Blepharoptosis, Myopia, Ectopia Lentis

Background and History: 

This unique combination of eye findings has been reported in a mother and two daughters.  Ectopia lentis (dislocated lenses of the eye) and nearsightedness are common features among hereditary disorders. 

Lens dislocations have been recognized since the middle of the eighteenth century and the term ‘ectopia lentis’ was coined in 1856. 

Clinical Correlations: 

The eyelids drooped mildly (blepharoptosis) but moved normally on upward gaze.  The eyeballs were abnormally large in the mother and one daughter [a cause for myopia (nearsighted)] while the nearsightedness in the other daughter in which the eyes were normal-sized was due to the displacement of the lens (ectopia lentis).  The lid creases in the upper eyelids were abnormally high indicating the muscle lifting the lid was attached abnormally.  The eyes moved normally.  Vision was near normal in this family once the nearsightedness was corrected with lenses. 

No systemic abnormalities were found. 

Genetics: 

The presence of similar findings in a parent and two offspring suggest autosomal dominant inheritance but no mutation has been identified. 

Diagnosis and Prognosis: 

An ophthalmologist would be the most likely to diagnose this disorder.  The nearsightedness can be corrected with lenses and the dislocated lenses can be removed surgically.  Lifespan is apparently normal. 

Additional Information
Inheritance/Pedigree: 
Autosomal dominant