Levator aponeurosis disinsertion in the young adult. A cause of ptosis.

Three patients, under the age of 35 years, had acquired ptosis. All patients gave a history of notable eyelid edema during extended periods. The patients underwent surgery under local anesthesia. Four eyelids were explored through the skin route, and a levator disinsertion was found in all cases. Repair was accomplished by reattaching the lower edge of the levator aponeurosis to the tarsus. Since the surgery was done under local anesthesia, the patient could elevate the eyelids during the entire procedure. The amount of eyelid elevation could, therefore, be determined at surgery. Levator aponeurosis disinsertion may be a cause for acquired ptosis following substantial eyelid edema in the young adult.