The histopathology of involutional ectropion

Damage to the orbicularis oculi muscle may impair the development of dermatochalasis

The purpose of this article is to investigate the changes that occur in the orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM) in patients with dermatochalasis. The OOM specimens from 26 patients were collected during upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Each specimen was divided into three parts, which were then examined using different techniques: formalin embedding for light microscopy, free freezing for histochemical examination, and fixation in 3% glutaraldehyde for electron microscopy. The severity of dermatochalasis was classified according to the anatomical landmarks. 78 specimens from patients with dermatochalasis were evaluated. Under light microscopy, specimens showed an increase in muscle fiber size variation, rounding of muscle fibers, and lobulation of myocytes in a fibrotic background. Under electron microscopy, loss of myofilaments, vacuolar vesicles, and swollen mitochondria were observed, along with osmophilic aggregates resembling nemadine bodies and collagen fibrils. A statistically significant association between the progression of dermatochalasis and the presence of aggregates resembling nemaline bodies was found (p- value < 0.005). Significant changes occur in the OOM in patients with dermatochalasis and the presence of aggregates resembling nemaline bodies is correlated with the degree of eyelid drooping. Thus, OOM may contribute in dermatochalasis progression.

Surgical Correction of Upper Eyelid Ectropion Presenting Dry Eye Symptoms

BACKGROUND

Upper eyelid ectropion occurs as a post-blepharoplasty complication or involution change, and it causes dry eye symptoms that cannot be resolved with conservative management.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to describe the authors' surgical technique of anatomical correction of upper eyelid ectropion, including tarsal scoring incision.

METHODS

The technique involves the following 4 steps: (1) adhesiolysis at the preaponeurotic layer; (2) undermining and redraping of the pretarsal flap in a pretarsal plane; (3) optional, partial thickness tarsal scoring incision over the central two-thirds; and (4) downward repositioning of the pretarsal flap and lower fixation to the tarsus. Outcomes were assessed based on the position of eyelid margin and the improvement of the dry eye symptoms.

RESULTS

A retrospective review of 54 cases of patients who underwent ectropion correction, including tarsal scoring incision, was performed. The eyelid margin was well positioned in 51 patients (94.4%). Of the 32 patients involved in the study assessed with the 7-point Patient Global Impression of Improvement, 29 (90.6%) reported the resolution of dry eye symptoms. Furthermore, in the 22 patients assessed with the Ocular Surface Disease Index, the mean score significantly decreased from 43.2 ± 24.1 before surgery to 29.8 ± 23.3 (P = 0.006) after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of partial-thickness tarsal plate scoring and lower flap redraping surgical techniques resolved the upper eyelid ectropion, reducing the dry eye symptoms.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Total and near-total lower eyelid reconstruction with prefabricated orbicularis oculi musculocutaneous island flap

Full thickness lower lid defects are frequently encountered during daily practice. The unique anatomy of the eyelids hinders reconstructive efforts. The aim of the study is to develop an effective and easy procedure for the reconstruction of full thickness defects of the lower eyelid. Here we present six cases, which we treated with an orbicularis oculi musculocutaneous island flap prefabricated with a chondrocutaneous graft. Five of the six cases suffered from tumors, while one had congenital coloboma of the lower lid. A chondrocutaneous graft harvested from the ear was placed under the orbicularis oculi musculocutaneous flap. Three weeks later, the defect was created and the prefabricated flap was transposed to the defect. Two cases had superficial distal skin loss and one had prolonged oedema. No major complication or tumor recurrence was seen. Using this method, the principle "replace with like" is fulfilled. Orbicularis oculi musculocutaneous island flap prefabricated with postauricular chondrocutaneous composite graft seems to be a feasible method for the reconstruction of full thickness defects of the lower eyelid with its low donor morbidity and good outcomes.

