Treatment of congenital ptosis by maximal levator resection

Surgical results of retroauricular fascia graft in frontalis suspension surgery: A case series study

Frontalis suspension surgery is commonly used for the repair of congenital ptosis and involutional blepharoptosis with poor levator function. Grafts for this procedure have been developed using a variety of different materials, each with advantages and disadvantages. The retroauricular fascia graft might be beneficial in this surgery. This article reports the surgical results of blepharoptosis, who were treated with the retroauricular fascia, which is a new autologous graft for the frontalis suspension technique. This case series study targeted patients with ptosis who underwent frontalis suspension surgery with the retroauricular fascia graft at Wakayama Medical University in Japan between May 2016 and May 2023. Patients with insufficient follow-up (<6 months) were excluded from the study. Eligible patients were categorized into one of the following three assessment groups: "good" (improvement of palpebral fissure height without laterality, Margin reflex distance-1 gap between right and left side <0.5 mm), "fair" (improvement of palpebral fissure height with laterality), or "poor" (poor improvement of palpebral fissure height). Thirty-five eyes in 25 patients were treated with the retroauricular fascia graft. The mean postoperative follow-up was 27 months. Eight patients were classified as good (32%), 15 as fair (60%), and two as poor (8%). Two patients (8%) had postoperative lagophthalmos. No patients had eyelash inversion, tarsal deformity, or recurrence of ptosis. Scars along the edge of the hairline were inconspicuous and there were no hypertrophic scars. Functional reconstruction of the eyelids using the retroauricular fascia graft technique is described here for the first time. This grafting technique may be a useful alternative for frontalis suspension surgery because it can be harvested with easy access and without leaving conspicuous scars.

Banking Autologous Tarsus: A Simple Technique for Maximizing Preservation of Healthy Tissue

A 28-year-old female with congenital left-sided ptosis presented after 3 prior surgeries elsewhere. Although centrally her margin to reflex distance1 was 3 mm, persistent ptosis was noted laterally. In an effort to improve the symmetry of her eyelid contour, a lateral tarsectomy was performed. As the authors worried this might worsen her dryness, the decision was made to bank the excised tarso-conjunctival tissue in case additional revision surgery is required at a later date. To accomplish this, a conjunctival incision was created at the inferior tarsal margin in the ipsilateral lower lateral eyelid and the excised upper eyelid tarso-conjunctival tissue was secured in this pocket. Four months postoperatively, the banked tissue appeared healthy and the upper eyelid contour was improved. This technique may be most helpful in multi-operated situations, where the chance of future revision is not insignificant.

Surgical outcomes of tarsofrontalis sling surgery using silicon rod versus supramaximal levator resection in unilateral congenital ptosis with poor levator function

PURPOSE

To compare the surgical outcomes of tarsofrontalis sling surgery using silicon rod versus supramaximal levator resection in patients of unilateral congenital ptosis with poor levator function (≤ 4 mm).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This randomized control study was conducted over a period of 18 months. 44 patients were enrolled in the study group. The study population was randomly divided into two groups (22 in each group). In Group A, congenital ptosis was treated with tarsofrontalis sling surgery using silicon rod and supramaximal levator resection was done in the group B. Follow-up examination was done at postoperative day 1, one week, 1 month, 6 months and 12 months. Surgical outcome measures were change in marginal reflex distance-1 (MRD 1), vertical palpebral fissure height (VPFH) and inter-eyelid difference of margin reflex distance 1 and complications in two groups.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients in group A was 7.25 ± 6.10 years ranging from 1-18 years and mean age of patients in group B was 5.64 ± 2.44 years ranging from 3 to 11 years. Good surgical outcome was obtained in 73-77% of both groups. MRD1and VPFH increased significantly after surgery from baseline in both the groups (p value < 0.001). Inter-eyelid MRD 1 difference also improved significantly in both groups following ptosis surgery.

CONCLUSION

Both supramaximal levator resection and tarsofrontalis sling surgery are equally effective in cases of unilateral ptosis patients with poor levator function and should be part of the surgical armamentarium for treating congenital ptosis.

Maximal Levator Resection Beyond Whitnall’s Ligament in Severe Simple Congenital Ptosis with Poor Levator Function

Purpose

To evaluate the functional and cosmetic outcomes, as well as factors that influence surgical success of maximal levator resection beyond Whitnall’s ligament in patients with poor levator function (LF) and severe simple congenital ptosis.

Methods

This retrospective interventional study included patients with severe simple congenital ptosis and LF of ≤4 mm who had undergone maximal levator resection beyond Whitnall’s ligament with a minimum of 12 months follow-up. Postoperative marginal reflex distance-1 (MRD1) was assessed for functional outcomes as excellent, good, fair and poor. Eyelid contour and the difference in MRD1 between eyes were assessed for symmetrical cosmetic outcomes as excellent, good and poor. Demographic data, factors influencing surgical success and postoperative complications were analyzed.

