Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Surgical Correction for Pediatric Epiblepharon and Trichiasis
Published on: July 8, 2025
Blepharoptosis in children: our experience at the light of literature
P Pavone1, D A Mackey, E Parano
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Catania, Italy.
Insights
This study reviews 5 years of pediatric blepharoptosis care, identifying common causes like myogenic and neurogenic ptosis. Accurate diagnosis requires detailed history and clinical evaluation for effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Blepharoptosis is an uncommon condition in children.
- Understanding its diverse causes and management is crucial for pediatric eye care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze a 5-year experience in managing pediatric blepharoptosis.
- To identify common etiologies and treatment strategies for childhood blepharoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical and epidemiological data from 60 pediatric patients with blepharoptosis.
- Data included patient demographics, ptosis laterality, etiology, and family history.
Main Results:
- Myogenic (40%) and neurogenic (35%) causes were most common, often congenital.
- Congenital neurogenic ptosis included PTOS type 1 and Marcus-Gunn syndrome.
- Acquired neurogenic ptosis was linked to oculomotor nerve paralysis; 23.3% had ptosis plus.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric blepharoptosis exhibits significant heterogeneity.
- Accurate diagnosis relies on thorough patient history, clinical assessment, and genetic evaluation.
- Tailored treatment approaches are essential for optimal outcomes.
Aims:
We herein report a 5 years experience of management and care of children presenting blepharoptosis at the light of the literature regarding this uncommon pathology. This report aims to display the most common causes of blepharoptosis and its possible treatment.
Patients And Methods:
Clinical and epidemiological data collected from our institution, over a fi ve year period, on 60 patients, 37 males and 23 females with a mean age of 5.4 years (range 0.6 to 15.6 years) affected by blepharoptosis were analyzed.
Results:
Ptosis was unilateral in 39/60 patients (65%) and bilateral in 21/60 (35%). The causes of ptosis were myogenic (40%), and neurogenic (35%), most commonly congenital. Among the neurogenic ptosis, the most frequent causes were PTOS type 1 and Marcus-Gunn syndrome. All the cases of acquired neurogenic ptosis were associated with paralysis of the oculomotor nerve. Ptosis plus was found in 23.3% of the patients, mechanical origin was present in 1.7% of patients. Family history was positive in the 10% of the patients.
Conclusions:
Our series reflect the range of ptosis of the general pediatric population. This study highlights the high degree of heterogeneity in patients with ptosis; only with an accurate analysis of the family and patient history and of the clinical features it is possible to perform an accurate diagnosis, finding the genetic causes and an adequate treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
Accessory Structures of the Eye
Microbiome of the Eye
Focusing of Light in the Eye