"The influence of orbital vector on involutional entropion and ectropion"

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of orbital vector and other biometric parameters (i.e. axial globe length, axial globe projection) on the development of involutional entropion or ectropion.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 167 eyes from 132 patients were included. Of these eyes, 128 had involutional entropion and 39 had involutional ectropion, all of lower lids. The axial globe projection was measured using Hertel exophthalmometry; axial globe length was assessed by A-mode ultrasound; and orbital vector was determined clinically. Patient-specific categorical variables and continuous variables were compared using the chi-square test and the two-sided t test, respectively. Correlations were derived using the Pearson correlation.

RESULTS

The percentage of females was 59% and 33.3% in the entropion group and in the ectropion group, respectively. A significant association was found between the gender and type of eyelid malposition (p = 0.015). Exophthalmometry reading was greater in the ectropion group than in the entropion group (17.7 ± 2.5 versus 10.8 ± 3.7 mm, respectively; p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between axial globe length and exophthalmometry reading. Positive orbital vectors were observed in 87.5% of eyelids with involutional entropion. Negative orbital vectors were observed in 92.3% of eyelids with involutional ectropion (p < 0.001). Patients with negative orbital vectors showed greater axial globe projection than patients with positive orbital vectors (18.0 ± 2.1 versus 10.6 ± 3.5 mm, respectively; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There is an association between orbital vector measurement and involutional entropion and ectropion. Measuring the orbital vector may help predict the development of these lid malpositions.

Characterization of prostaglandin F2α receptors in human eyelids

PURPOSE

Elongation, thickening, and crowding of eyelashes are commonly seen after topical use of prostaglandin analog eyedrops for glaucoma treatment. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the presence and characterize the location of prostaglandin analog F2α receptors (PGF2α) in human hair follicles.

METHODS

In this observational clinical laboratory study, excised eyelid specimens following eyelid surgery were studied. Resected portions of eyelids were submitted for histopathologic evaluation. For immunohistochemistry evaluation, a polyclonal antibody directed against PGF2α was purchased from Cayman Chemical. The staining procedure was carried out on an automatic stainer.

RESULTS

Out of 26 patients recruited, final analysis was conducted on 17 eyes of 15 patients. There were 10 men and 5 women (mean age 77 ± 14 years). Staining was detected only in hair follicles in the anagen stage (37 slices). No variation in pattern, distribution, or intensity of immunostaining was noted among sections of different individuals. Only the bulb and stem of the hair follicle stained positive. In the bulb, the strongest staining occurred in the matricular cells and in the inner sheath layer. In the stem, the strongest staining occurred in the Huxley layer of the inner sheath.

CONCLUSIONS

This immunohistologic study found that PGF2α receptors were located predominantly in the inner root sheath of the bulb and stem of eyelashes and expressed only in eyelashes in the anagen phase.

Age-matched, case-controlled comparison of clinical indicators for development of entropion and ectropion

Purpose. To analyze the clinical findings associated with involutional entropion and ectropion and compare them to each other and to age-matched controls. Methods. Prospective, age-matched cohort study involving 30 lids with involutional entropion, 30 lids with involutional ectropion, and 52 age-matched control lids. Results. The statistically significant differences associated with both the entropion and ectropion groups compared to the control group were presence of a retractor dehiscence, presence of a “white line,” occurrence of orbital fat prolapse in the cul-de-sac, decreased lower lid excursion, increased lid laxity by the snapback test, and an increased lower lid distraction. Entropion also differed from the control group with an increased lid crease height and decreased lateral canthal excursion. Statistically significant differences associated with entropion compared to ectropion were presence of a retractor dehiscence, decreased lateral canthal excursion, and less laxity in the snapback test. Conclusion. Entropic and ectropic lids demonstrate clinically and statistically significant anatomical and functional differences from normal, age-matched lids. Many clinical findings associated with entropion are also present in ectropion. Entropion is more likely to develop with a pronounced retractor deficiency. Ectropion is more likely to develop with diminished elasticity as measured by the snapback test.