Results

A total of 38 ptotic eyelids in 31 patients were included. Successful surgical outcomes (at least good functional and cosmetic outcomes) were achieved in 26 patients (83.87%) with the mean MRD1 of +3.61 ± 0.27 mm and +3.51 ± 0.17 mm at 1 week and 12 months after surgery, respectively. There were no significant differences in demographic and preoperative data between the successful and unsuccessful surgical outcome groups, mean preoperative ptosis measurements were 4.19 ± 0.20 mm versus 4.72 ± 0.36 mm (p = 0.242) and mean pre-operative LF were 3.16 ± 0.15 mm versus 2.29 ± 0.61 mm (p = 0.561), respectively. The only factor that significantly influenced the surgical success rate was the length of the resected levator muscle. The mean lengths in successful and unsuccessful groups were 18.15 ± 0.44 mm and 14.29 ± 0.94 mm, respectively (p = 0.011).

Conclusion

Maximal levator resection beyond Whitnall’s ligament is an effective procedure for severe simple congenital ptosis with poor LF. Refinement of surgical techniques and careful assessment of the optimal resected length for the levator muscle grants successful surgical outcomes.

Frontalis Sling Using a Silicone Rod for Ptosis in Third Nerve Palsy: Cosmesis Versus Safety

Purpose

To evaluate the results of the frontalis sling operation using a silicone rod for the correction of ptosis in patients with third nerve palsy with a focus on corneal safety.

Methods

Patients with third nerve palsy who underwent the frontalis sling operation using a silicone rod between 2008 and 2019 were included in this study. The medical records of all patients were reviewed, and their clinical characteristics and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. In this retrospective, interventional case series, the main outcome measures were eyelid contour, eyelid height by margin reflex distance, and corneal status.

Results

Twenty-four eyes of 18 patients (12 male and six female patients) were included. The mean age at the time of surgery was 35.1 years (range, 5–64 years). Twelve patients underwent a unilateral ptosis operation, and six patients received a bilateral ptosis operation. The mean follow-up period was 32.1 months (range, 2–87 months). Most patients (21 of 24 eyes, 88%) showed poor Bell’s phenomenon on preoperative examination. Satisfactory eyelid height and eyelid contour were achieved in almost all patients (mean postoperative margin reflex distance, +1.2 mm) postoperatively. Although corneal erosions were detected for several months in eight of 24 eyes after surgery, these findings were well controlled medically with artificial tear eye drops and ointments.

Conclusions

Frontalis sling surgery using a silicone rod can safely and effectively correct ptosis without severe corneal complications in patients with third nerve palsy. Our study outlines a new method to define the postoperative safety outcome by specifically focusing on categorized corneal status.

Maximal levator resection versus Gore-Tex® sling for congenital blepharoptosis with poor levator function

BACKGROUND:

Treating congenital blepharoptosis is often mandatory to clear the visual access and avoid amblyopia; however, when the levator function is poor, achieving a satisfactory long-term outcome is challenging. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of maximal levator resection (MLR) with those of frontalis suspension (FS) using Gore-Tex ^®, in the treatment of congenital blepharoptosis with poor levator function.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

The study included 102 eyelids of 66 patients of mean age 4.3 ± 1.6 standard deviation (SD) years, randomly divided into two groups (51 eyes each). Group A: FS using Gore-Tex ^®, Group B: MLR. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated at 1, 6 and 12 months. Patients' ophthalmic examination including margin-reflex distance (MRD1) before and after surgery and postoperative complications were recorded.

RESULTS:

At the end of the follow-up, the mean MRD1 increased from 0.3 ± 0.7 SD mm in Group A, 0.4 ± 0.8 SD mm in Group B preoperatively, to 2.7 ± 0.5 SD mm and 2.9 ± 0.7 SD mm, respectively (P < 0.001 in both groups). Results of Group B were significantly higher than Group A (P = 0.047). Success was achieved in 77 eyelids (75.4%), distributed as follows: 36 eyelids (70.6%) in Group A, and 41 eyelids (80.1%) in Group B. The total recurrence rate was 6.9% (seven eyes), while other complications were recorded in 23 eyes (22.5%).

CONCLUSION:

MLR, compared to FS with Gore-Tex^® sling, can be a more efficient surgical option to correct congenital blepharoptosis with poor levator excursion. Prominent postoperative lagophthalmos warrants close ocular surface observation in early follow-up weeks.

Improved Eyelid Muscle Tension Balance With Refined Frontalis Muscle Flap Suspension in the Treatment of Severe Ptosis

BACKGROUND

The tension balance of the upper eyelid following ptosis repair is crucial to a successful postoperative outcome. To improve on existing surgical techniques, the authors developed a new refined frontalis muscle flap suspension (FMFS) for severe ptosis repair and explored the balancing effect between the orbicularis muscle and frontalis muscle following surgery.

METHODS

Forty-three patients (47 eyes) with a mean age of 6.07 ± 2.55 years old were diagnosed with severe congenital ptosis and underwent refined FMFS with complete orbicularis preservation between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2017 in the Wenzhou Eye Hospital, Wenzhou, China. The outcomes measured include upper eyelid margin reflex distance (MRD1), degree of lagophthalmos, and cosmetic outcome (lash angle, eyelid contour, and crease). Surgical complications were also recorded.

RESULTS

The preoperative mean MRD1 was -1.29 ± 0.88 mm and preoperative levator function was 1.87 ± 0.82 mm (ranged from 0 to 3.0 mm). Following surgery, lagophthalmos was observed in all cases in the first week with a mean palpebral fissure height of 1.68 ± 0.40 mm and diminished over 3 months. The MRD1 improved to +3.04 ± 0.68 mm at 6 months following surgery. All cases showed excellent cosmetic outcomes. There were no significant complications.

