Autosomal dominant progressive external ophthalmoplegia

Definition

A rare genetic, neuro-ophthalmological disease characterized by progressive weakness of the external eye muscles, resulting in bilateral ptosis and diffuse symmetric ophthalmoparesis. Additional signs may include skeletal muscle weakness, cataracts, hearing loss, sensory axonal neuropathy, ataxia, parkinsonism, cardiomyopathy, hypogonadism and depression. It is usually less severe than autosomal recessive form.