The efficacy of the combined procedure in involutional entropion surgery: a comparative study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of the combined procedure in the management of involutional entropion.

METHODS

In this study, we reviewed 45 eyes of 36 patients who underwent the combined procedure (lateral tarsal strip, retractor tightening, and everting sutures) for the management of involutional lower eyelid entropion and compared the results with 31 eyes of 25 patients who underwent the Wies procedure. Exclusion criteria included previous lower eyelid surgery and follow-up of less than 6 months.

RESULTS

No patients demonstrated entropion on the first postoperative day. The mean follow-up period was 18.4 months (6 to 52 months) in the Wies group and 22.6 months (6 to 59 months) in the combined procedure group. During the follow-up period, 9 of 31 eyes in the Wies group presented with recurrence and only 1 of 45 eyes in the combined procedure group presented with recurrence (p = 0.001). The average time of recurrence was 4.8 months in the Wies group. Recurrence occurred at 2 months postoperatively in the patient in the combined procedure group. Six of the 9 recurrences in the Wies group were managed by the combined procedure. None of these patients had further recurrence after correction. Three patients complained about a visible incision line after the Wies procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined procedure seems to be more effective than the Wies procedure in the management of involutional entropion. The combined procedure addresses the three major causative factors in involutional entropion and makes it possible to perform the surgery using a small incision.

The effectiveness of simultaneous lateral tarsal strip with endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy for the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction and lower lid laxity

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of simultaneous lateral tarsal strip procedure (LTS) and endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) for the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction and lower lid laxity.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, interventional study of concurrent DCR with LTS for patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction and lower lid laxity performed between March 2009 and July 2011 by a single surgeon (S.H.B.). Patient age, sex, the results of dacryoscintigraphy, time of tube removal, follow-up duration, and cause of failed surgery were recorded. Lower eyelid laxity was evaluated by a medial distraction test.

RESULTS

A total of 29 eyes in 17 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 61.1 ± 11.8 years (range 41 to 81 years). The mean degree of lower lid laxity was 2.4 ± 0.5. Dacryoscintigraphy showed presac delay in 22 eyes (75.9%). The tube was removed after 11.3 ± 1.9 weeks. The primary anatomical success rate was 89.5% (27 eyes) and the functional success rate was 86.2% (25 eyes). Membranous obstructions were the cause of failed surgery in 2 patients, but both patients remained symptom free after revision surgery with a diode laser.

CONCLUSIONS

Concurrently performed DCR with LTS can be an effective tool for the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction and lower lid laxity. It is recommended for examining lid laxity carefully using lid distraction test in patients with epiphora.

Entropion-ectropion: the influence of axial globe length on lower eyelid malposition

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of axial globe length and other biometry parameters on age-related lower eyelid malposition.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with involutional lower eyelid malposition underwent preoperative biometry with Zeiss IOL Master and Hertel's exophthalmometer prior to surgery. Patients with other causes of eyelid malposition and thyroid eye disease were excluded. GraphPad InStat was used for t test and chi-square statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Data on 57 eyelids of 52 Caucasian patients were collected. There were 28 ectropions and 29 entropions. The mean axial globe length in the ectropion group (23.5 mm, standard deviation ± 0.9) was significantly longer than in the entropion group (22.7 mm, standard deviation ± 1.03) (p = 0.008). There was significant sex predilection, with entropion more common in women and ectropion more common in men (p = 0.03). The mean axial globe projection in the ectropion group was 16.6 mm (standard deviation ± 2.4) and in the entropion group was 14.6 mm (standard deviation ± 2.7) (p = 0.002). There was no statistical difference in age, keratometry, amount of astigmatism, and cylinder axis.

CONCLUSION

Involutional eyelid malposition directly correlates with axial globe length with the ectropion group having lengthier eyes compared with the entropion group. Hence, axial globe length could be an influential factor in the onset of involutional eyelid malposition.