CONCLUSION

The refined FMFS is a safe and reliable surgery in treating severe ptosis. The eye-closing power of the intact orbicularis muscle is sufficient at countering the lifting power of the frontalis muscle suspension, achieving a balanced blink mechanism and eyelid closure.

Lagophthalmos after congenital ptosis surgery: comparison between maximal levator resection and frontalis sling operation

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To compare postoperative lagophthalmos after maximal levator resection (MLR) and frontalis suspension (FS) in congenital ptosis patients with poor levator function (LF).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed to compare postoperative outcomes in patients with preoperative LF ≤ 4 mm who had undergone MLR or FS at a single tertiary institution, and who had visited the outpatient clinic between February 2017 and August 2018. Main outcome measures were as follows: (1) Preoperative LF and margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1), (2) Postoperative MRD1, lagophthalmos and grade of superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK).

RESULTS

Our study comprised 152 eyelids of 122 patients. There were 71 eyelids in the MLR group and 81 eyelids in the FS group. The MLR group had comparable mean postoperative MRD1 (2.8 ± 0.8 mm) to the FS with autogenous fascia lata (AFL) group (3.0 ± 0.7 mm), while the FS with preserved fascia lata (PFL) group had the lowest mean postoperative MRD1 (2.2 ± 1.0 mm). The PFL group had significantly less lagophthalmos (0.6 ± 1.0 mm) than the AFL (1.9 ± 1.4 mm) and maximal levator resection (1.9 ± 1.7 mm) groups. In the MLR group, there was no significant difference in postoperative surgical measurements between the LF 0-2 mm group and LF 2.5-4 mm group in terms of exposure keratopathy, degree of lagophthalmos and MRD1.

CONCLUSION

MLR is an effective alternative to FS in congenital ptosis patients with poor levator function, with the risk of postoperative lagophthalmos related to postoperative MRD1 rather than preoperative LF.

Müller's Muscle-conjunctival Resection Combined With Tarsectomy for Treatment of Congenital Ptosis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection combined with tarsectomy for the treatment of congenital ptosis.

METHODS

A retrospective, noncomparative case series was performed on 38 eyes of 36 patients who underwent Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection combined with tarsectomy for the treatment of congenital ptosis. Age range was 2-25 years (mean: 7.86 years). Follow-up measurements taken up to 4 years after procedure were compared with baseline values.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients presenting with congenital ptosis underwent Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection combined with tarsectomy. All patients had fair-to-good levator function of 5-10 mm. A mean improvement in the margin reflex distance-1 of 2.79 mm (p value < 0.0001) was noted. All cases except one achieved excellent lid height and postoperative symmetry of the eyelids.

CONCLUSIONS

Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection combined with tarsectomy is a safe and effective procedure in the treatment of congenital ptosis in patients with moderate-to-good levator function. The surgery is rapid with quick recovery time. No complications were noted.The authors describe a retrospective case analysis of patients who underwent Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection combined with tarsectomy, for the treatment of congenital ptosis with moderate-to-good levator function, demonstrates excellent results.

Outcomes of Frontalis Sling Versus Levator Resection in Patients With Monocular Elevation Deficiency Associated Ptosis

PURPOSE

To compare outcomes of frontalis sling (FS) silicone and levator resection (LR) in ptosis associated with monocular elevation deficiency.

METHODS

Retrospective interventional comparative case series of FS and LR in monocular elevation deficiency associated ptosis. Favorable outcome was defined as difference in margin reflex distance 1 of ≤1 mm between the 2 eyes in unilateral cases and margin reflex distance 1 of 4 mm in bilateral cases at last follow-up visit.

RESULTS

One hundred four eyes of 95 patients were included. Median age at surgery was 14 years, and the mean follow-up period was 19.75 ± 34.55 months. Ptosis was severe in 91 (87.5%) patients. Associated Marcus Gunn jaw-winking (MGJW) phenomenon was seen in 43 (42%) patients. Frontalis sling was performed in 76 (73%) and LR in 28 (27%). Mean pre- and postoperative margin reflex distance 1 were -1.27 ± 2.17 mm and 2.18 ± 1.49 mm (p < 0.0001). The mean improvement in margin reflex distance 1 was significantly more with FS (4.46 ± 2.19) compared with LR (1.85 + 2.5) (p < 0.0001). There were no cases of exposure keratopathy requiring reversal of surgery in either group. The number of resurgeries required was 42 (55%) in the FS group and 10 (36%) (p = 0.08) in the LR group. Favorable outcome was seen in 54 (71%) in FS group and 16 (57%) (p = 0.17) in LR group.

CONCLUSIONS

When compared with levator resection, frontalis suspension with silicone gives a better eyelid elevation but has greater regression requiring more resurgeries. In spite of a poor Bells phenomenon, exposure keratopathy is not a concern.

