Ptosis in Childhood: Causes, Clinical Presentations, and Management

Blepharoptosis (ptosis) in childhood could range from a mild cosmetic issue to a severe, progressive disorder and might indicate other underlying conditions. It could present in various forms, such as unilateral or bilateral, progressive or non-progressive, and isolated or complex, and could be congenital or acquired, often linked with neuromuscular disorders. The article reviewed primary causes and clinical presentations of childhood ptosis, including cases from the authors' institution: a familial ptosis affecting 14 members over 5 generations, 3 siblings with congenital ptosis and febrile seizures, a patient with Duane retraction syndrome and congenital skin and hair anomalies, and a girl with Horner syndrome and congenital imperforate hymen. A flowchart for managing and treating childhood ptosis was also provided.