Involutional entropion and ectropion of the lower eyelid: prevalence and associated risk factors in the elderly population

PURPOSE

To determine the prevalence of involutional entropion and ectropion of the lower eyelid in the elderly population; to examine how these disorders are related to gender, age, skin color, and axial ocular globe projection; and to define the incidence of associated ocular surface and pathologic eyelid findings.

METHODS

An ophthalmic survey was conducted in 24,565 elderly people. All participants underwent ophthalmic examination by general ophthalmologists to identify entropion and ectropion. Information about associated ocular surface and pathologic eyelid findings were collected from all patients with involutional eyelid malposition. Patients with involutional entropion and ectropion underwent measurements of the axial ocular globe projection. The Pearson chi-square test and the Mann-Whitney U test were performed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of involutional entropion was 2.1%; 1.9% in men and 2.4% in women. The prevalence of involutional ectropion was 2.9%; 5.1% in men and 1.5% in women. Dry eye syndrome, lower retractor laxity, and superficial punctate keratopathy were seen significantly more often in patients with involutional entropion than in those with involutional ectropion (p < 0.001). Chronic conjunctivitis was significantly more common in patients with involutional ectropion than in those with involutional entropion (p < 0.001). The axial ocular globe projection was significantly smaller in patients with involutional entropion than in those with involutional ectropion (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of involutional entropion and ectropion in the elderly population is 2.1% and 2.9%, respectively. The axial ocular globe position plays a pathogenic role in involutional lower eyelid malposition.

Pathogenesis of involutional ectropion and entropion: the involvement of matrix metalloproteinases in elastic fiber degradation

PURPOSE

To determine the elastic fiber content and ultrastructure as well as the expression of elastin-degrading enzymes in biopsy specimens from patients with involutional ectropion and entropion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty consecutive patients with involutional ectropion (group 1) and twenty consecutive patients with entropion (group 2) were matched with twenty control patients (basal cell carcinoma) regarding age and gender. Full-thickness eyelid resections performed in study and control patients were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy, computer-assisted measurements, and immunohistochemistry using antibodies against matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP- 7, and MMP-9. The Kruskal-Wallis test and the Pearson chi-square test were performed.

RESULTS

Histopathologic analysis of the surgical specimens from patients with involutional ectropion and entropion showed a significant loss of elastic fibers in the eyelid skin, the pretarsal orbicularis oculi muscle, the perimeibomian tarsal stroma, and the intermeibomian tarsal stroma (P < 0.001). Residual elastic fibers revealed an abnormal ultrastructure. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated a significant overexpression of MMP- 2, MMP-7, and MMP-9 in the eyelid skin, the pretarsal orbicularis oculi muscle, the perimeibomian tarsal stroma, the intermeibomian tarsal stroma, and the conjunctiva in groups 1 and 2 compared to controls (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings indicate that upregulation of elastolytic enzymes contributes to elastic fibre degradation in patients with involutional ectropion and entropion.

A 5-year Retrospective Review of Asian Ectropion: How Does It Compare to Ectropion Amongst Non-Asians?

Introduction: This study reviews the differences in demographics and surgical outcomes between ectropion in Asian and non-Asian eyes. Materials and Methods: Medical records of surgically corrected ectropion cases from January 2002 to December 2006 were reviewed. Pre- and postoperative lid-globe apposition was graded: grade 0 with normal lid-globe apposition, grade 1 with punctal ectropion, grade 2 with partial lid eversion and scleral show, grade 3 with conjunctival hyperemia and thickening and grade 4 as for grade 3 with exposure keratitis. Results: Sixty-nine eyes in 50 patients underwent surgical correction of lower lid ectropion, making up 3.3% of all lid procedures performed. Eighty-four percent of patients were above 50 years of age, 72% were males and 88% were Chinese. Involutional change was the commonest aetiology, accounting for the majority of bilateral cases. The mean duration to surgery was 10.0 ± 16.0 months. The most frequent preoperative severity grade was 2. Lateral tarsal strip (LTS) was the commonest procedure performed, comprising 91.3% of eyes. The mean duration of postoperative review was 19.4 ± 19.2 months (range, 1 to 74 months). Postoperative improvement of at least one grade was observed in 98% while normal lid-globe apposition was achieved in 76% of eyes. Conclusions: Involutional change is the most common cause of ectropion amongst both Asians and non-Asians. Ectropion is less prevalent amongst Asians as a result of anatomical differences and possibly reduced sun exposure. The LTS procedure is the most commonly performed surgical procedure for the successful correction of ectropion in both Asians and non-Asians. Keywords: Asian eyes, Lateral tarsal strip