Long-term functional and aesthetic evaluation of using a single rhomboid-shaped fascial strip for severe congenital unilateral blepharoptosis

PURPOSE

Surgery for congenital blepharoptosis is often performed at approximately 4-5 years of age. A long-term follow-up is important during facial growth. We performed frontal suspension by using a single rhomboid-shaped autogenous fascial strip. We conducted a long-term evaluation of patients with severe congenital unilateral blepharoptosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 334 patients with congenital blepharoptosis underwent surgery between 1994 and 2006. Of these, 192 patients had unilateral blepharoptosis with levator function less than 3 mm. A retrospective analysis was conducted on those patients who could be followed up postoperatively for at least 10 years and had accurate clinical photographs available. Visual acuity, palpebral fissure height (PFH), and marginal reflex distance (MRD) were evaluated from the photographs to compare both eyes. PFH and MRD were assessed as ratio. Morphological evaluation was based on patient and family comments. Statistical analysis included the t-test.

RESULTS

Participants comprised 95 patients (63 male and 32 female; 43 left and 52 right). Visual acuity showed improvements. Although the postoperative MRD ratio of the affected eye was significantly improved, no clinically significant bilateral difference was seen in postoperative PFH, compared with those in the unaffected side. The surgical results were as follows: 62 excellent, 14 good, 12 fair, 3 poor, and 4 other cases in our criteria. No major complications occurred. Satisfactory result could be seen in 76 of the 95 cases.

CONCLUSION

The evaluation results show that our surgical procedure appears useful for patients with unilateral congenital ptosis. Moreover, blepharoptosis surgery is useful for improving visual acuity. In this paper, we report this surgical procedure and discuss its long-term results.

Surgical treatment of unilateral severe simple congenital ptosis

Unilateral congenital ptosis with poor levator function of ≤4 mm continues to be a difficult challenge for the oculoplastic surgeon. Surgical correction can be accomplished with unilateral frontalis suspension, maximal levator resection, or bilateral frontalis suspension with or without levator muscle excision of the normal eyelid. Bilateral frontalis suspension was proposed by Beard and Callahan to overcome the challenge of postoperative asymmetry, allowing symmetrical lagophthalmos on downgaze, postoperatively. However, most surgeons and patients prefer unilateral correction on the abnormal eyelid either with a frontalis suspension or maximal levator resection. Frontalis suspension may be performed through the various surgical techniques using different autogenous or exogenous materials. Autogenous fascia lata is considered the material of choice with low recurrence rates but carries the drawbacks of the difficulty of harvesting and postoperative morbidity from the second surgical site. Recent reports have suggested that maximal levator resection provides improved cosmesis, a more natural contour, and avoids brow scars. Although both treatments have shown to have similar success rates, there is much debate about what the most favorable method for treating severe unilateral ptosis. We review the literature on the various surgical treatments for unilateral severe congenital ptosis, including the rationale, advantages and disadvantages of each technique.

Surgical Outcome of Epicanthus and Telecanthus Correction by Double Z-Plasty and Trans-Nasal Fixation with Prolene Suture in Blepharophimosis Syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Blepharophimosis Syndrome (BPES) is a complex and rare disease characterized by epicanthus inversus, telecanthus, lateral ectropion, narrowed or shortened inter-palpebral fissure distance and ptosis. It is mostly bilateral and may or may not be symmetrical. It is typically inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. In sporadic cases, the disease may occur without a prior family history as a genetic mutation from a deletion or translocation of the FOXL₂ gene, which maps to chromosome 3q23. Surgical treatment of this disease poses an oculoplastic challenge due to multiple complex eyelid deformities.

AIM

To evaluate the functional and cosmetic outcome of telecanthus and epicanthus correction by a Mustarde's rectangular double Z-Plasty and trans-nasal fixation using 1-0 prolene suture in BPES.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was prospective, interventional study of 16 patients over a period of three years. In this study, all patients had BPES with prominent epicanthus and telecanthus. Mustarde's double Z-plasty and trans-nasal fixation with 1-0 prolene suture was performed in the first of a two-stage operation. If ectropion was present, the lateral ectropion was corrected by a base-out flap transfer from the upper eyelid to the lower eyelid. After three months, a 2^nd stage was undertaken, involving a lateral canthoplasty for horizontal widening of a short palpebral fissure and a tarso frontalis sling with silicone rod for correction of moderate to severe ptosis. Patients were followed up for six months to one year with postoperative ophthalmologic examinations and photographs.

RESULTS

Out of 16 patients, 10 were females and six were males. All the patients had bilateral involvement. In this study preoperative Inner Intercanthal Distance (IICD) ranged from 38 mm to 42 mm and the mean IICD was 41.2±0.57 mm. Postoperative IICD ranged from 31 mm to 34 mm. Horizontal Palpebral Fissure Length (HPFL) ranged from 20 mm to 23 mm and the mean value of HPFL was 21.50 mm preoperatively. Postoperative HPFL ranged from 26 mm to 29 mm and had a mean value of 28.50 mm, which was much improved after a combined correction of telecanthus and lateral canthoplasty. The mean preoperative IICD and HPFL ratio was 1.77 and was reduced to a postoperative value of 1.2. The Marginal Reflex Distance1 (MRD-1) test value improved from +1.25 mm to +3.50 mm postoperatively after placement of a tarsofrontalis sling with silicone rod using the Fox's Pentagon technique. In this study, two eyes had minimal unequal correction but were cosmetically and functionally acceptable. Correction of IICD is possible up to 6 mm. No major complication e.g., CSF rhinorrhea was noted in this series and preoperative prominent epicanthal folds were abolished.

