In 1999, Rushdie had an operation to correct ptosis, a problem with the levator palpebrae superioris muscle that causes drooping of the upper eyelid. According to Rushdie, this condition made it increasingly difficult for him to open his eyes. He said: "If I hadn't had an operation, in a couple of years from now I wouldn't have been able to open my eyes at all."""Rushdie: New book out from under shadow of fatwa", CNN, 15 April 1999. Retrieved 21 April 2007.
in 1999 rushdie had an operation to correct ptosis a problem with the levator palpebrae superioris muscle that causes drooping of the upper eyelid according to rushdie this condition made it increasingly difficult for him to open his eyes he said "if i hadn't had an operation in a couple of years from now i wouldn't have been able to open my eyes at all"""rushdie new book out from under shadow of fatwa" cnn 15 april 1999 retrieved 21 april 2007