The histopathology of involutional ectropion and entropion

OBJECTIVE

Involutional ectropion and entropion are characterized by excessive horizontal eyelid length, which is thought to be secondary to laxity of the medial and lateral canthal tendons and to the stretching of the tarsus. Histopathological features of the surgical eyelid specimens from patients with involutional ectropion and entropion were evaluated.

DESIGN

Prospective histopathological study.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighteen full-thickness eyelid specimens from patients with involutional ectropion and entropion were obtained during horizontal eyelid shortening procedures performed at the Ministry of Health Ankara Training and Research Hospital.

METHODS

All specimens were fixed in 4% formaldehyde solution and sectioned sagittally. Hematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, and Masson's trichrome staining were done for all specimens. Histopathologic alterations of the tarsal plate, the palpebral portion of the orbicularis muscle, and the conjunctiva were examined.

RESULTS

The patients ranged in age from 60 to 80 years. The main histopathologic features of the ectropic eyelids included collagen degeneration and elastosis of the tarsal plate, increased amounts of adipose tissue in the distal tarsus, and subacute inflammation and epidermalization of the tarsal conjunctiva. Specimens from patients with involutional entropion generally had milder degrees of these histopathological features.

CONCLUSIONS

The causes of the excessive horizontal length of the eyelid, which is thought to be secondary to laxity of the medial and lateral canthal tendons, may be collagen degeneration and elastosis of the tarsal plate and canthal tendons.

Anterior Lamella Actinic Changes as a Factor in Involutional Eyelid Malposition

PURPOSE

We conducted a noncomparative, retrospective chart review of 45 patients and 51 eyelids with the diagnosis of involutional entropion or ectropion that underwent full-thickness lower eyelid shortening between June 2001 and February 2004, in whom the severity of actinic damage was analyzed in relation to the eyelid position. Patients with any different surgical approach or other primary causes of abnormal eyelid position, such as paralytic, congenital, or mechanical factors, were excluded.

METHODS

After excision, all eyelid specimens were examined by a single anatomic pathologist, who was masked to the type of eyelid malposition. The extent of dermal actinic change was evaluated under light microscopy, according to a previously validated grading system.

RESULTS

Fifty-one eyelids from 26 male and 19 female patients were analyzed. The mean age at the surgery was 76 +/- 10 years (range, 52 to 92 years), affecting one side in 39 cases and both sides in 6 cases. The most frequent eyelid malposition was ectropion, which affected two thirds of the cases (35 eyelids). Half of the patients presented with mild actinic skin changes; however, the severity of the histologic skin actinic changes was significantly worse in patients with ectropion in comparison to those with entropion (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Actinic damage affecting the anterior lamella of the lower eyelid contributes as an additional factor in final eyelid position in patients with involutional eyelid changes. More severe and extensive actinic changes were present in eyelids with ectropion.

A histologic analysis and three-dimensional reconstruction of the muscle of Riolan

PURPOSE

To describe the anatomic and histologic relations of the muscle of Riolan in the eyelid margin.

METHODS

Serial microscopic sections of the eyelid were prepared, digitally scanned, and then reconstructed with computer software to create a 3-dimensional profile of this muscle group in two planes.

