Ptosis secondary to amyloidosis of the tarsal conjunctiva and tarsus

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of chronic unilateral ptosis in a 63-year-old, otherwise healthy woman with visual restriction.

Methods: We performed a biopsy on an enlarged tarsal plate that we believed had caused ptosis. A levator aponeurotic advancement was performed subsequently.

Results: Histologic and ultrastructural examination of the biopsy specimen disclosed amyloidosis of the tarsal conjunctiva and tarsus. There was no evidence of systemic amyloidosis.

Conclusion: Localized amyloidosis involving the tarsal conjunctiva and tarsus is a rare cause of chronic eyelid thickening and ptosis.