This is =congenital= or =acquired=. In congenital ptosis operation
seems to be the only treatment. Acquired ptosis is amenable to
treatment frequently. The cause is some lesion interfering with the
passage of proper nerve force to the levator muscle of the lid. The
lesion may be at the origin of the third nerve, at the cortical nucleus
in the sigmoid gyrus or in the trunk of the third nerve, or a lesion
of the muscle itself. Tumor, trauma, syphilis, sclerosis, hemorrhage,
gout or rheumatism, or anything that will produce a peripheral neuritis
are causative factors. Lesions of the cervical and upper dorsal by
reflecting back upon the nerve centers may produce a ptosis.
=Treatment.=—Remedial measures according to indications. Cases due
to osteopathic lesions as indicated will usually yield readily to
treatment. Where there are other factors treatment must be varied
accordingly.