RESULTS

The muscle of Riolan is a distinct subdivision of striated muscle that is separate from the pretarsal orbicularis muscle. In parasagittal eyelid sections, the muscle appears to be composed of two separate bundles, the pars ciliaris, located anterior to the tarsal plate, and a second smaller bundle, the pars subtarsalis, located posterior to the orifices of the meibomian glands. Coronal sections, however, demonstrate numerous muscle fibers that traverse the tarsus, connecting the two muscle groups that we describe for the first time as the pars fascicularis.

CONCLUSIONS

The three muscle subdivisions are therefore physically joined together and appear to act as a single functional entity that should be collectively referred to as the muscle of Riolan.

Transcaruncular approach to medial canthal tendon plication for lower eyelid laxity

PURPOSE

A new operation to correct lower eyelid laxity was evaluated.

METHODS

A new transcaruncular, orbital approach to posterior medial canthal tendon plication was performed on eight orbits of four cadavers, which were then analyzed with computed tomography or histologic techniques. The procedure was also performed on 23 eyelids of 15 patients with lower eyelid medial canthal tendon laxity, alone or in conjunction with other procedures. These patients were followed up for a mean of 12 months.

RESULTS

Improved postoperative eyelid position, epiphora, and superficial punctate keratopathy were found. Radiographic and histologic analysis demonstrated consistency of suture placement without involvement of contiguous anatomical structures.

CONCLUSIONS

This procedure appears to be a safe, reproducible, and effective corrective procedure for medial canthal tendon laxity and lagophthalmos. When combined with lateral lower eyelid tightening, it is also an effective treatment for lower eyelid retraction and superficial punctate keratopathy. Other potential advantages and complications of this procedure are described in comparison to other reported surgical methods used to address medial canthal tendon laxity and malpositions of the medial lower eyelid.

Ectropion and entropion

This article reviews the etiology and classification of ectropion and entropion, two of the more common eyelid conditions seen by the ophthalmologist. The preoperative evaluation is important in determining the etiology of the lid malposition. Surgical correction should be directed to the anatomic changes present. A detailed discussion of the more useful surgical procedures to correct ectropion and entropion is presented.

Causes of involutional ectropion and entropion--age-related tarsal changes are the key

PURPOSE

To measure tarsal plates across various age-groups, to determine whether tarsal size changes with increasing age and whether size correlates with involutional ectropion and entropion.

METHODS

Comparative, observational, case-control study design. Data were obtained for length and height of tarsus in each of the four eyelids. The data were constructed to determine: (I) right-to-left-side comparison data, (II) sex difference data, (III) age normal data, (IV) involutional entropion data, (V) involutional ectropion data.

RESULTS

(I) There is no difference in tarsal dimensions between right and left sides; (II) males have larger tarsal dimensions than females; (III) tarsal plates are on average smaller in older age ranges; (IV) patients with entropion have smaller than average age-normal tarsal plates; (V) patients with ectropion have larger than average age-normal tarsal plates.

CONCLUSIONS

(I) Right and left tarsal plates have equal dimensions, and involutional changes likely occur on both right and left sides equally frequently; (II) males have larger tarsal plates than females and entropion is more frequent in females and ectropion in males; (III) tarsal plates may have a general tendency to atrophy or shrink with age; this may explain why some eyelids develop entropion and others ectropion; (IV) entropion results from the mechanical effect of an atrophied or smaller than age-normal, partially or fully disinserted, tarsal plate being overcome by the normal or increased tone of the preseptal/pretarsal orbicularis muscle; (V) ectropion results from an age-normal or larger than normal tarsal plate mechanically overcoming the normal or decreased tone of the preseptal/pretarsal orbicularis muscle in combination with medial/lateral canthal tendon laxity.

