Zeenat Aman Diagnosed With Eye Problem Ptosis, Undergoes Surgery: 'I Was Terrified...'

Zeenat Aman left her fans shocked and worried on Tuesday, November 7, after she revealed that she had been diagnosed with an eye problem called ptosis. The veteran actress revealed that the condition is the result of a muscle injury that she suffered decades ago and shared she was hospitalised in May this year for its treatment.

“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 known 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,” Zeenat Aman wrote.

The veteran actress admitted losing opportunities because of the condition and added, “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.”

Zeenat Aman further revealed that the treatments which were made available to her were ‘unsuccessful’. However, it was in April this year when a doctor ophthalmologist informed her saying “things had advanced”. “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,” she continued.

The actress concluded by saying that even though recovery has been slow, “I’m happy to share that my vision is so much clearer now”.