Texas Medical & Wellness Clinic in Victoria, Texas is one of the first medical aesthetics clinics in South Texas to offer UPNEEQ® (oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution), 0.1%. UPNEEQ® is the only FDA-approved prescription eye drop that temporarily improves low-lying eyelids, known as blepharoptosis in adults, by lifting the upper eyelids to open up and rejuvenate tired-looking eyes.
Upneeq is a prescription eye drop that has been approved by the FDA as a non-surgical treatment for droopy eyelids or ptosis. Although it may sound like a science fiction invention, the eye drop is a real option for those who are not ready for eyelid surgery or who are experiencing low-lying eyelids due to BOTOX® injections. The eye drop is effective at providing an average of 1 mm of lift in the upper eyelid, which is just enough to make a noticeable difference.
What are droopy eyelids and their causes?
Droopy eyelids or blepharoptosis is a medical condition in which the eyelids droop and may cause the individual to look tired, as well as interfere with the function of the eyes. Droopy eyelids can be caused by various factors, such as aging, genetics, eye surgery, certain underlying medical conditions, and even Botox that inadvertently travels to the eyelid muscles after injection in the forehead.
Types of blepharoptosis:
- Congenital and
- Acquired
There are two types of blepharoptosis: congenital and acquired. Congenital droopy eyelids, which are present from birth, cannot be treated with Upneeq and may require corrective surgery. On the other hand, acquired blepharoptosis can be treated with Upneeq. It is important to visit an ophthalmologist for an eye exam to rule out an underlying medical condition, especially if the cause of droopy eyelids is unclear. Serious neurological or eye conditions can also cause eyelid ptosis, including stroke and/or cerebral aneurysm, Horner syndrome, myasthenia gravis, external ophthalmoplegia, orbital infection, and orbital masses.
How does Upneeq work?
Many patients opt for eyelid lift surgery to treat cases of droopy eyelids, whether for cosmetic or medical reasons. Upneeq is the first treatment specifically approved by the FDA to treat acquired droopy eyelids. The eye drop contains oxymetazoline, an alpha-adrenergic agonist that triggers the levator palpebrae muscle (Muller’s or Mueller’s muscle), causing the muscle to contract and raise the upper eyelid. In clinical studies, the average amount of upper eyelid lift was 1 mm. Each dose (one drop daily) of Upneeq was shown to be effective for at least 6 hours in clinical studies.
Before & After Results of Upneeq
Safety and side effects of Upneeq
Upneeq is FDA-approved to be both safe and effective for the treatment of acquired eyelid ptosis in adults. To gain FDA approval, Upneeq showed effectiveness in two 6-week trials that followed 304 patients with acquired blepharoptosis. A third study was also conducted to establish that the eye drop is safe.
The main ingredient in Upneeq, oxymetazoline hydrochloride, is the same primary ingredient in decongestant nasal spray, such as Afrin®. In nasal spray, the ingredient works by stimulating the blood vessels to contract, while in Upneeq, this ingredient works to stimulate eyelid muscle contraction.
If you are looking for an eyelid lift, you want to know about all of your non-surgical options and more about Upneeq. Visit Texas Medical & Wellness Clinic in Victoria. Call (361) 551-2288 for an appointment.