Eye Tape
Many people who suffer from mitochondrial disease experience problems with their eyes, in particular ptosis (droopy eyelids). There are different options available to help manage this.
Types of Eye Surgery
There are two different types of eye surgeries that I am aware of, the first being where they remove a tendon from your thigh, and use this to help suspend the brow and help lift the eyelid up or the use of a silicone strip which suspends above the eye and helps lift the lid up - however once this has been performed and the height has been adjusted that is where your eye sits permanently but sometimes it makes it hard to blink. This can work very well and may require some adjusting in the future.
My Experience
For me personally, having done the research and the thought of having surgery was not worth the risk for me so I researched other options available to help lift the eyelid up this is where we found double sided eye tape - please see picture and instructions for use. (Please be aware that this my own personal experience and many mito sufferers have had successful eye surgery).
On my last consultation with my eye specialist, he actually measured where my eyes sat with the tape on and confirmed that it was working just as well as it would be if i had the surgery so I will continue with the tape and hope this might help anyone else that doesn't want to go down the surgery route.
Step by step on how to apply the eye tape
1) Start by cleaning your face to remove any skin oil residue or makeup on your face to help the tape stick better on the eyelid. It is important to thoroughly wash your face before applying the eye tape to ensure it stays put throughout the day.
2) Make sure to then dry your face thoroughly after washing it, then wait about 5 minutes to apply eyelid tape to ensure there is no remaining moisture on your skin otherwise it wont stick properly onto the eyelid.
3) Next, you will need to peel away the plastic covering which is covering the eye strip, and using the applicator provided apply it where you want the crease to be.
4) You will then need to identify where you would like your new eyelid fold to be. You can use the eyelid applicator provided to help you identify where to place the strip. You should place the strip right along the new crease that you want to create. Gently press the prong on your eyelid to find the new crease you want to create. Make sure you dont push hard with the applicator and to be very careful using it around your eyes.
5) Don't get disheartened if you don't get it right the first time. It takes a few tries to understand where to place the tape, basically the closer it is to the eyelash the higher the lid raises but bare in mind you still need to blink.
6) When removing the tape at the end of the day. make sure not to wear the tape for more then one day and take it off before you go to bed. always be gentle when removing the double eyelid tape. Never pull at the tape or rip it off, carefully wet your eye lid so the tape is moisten so it can slide off easily. Ripping the tape can damage your eye lid.