Kathleen M Duerksen, MD, FACS


Photographs of before and after ptosis surgery

  • Ptosis can be caused by the apneurosis of the levator muscle, nerve abnormalities, trauma, inflammation or lesions of the lid or orbit.
  • Dysfunctions of the levators might possibly occur as a lead to of a lack of nerve communication being sent to the receptors due to antibodies needlessly attacking and eliminating the neurotransmitter.
  • Ptosis might possibly be due to a myogenic, neurogenic, aponeurotic, mechanical or traumatic cause and it usually occurs isolated, but might possibly be associated with various other conditions, like immunological, degenerative, or hereditary disorders, tumors, or infections
  • Congenital neurogenic ptosis is believed to be caused by the Horner syndrome.
  • In this case, a mild ptosis might possibly be associated with psilateral ptosis, iris and areola hypopigmentation and anhidrosis due to the paresis of the Mueller muscle. Acquired Horner syndrome might possibly lead to after trauma, neoplastic insult, or even vascular disease.
  • Ptosis due to trauma can ensue after an eyelid laceration with transection of the upper eyelid elevators or disruption of the neural input.
  • Other causes of ptosis include eyelid neoplasms, neurofibromas or the cicatrization after inflammation or surgery. Mild ptosis might possibly occur with aging.


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