CONCLUSION

Here we propose a two-staged procedure involving a combined Mustarde's double Z-plasty with transnasal fixation using a 1-0 prolene suture with a flap transfer from the upper lid to the lower lid in the first stage and a lateral canthoplasty with a tarsofrontalis sling and silicone rod in the second stage. This technique is effective to correct epicanthus, telecanthus, ptosis and lateral ectropion in BPES with good cosmetic and functional outcome.

Factors Associated With Surgical Outcomes in Congenital Ptosis: A 10-Year Study of 319 Cases

PURPOSE

To evaluate the 10-year results of surgery for congenital ptosis and identify factors associated with excellent outcomes and recurrence.

DESIGN

Retrospective, interventional case series.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 319 patients who underwent surgical correction at a tertiary medical center for congenital ptosis. The main outcome measures were postoperative surgical outcomes and recurrence rates. Excellent lid height was assessed as a marginal reflex distance (MRD) greater than 3 mm. Recurrence was defined as a lid height less than 50% of the initial postoperative lid height.

RESULTS

The overall surgical success rate was 97.2%. On multivariate analysis, 3 factors were significantly associated with a greater probability of achieving excellent lid height: treatment using levator muscle resection (LMR) (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.76; P = .04), better preoperative MRD (adjusted OR, 2.21; P < .001), and absence of Marcus Gunn (jaw-winking) syndrome (adjusted OR, 0.12; P = .01). For recurrence, 7 significant risk factors were identified: children less than 1 year old (adjusted OR, 4.92; P = .02), poorer preoperative MRD (adjusted OR, 0.64; P = .04), poorer postoperative MRD (adjusted OR, 0.32; P < .001), treatment with frontalis suspension (FS) (adjusted OR, 5.86; P < .001), wound infection (adjusted OR, 9.45; P = .02), postoperative entropion (adjusted OR, 11.25; P = .003), and conjunctival prolapse (adjusted OR, 7.10; P = .03). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the 1-, 5-, and 10-year recurrence-free rates were 97.3% ± 1.2%, 80.5% ± 4.4%, and 76.7% ± 5.6%, respectively, for the LMR group and 90.9% ± 3.1%, 42.9% ± 8.1%, and 20.8% ± 10.1%, respectively, for the FS group (P < .001, log-rank test).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment of congenital ptosis had a high success rate. Identifying the risk factors and taking appropriate measures may result in better surgical outcomes and less recurrence. Our retrospective study showed that the likelihood of achieving excellent outcomes with lower recurrence rates was higher with LMR than with FS. However, a prospective randomized study is necessary to clarify their efficacy.

Analysis of the causes of recurrence after frontalis suspension using silicone rods for congenital ptosis

Background

Silicone rod is a commonly used synthetic suspension material in frontalis suspension surgery to correct blepharoptosis. The most challenging problem and a decisive drawback of the use of silicone rod is a considerable rate of ptosis recurrence after surgery. We examined patients with recurred ptosis and assessed the physical and micromorphological properties of implanted silicone rods to determine the causative mechanisms of recurred ptosis after frontalis suspension using silicone rod.

Methods

This is a prospective observational case series of 22 pediatric patients with recurred ptosis after frontalis suspension using silicone rods for congenital ptosis. Implanted silicone rods were observed and removed during the operation for correction of recurred ptosis. The removed silicone rods were physically and micromorphologically evaluated to determine the cause of recurrence.

Results

Pretarsal fixation positions migrated upward, whereas suprabrow fixation positions migrated downward during ptosis recurrence. The breaking strength of implanted silicone rods was reduced by approximately 50% during 3 years. Cracks, debris, and loss of homogenous structure with disintegration were observed on scanning electron micrographs of implanted silicone rods in patients with recurred ptosis. Preoperative severe degree of ptosis also contributed to recurred ptosis.

Conclusions

Recurrence of ptosis after frontalis suspension using silicone rod was associated with physical changes of implanted silicone rods, including positional migration, weakened tensile strength, and micromorphological changes in combination with patients’ characteristics.

The utility of margin-reflex distance in determining the type of surgical intervention for congenital blepharoptosis

Aims:

To evaluate the utility of margin-reflex distance (MRD) as an alternative to levator function (LF) in choosing the appropriate surgical procedure for congenital blepharoptosis.

Settings and Design:

This was a retrospective, observational study.

Subjects and Methods:

Records of patients with simple (dystrophic) congenital ptosis who were operated and followed for ≥6 months postoperatively and whose outcomes were deemed as successful were evaluated in the study. Success was defined as a MRD at the last postoperative visit of ≥3 mm. In all cases, levator resection was performed when LF was >4 mm and frontalis suspension when LF was ≤4 mm.

Statistical Analysis Used:

For statistical evaluations, LF was accepted as the gold standard parameter for deciding on the surgical intervention, and the optimum cutoff point for initial MRD was determined as the point at which sensitivity and specificity was highest at the receiving operating curve for the selection of surgical procedure.

Results:

Of one hundred and three eyes of ninety patients (44 female/46 male), levator resection was used in 44.7% and frontalis suspension in 55.3%. When the optimum cutoff point for MRD was determined as 0.5 mm, the sensitivity was 71%, specificity was 86%, and the area under the curve that represented the discriminative power of this parameter was found to be 0.826.

Conclusion:

The MRD at the cutoff point of 0.5 mm may be used as an alternative to LF to determine the type of surgical intervention in patients with congenital blepharoptosis whose LF cannot be reliably obtained in clinical evaluations.

