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Approach to a patient with blepharoptosis

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Abstract

Blepharoptosis or drooping of upper eye lid is a common, but non-specific sign of neurological diseases which sometimes could herald a life-threatening disorder. First, the diagnosis of ptosis should be established by considering four clinical measurements: palpebral fissure height, marginal reflex distance, upper eyelid crease, and levator function test. The diagnostic categories of ptosis are scheduled as pseudo-ptosis, congenital, and acquired ptosis. Acquired causes include mechanical, myogenic, neuromuscular, neurogenic, and cerebral. Each category with diseases presenting with ptosis was described in detail. Considering some features, such as involvement of other cranial nerves, extraocular muscle, pupil size and reactivity, and unilateral or bilateral presentation of ptosis, could help to narrow the differential diagnosis.

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Acknowledgments

I acknowledge Mr. A. Zamani for his assistance in language editing of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuro-ophthalmology, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Ghazvin Ave, Tehran, Iran, 1336616351

    Samira Yadegari

  2. Eye Research Center, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Samira Yadegari

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  1. Samira Yadegari
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Correspondence to Samira Yadegari.

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Yadegari, S. Approach to a patient with blepharoptosis. Neurol Sci 37, 1589–1596 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-016-2633-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-016-2633-7

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