Veteran Bollywood actor Zeenat Aman recently opened up about a 40-year-long battle with ptosis, a condition she has been quietly dealing with since sustaining an eye injury decades ago. The iconic actress took to Instagram to share her journey, including a recent surgery to correct the effects of the injury and restore her vision.
In her Instagram post, Zeenat recounted the turning point that prompted her to seek medical intervention. On May 18, 2023, she graced the cover of Vogue India, showcasing her timeless beauty. However, behind the scenes, the actor was grappling with a condition known as ptosis, a result of a long-standing injury that had affected the muscles around her right eye.
With remarkable candor, Zeenat shared the emotional process she underwent in deciding to undergo surgery. The actor described the impact of ptosis on her vision, revealing that the drooping eyelid had become so acute that it obstructed her sight. In a career where appearance often plays a crucial role, Zeenat acknowledged the challenges the condition posed but also emphasized her resilience and the support of stalwart colleagues who stood by her.
She captioned her post: “On 18th May 2023, I shot for the cover of Vogue India. On 19th May 2023, I woke up early in the morning, packed a small suitcase, and kissed Lily on her muzzle. Then Zahaan and Cara drove me to Hinduja hospital in Khar. There has been an elephant in the room with me for the past 40 years. It is time to show this elephant the door. I have a condition know as ptosis – the result of an injury I suffered many decades ago that damaged the muscles around my right eye. Over the years, it caused my eyelid to droop further and further. And a few years ago it became so acute that it began to obstruct my vision. When so much of one’s career is predicated on one’s appearance, coming to terms with a dramatic change to it is difficult. I know for a fact that this ptosis narrowed my opportunities and made me the subject of unwanted attention. But despite the gossip, the comments, and the questions, I never felt diminished by it. It helped of course that there were always a few stalwarts that stood by me and chose to work with me still. The treatments available to me at that time, and for decades after, were unsuccessful. Then this year in April, a leading ophthalmologist informed me that things had advanced, and a surgery to lift the eyelid and restore my field of vision was possible. I dithered for a long time, then underwent a battery of tests and finally committed to the procedure. That morning in the hospital I was terrified. My extremities turned icy and involuntarily shivers racked my body. Zahaan kissed my forehead, reassured me and wheeled me to the OT, where I surrendered to the hands of my medical team. I emerged from there an hour later – alive, well and looking like a pirate with an eye patch. Recovery has been slow, steady and is ongoing. But I’m happy to share that my vision is so much clearer now. This post can not conclude without a word of gratitude to my family, the absolutely stellar staff at Hinduja hospital, and especially the brilliant Dr. Savari Desai.”