Safety and Long-term Outcomes of Congenital Ptosis Surgery: A Population-Based Study

PURPOSE

To report the long-term outcomes of childhood ptosis surgery in a population-based setting over a 46-year period.

METHODS

In this population-based cohort study, the medical records of all patients who were residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, diagnosed as having blepharoptosis and having undergone surgical management prior to 19 years of age (between January 1, 1965, and December 31, 2010), were retrospectively reviewed. Age at time of surgery, type of surgery, duration of follow-up, number and nature of revisions, degree of amblyopia, and postoperative lagophthalmos and dry eye were documented.

RESULTS

Forty-seven children meeting inclusion criteria underwent ptosis surgery. The median age at time of first surgery was 5.6 years (range: 1.5 to 17.7 years). Fifteen of 47 (31.9%) patients required a second procedure. Three of 47 (6.4%) patients underwent three procedures. The median time was 1.1 years (range: 0.03 to 7.8 years) between the first and second surgery and 6.0 years (range: 0.3 to 6.1 years) between the second and third procedure. Seven of 47 (14.9%) patients had amblyopia. Nineteen of 47 (40.4%) patients were noted to have lagophthalmos and 3 of 47 (6.4%) presented for symptomatic dry eye postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this population-based setting, more than half of the children with ptosis required only a single surgical procedure, although a significant proportion required two procedures. Postoperative lagophthalmos is common, but symptomatic dry eye is rare. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2016;53(4):212-217.].

The role of frontalis orbicularis oculi muscle flap for correction of blepharoptosis with poor levator function

On the basis of the close anatomical interdigitation between the longitudinal-oriented frontalis muscle and the horizontal-oriented orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM), frontalis OOM (FOOM) flap was developed to treat blepharoptosis. Retrospective study during an 11-year period, 66 patients with 81 poor levator function ptotic eyelids accepted FOOM flap shortening (65 lids; 80.2%) or double-breasted FOOM flap advancement (16 lids; 19.8%) to correct blepharoptosis. There were 51 (77.3%) patients with unilateral ptosis and 15 (22.7%) patients with bilateral ptosis. Severity of blepharoptosis included severe type in 72 (88.9%) lids, moderate type in 5 (6.2%) lids, and mild type in 4 (4.9%) lids. The underlying etiology included congenital origin in 43 (65.1%) patients, involutional change in 19 (28.8%) patients, and neurologic origin in 4 (6.1%) patients. Marginal reflex distance 1 and lid slit distance improved from -1.6 (2.0) to 3.3 (1.2) and 3.2 (2.0) to 7.2 (1.4) mm, respectively, after operation. The postoperative outcome includes good results in 54 (81.8%) patients, fair results in 10 (15.2%) patients, and poor results in 2 (3.0%) patients. The undercorrection or recurrence rate is 14.8%, and secondary revision rate is 11.1%. Positive Hering law is 17.6% among patients with unilateral ptosis. Overall patients' satisfaction rate is 95.1%. Both FOOM flap shortening and double-breasted FOOM flap advancement are effective to treat poor levator function blepharoptosis. Double-breasted FOOM flap advancement is highly recommended because of the more natural contour and minimal lagophthalmos postoperatively, because of the maximal preservation of OOM.

The use of Whitnall's ligament for sling redirection in frontalis suspension ptosis surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate the cosmetic and functional outcome of a modified frontalis suspension technique when the sling force vector is redirected through Whitnall's ligament.

METHODS

Non-comparative retrospective study. Twenty-nine eyes of 23 patients with poor levator function of 4 mm or less. Patients underwent frontalis suspension with polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) (PTFE). The sling was inserted in a single circular fashion through 3 brow incisions. An additional eyelid crease incision was created to allow the passage of the sling beneath Whitnalls' ligament, to permit securing the sling to the tarsus, to perform a limited blepharoplasty, and to reform the eyelid crease. Postoperatively, patients were followed up for at least 24 months.

RESULTS

All cases achieved elevation of the ptotic eyelid in the primary position. Three eyes of 2 patients had under correction in the primary gaze. Twenty-eight of 29 eyes retained the same level of eyelid elevation after 2 years of follow up. Symmetry in the primary gaze was achieved in 4 of 6 (67%) patients with bilateral ptosis and in 12 of 17 (71%) patients with unilateral ptosis. One patient had sling infection with granuloma formation. Lagophthalmos was common, but none developed exposure keratitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Frontalis suspention technique modified with redirecting the sling pulling force vector by passing beneath Whitnall's ligament can achieve a natural-looking eyelid in primary gaze and does not interfere with functional outcome.

A modified technique for levator resection in congenital ptosis

This study describes a modified technique for levator resection in congenital ptosis and presents the results from a consecutive series of patients operated on with this method. Eighteen patients were operated on for congenital ptosis. By means of a blunt dissection through the potential space between the levator aponeurosis and the orbital septum, this operation method takes advantage of this anatomical entrance route to surgery on the levator complex, and thereby avoids violation of the orbital septum and the retroseptal fat pad. In a consecutive series of 18 patients with congenital ptosis, 88% of the patients achieved a good result according to the success criteria. In surgery for moderate congenital ptosis, the amount of levator resection is of utmost importance to obtain the desired height of the eyelid. With this method this can be obtained without violating the orbital septum.

