[Diagnosis and treatment of ocular myasthenia (author's transl)].

After discussion of the modern concepts of pathophysiology of ocular myasthenia the ocular symptoms such as ptosis and eye muscle palsies are discussed. As important diagnostic sign the Simpson lid fatigue test before and after application of Tensilon is described. For diagnosis of myasthenic eye muscle palsies electrooculography has a special significance especially in connection with the application of Edrophonium, which normalizes myasthenic hypometric saccades and transforms them even in hypermetric saccades. In doubtful cases of eye muscle palsies the electromyogram of the affected muscle in connection with the Edrophonium-test is extremely valuable. With regard to modern treatment apart from cholinesterase inhibitors (Pyridostigmine, Neostigmine) thymectomy, the application of corticosteroids, ACTH and especially also immune suppressive drugs (Imurel etc.) is discussed. Of great significance in ocular myasthenia is the local application of cholinesterase inhibitors like Eserine, Prostigmin or Phospholine Iodide.