Aponeurotic defects in congenital ptosis.

Levator aponeurosis disinsertion is an accepted etiologic factor in some acquired ptosis cases, but it has not previously been reported as a cause of congenital ptosis. Forty-six congenitally ptotic eyelids in 36 patients with no history of birth trauma were surgically explored and three eyelids were found to have levator disinsertions. All three cases were treated by aponeurotic repair with excellent results. These cases and suggestions that help to preoperatively identify congenitally ptotic eyelids with levator disinsertions are presented. We feel the aponeurotic approach to ptosis correction is applicable to cases of congenital ptosis with at least 5 mm of function.