Evaluation and management of unilateral ptosis and avoiding contralateral ptosis

Treating unilateral ptosis can be challenging and a proper preoperative evaluation may help prevent unexpected outcomes on the contralateral lid. Preoperative evaluation should include testing for Hering's law, which remains useful in understanding the phenomenon of induced contralateral eyelid retraction in the context of ptosis. Approximately 10% to 20% of patients with unilateral ptosis have some degree of induced retraction on clinical evaluation in the contralateral lid. When there is a positive Hering's test on preoperative examination, the surgeon should consider a bilateral ptosis procedure. The surgical approach to unilateral ptosis depends on the severity of the ptosis and its etiology, and the surgeon should be aware of which procedure is most likely to provide the best outcome in selected instances.

Levator plication versus resection in congenital ptosis - a prospective comparative study

PURPOSE

To compare levator plication with resection in congenital ptosis.

METHODS

Prospective comparative randomized trial involving 20 eyes of 20 patients with age > 4 yrs, simple mild-to-moderate congenital ptosis with good-to-fair amount of levator action were included. Patients were randomized to either levator resection or plication. Outcome was compared in terms of eyelid height and course of postoperative events. Data was compared using the paired and unpaired t-test.

RESULTS

The mean M.R.D. 1 at the end of 3 months in Group A was 2.8 +/- 1.23 mm and in Group B was 1.12 +/- 0.83 mm (p value = 0.001). Plication did not improve levator action much. Resection lead to more alterations in Bell's, lid lag, lagophthalmos and persisting edema (3 cases).

CONCLUSION

In 70% cases of congenital ptosis, good cosmetic outcome can be achieved with levator resection. With levator plication there are greater chances of drooping from fourth week onwards. The technique of plication, though simpler in approach failed to correct dystrophic muscle in congenital ptosis.

Safety and efficacy of silicone rod frontalis suspension surgery for childhood ptosis repair

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of silicone rod frontalis suspension surgery for childhood ptosis.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively studied 89 consecutive children (110 eyelids) who had silicone rod frontalis suspension surgery for ptosis at Duke University Eye Center from 1983 to 2004. Marginal reflex distance1 (MRD1) elevation of 2 mm or more (vs preoperative MRD1) was considered satisfactory. MRD1 was measured as the vertical distance from the corneal light reflex in primary gaze to the upper eyelid margin. The postoperative eyelid symmetry (< or = 1 mm = satisfactory) was the difference between the MRD1 of the surgical and fellow eyelid.

RESULTS

Median age at surgery was 45 months (range: 3 to 223 months) and median follow-up was 17 months (range: 1 to 88 months). Ptosis types (number of eyelids) were unilateral congenital (53), bilateral congenital (30), third nerve palsy (16), Marcus Gunn jaw wink (7), trauma (2), and myasthenia gravis (2). Median MRD1 elevation was 2 mm or greater for all ptosis types, whereas satisfactory postoperative symmetry occurred in 60% of unilateral and 100% of bilateral congenital ptosis cases (last follow-up). Complications occurred in 10 eyelids (9%) and reoperation occurred in 10 eyelids (9%).

CONCLUSION

The use of silicone rod frontalis suspension surgery for ptosis repair in pediatric patients is modestly effective, with few complications and easy removal and adjustment.

Modified tarsal resection operation for congenital ptosis with fair levator function

PURPOSE

There are many options for surgical repair of congenital ptosis with fair levator function. The authors review their 10-year experience with an en bloc resection of tarsus, Müller muscle, and conjunctiva in conjunction with graded levator aponeurosis advancement (a variation of the tarsectomy operation).

METHODS

This is a retrospective case series that reviews all cases of ptosis repair performed at West Virginia University from 1994 to 2004 using the "modified tarsal resection method." Thirty patients with congenital ptosis and fair levator function were identified. Follow-up ranged from 6 weeks to 8 years. Charts were reviewed for type of ptosis, pre- and postoperative upper eyelid margin to reflex distance, degree of levator function, amount of operative tarsus and Müller muscle resection, postoperative eyelid symmetry, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

In patients with congenital ptosis and fair levator function, the average preoperative upper eyelid margin to reflex distance was 0.0 mm and the average postoperative upper eyelid margin to reflex distance was 2.8 mm. Twenty-five of 30 (83%) patients were deemed to have a "good" surgical outcome. The amount of tarsus-Müller muscle resection reliably predicts the amount of eyelid elevation. The only complications to date have been transient lagophthalmos with exposure keratitis.

CONCLUSIONS

In the authors' hands, an en bloc resection of tarsus, Müller muscle, and conjunctiva combined with levator aponeurosis advancement reliably produces excellent results in the treatment of fair levator function congenital ptosis, superior to their previous experience with isolated maximal levator aponeurosis advancement.

One-stage correction for blepharophimosis syndrome

PURPOSE

To classify the severity of blepharophimosis, describe associated features and their effects on the incidence of amblyopia and to recommend guidelines for surgical treatment and management of surgical complications.

METHODS

The case records of 23 patients with blepharophimosis syndrome were examined retrospectively. Patients' photographs and measurements were reviewed to analyse the severity of blepharophimosis, surgical techniques undertaken, surgical outcomes, and complications. Statistical analyses were performed using paired-sample t-tests to evaluate the surgical outcome and Spearman correlation to examine the influence of blepharophimosis on the interpalpebral fissure height (PFH).