Involutional entropion and ectropion of the Asian lower eyelid

PURPOSE

A clinical observation showed that involutional entropion of the lower eyelid in Asians may occur more commonly than ectropion. A review of surgical cases was performed to examine this hypothesis.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the number of Asian lower lid involutional ectropion and entropion repairs was performed in three different clinical practice settings. These data were compared and statistically analyzed with similar data for non-Asian patients.

RESULTS

The frequency of ectropion among Asians was significantly less than in non-Asians (chi-square, p < 0.001). Asian entropion repair represented 11.4% of the 604 eyelid operations performed on Asians, whereas Asian ectropion repair made up only 1.5% of cases. Non-Asian entropion and ectropion repairs were 3.7% and 6.2%, respectively, of the 1,849 eyelid procedures performed on non-Asians.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the normal anteriorly protruding position of the orbital fat within the Asian lower eyelid, Asians may be more predisposed than whites to the development of involutional entropion rather than ectropion. Removal of lower eyelid fat should be considered in entropion repair of the Asian lower eyelid.

The anatomy of midfacial ptosis

PURPOSE

To investigate the anatomic and histologic changes present in midfacial ptosis.

METHODS

Experimental study applying gross anatomic and histologic techniques to formalin-preserved and fresh-frozen cadaver heads with and without midfacial ptosis. High-resolution surface coil magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to obtain radiologic correlations.

RESULTS

The orbitomalar ligament was further characterized by identification of a well-developed lateral component in the sub-superficial musculoaponeurotic plane; abnormalities of this important supporting structure were present in the subcutaneous plane in 8 of 10 specimens with midfacial ptosis. The zygomatic and masseteric cutaneous ligaments also were further characterized on a gross anatomic level, and histologic evidence of these two structures was produced. The subcutaneous components of the zygomatic and masseteric cutaneous ligaments were attenuated or not identifiable in 40% and 30% of specimens with midfacial ptosis, respectively. High-resolution surface coil MRI provided exquisite correlations of midfacial anatomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The lateral component of the orbitomalar ligament provides major osteocutaneous midfacial support. Subcutaneous attenuation of the orbitomalar, masseteric cutaneous, and zygomatic ligaments was associated with midfacial ptosis.

Histochemical staining of orbicularis oculi muscle in ectropion and entropion

A histochemical study of orbicularis oculi was undertaken to test the hypothesis that there is a difference in the percentage and size of muscle fibre types which accounts for the development of involutional ectropion or entropion. Wedge excisions from lower lids of patients undergoing repair of these conditions were frozen-sectioned and stained histochemically to reveal muscle fibre types. Five ectropion and five entropion specimens were obtained, and the percentage of type 1 and type 2 fibres, fibre perimeters and fibre diameters were measured. An abundance of type 2 fibres was found in both ectropion (mean 89.6%) and entropion (mean 82.6%). No significant difference was found with respect to fibre type, perimeter or diameter when ectropion was compared with entropion or when either was compared with normals. Type 2 fibres were larger than type 1 in both ectropion and entropion. We conclude that no significant difference could be identified between orbicularis muscle fibres in ectropion, entropion and normals to account for the development of the eyelid malpositions.

Complications of blepharoplasty

Although blepharoplasty is a technically straightforward procedure, many postoperative complications may occur. Some of the untoward effects may be only a transient nuisance for the patient, such as mild ocular dryness, whereas other sequelae can lead to severe visual loss. An extensive review of the prevention, diagnosis, and management of complications associated with blepharoplasty is presented.

Morphological observations on patients with presumed trichiasis

The clinical findings in 116 patients with a provisional diagnosis of trichiasis are presented. In 69% a small degree of entropion producing lash-globe contact was detected. The term lid border entropion is proposed for this condition, which is recognised clinically by conjunctivalisation of the meibomian gland orifices and anterior placement of the mucocutaneous junction. These features were clearly demonstrated by electron microscopy of a biopsy specimen from one patient. An analysis of other causes of trichiasis is discussed and an attempt is made to clarify the terminology currently in use.