Abstract: Senile ptosis is one of the common diseases among the elderly, which not only affects the appearance, but also limits the eyesight, resulting in dysfunction. Currently, concrete pathological mechanism of senile ptosis is not clear. Major scholars suggest that levator aponeurosis injury and the rupture of the upper edge of the tarsal plate may cause senile ptosis. Recently, many studies show that fibrosis and fatty infiltration of Müller's muscle, decrease and fatty infiltration of levator fibers and oxidative stress may lead to and aggravate senile ptosis. The possible causes and pathogenesis of senile ptosis were reviewed in this paper, providing theoretical evidence for clinical therapies. 

Key words: Senile ptosis, 　Levator aponeurosis, 　Müller's muscle, 　Oxidative stress