Abnormalities of eyelid position and function

Evaluation of the eyelids is an important part of the neuro-ophthalmic exam ination. Abnormal eyelid position and function can be caused by disorders i nvolving the third cranial nerve, the oculosympathetic pathway, and the sev enth cranial nerve, as well as supranuclear pathways, or as a result of neu romuscular diseases. To avoid unwarranted neurological investigations, it i s also important for the clinician to recognize non-neurological eyelid abn ormalities (such as ptosis from levator dehiscence or eyelid edema).