Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy (OPMD)
Medical Management
Dysphagia

There are a number of techniques that may help treat dysphagia, ranging from holding the head in different positions to changing the consistency of foods and liquids. Commercial thickeners may give liquids a more manageable consistency.
In advanced cases, a nonsurgical procedure called throat stretching or a surgical procedure called a cricopharyngeal myotomy may be warranted. Tube feeding is another option for advanced cases.
Your MDA clinic will refer you to a speech-language pathologist (SLP) or an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) as needed.
Limb weakness

Upper arm and shoulder weakness that limits function can be addressed with adaptive techniques through occupational therapy.
For more on the medical management and pathophysiology of OPMD, see In Focus: Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy.
Ptosis
Droopy eyelids, or ptosis, can significantly impair vision and may lead to social awkwardness.
This problem can be resolved with a type of surgery called a frontalis sling performed by an oculoplastic surgeon.
Or, for a “low-tech” solution, some people use attachments to glasses that hold the eyes open. These are called eyelid crutches or ptosis crutches.