getting an assessment first. WhatsApp our team if you are unsure and we will try to help point you in the right direction.