RESULTS

Eighteen out of 23 (78%) patients underwent one-stage surgery before the age of 5 years. About 31% of these patients had amblyopia. Only two patients had a blepharophimosis ratio greater than 1.5 as poor result. Two out of 18 (11%) patients with PFHs more than 2 mm needed a repeat operation, but all five (100%) patients with s less than 2 mm (very severe ptosis) needed repeat operations.

CONCLUSIONS

The one-stage corrective procedure provided acceptable results both in function and cosmesis. However, patients with very severe ptosis required multiple stages of reconstruction for ptosis correction at an earlier age, after which correction of telecanthus and small horizontal palpebral fissure length followed at an older age.

Technique for blepharoptosis correction using double-breasted orbicularis oculi muscle flaps

BACKGROUND

The technique that uses the orbicularis oculi muscle flap to elevate the upper eyelid has become a popular surgical alternative for blepharoptosis. This method is especially effective in cases of severe blepharoptosis with poor levator muscle function. In this technique, the superiorly based orbicularis oculi muscle flap (which is connected to the frontalis muscle anatomically) is advanced and attached to the tarsal plate, thus enabling dynamic elevation of the upper eyelid. However, a temporary period of lagophthalmos occurs with the original method. Although the problem is temporary, it typically lasts 2 to 6 months and may lead to serious eye emergencies.

METHODS

We describe a modification that eliminates lagophthalmos, which is the main drawback of the original technique. Two orbicularis oculi muscle flaps are created, one superiorly based and one inferiorly based. The inferiorly based flap corresponds to the strip of pretarsal orbicularis oculi that is considered "excess" and is discarded in other methods. Our aim with this modified technique is to preserve as much of the pretarsal part of the orbicularis oculi muscle as possible, and thus enable immediate tight eyelid closure postoperatively and achieve dynamic, powerful eyelid-opening action.

RESULTS

We have used this technique in 7 patients (11 eyelids total) during the past 5 years and have achieved favorable results. All 11 operated eyelids showed immediate tight closure postoperatively, as well as dynamic, powerful eyelid-opening action.

CONCLUSION

This operation is a good alternative for patients with severe ptosis who have insufficient levator function and for cases that have recurred after operations with other methods. Local native tissues are used and dynamic correction is achieved with a single incision. The need for intensive eye care is eliminated and there is less risk of corneal damage in the early postoperative period. Above all, this technique yields predictable eyelid-opening action.

Aetiology and surgical treatment of childhood blepharoptosis

AIMS

To describe the aetiology, demography, surgical management, and outcome of a cohort of paediatric ptosis patients in a large tertiary referral oculoplastic centre.

METHODS

A case note review of all patients undergoing ptosis surgery below the age of 16 years in a tertiary referral oculoplastic unit documenting the laterality, aetiology, severity of ptosis, indications for and type of surgery undertaken, the proportion of good, suboptimal, and poor surgical outcomes, re-operations, and level of patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

340 patients (82% (280/340) unilateral, 18% (60/340) bilateral ptosis) with myogenic (79%, 269/340), aponeurotic (5%, 16/340), neurogenic (11%, 37/340), mechanical (2%, 6/340), apparent (1%, 2/340), and syndrome related (3%, 10/340) ptosis underwent anterior (41%, 141/340) and posterior (26%, 90/340) levator resection, frontalis suspension with mersilene (9%, 29/340) and autogenous fascia lata (17%, 59/340), levator transposition (5%, 15/340) and other surgery (1%, 6/340) for visual (43%, 141/333) and cosmetic (57%, 189/333) indications. 77% (260/340) of patients achieved a good outcome, 10% (35/340) a suboptimal outcome, and 13% (45/340) a poor outcome requiring re-operation. There was no statistically significant difference in surgical outcome between patients with mild, moderate, or severe ptosis and with good, moderate, or poor levator function. The level of recorded patient satisfaction with the surgical outcome was 90% (206/229).

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that most groups of paediatric ptosis patients, including those with poor levator function and severe ptosis, achieve satisfactory results with the appropriate ptosis surgery.

Ptosis repair by single suture aponeurotic tuck. Surgical technique and long-term results

PURPOSE

To assess the effectiveness and long-term results of a simplified aponeurotic tuck technique for ptosis repair.

METHODS

The author simplified the aponeurotic approach for ptosis repair by minimizing the dissection and using a single 6-0 nylon stitch to control the lid height and curvature. Prospectively, 169 ptotic lids were repaired by this technique over a 7-year period. All consecutive patients with ptosis ranging from 1 to 5 mm, levator function greater than 8 mm, and with no history of previous eyelid surgery were included. Patients with measurements and levator function outside of this range or who had ptosis secondary to eyelid or orbital mass, as a complication of eyelid surgery, or associated with systemic disease were excluded. The follow-up period ranged from 18 to 96 months, with an average of 60 months.

RESULTS

Of the 169 eyelids, 162 (95%) were corrected to 1 mm. There were 12 reoperations, including 4 on patients who had initial correction to within 1 mm. Complications included overcorrection in three patients and undercorrection in six, peaking in five, and two immediate recurrences and three late recurrences. Long-term results were excellent, as no change in the lid height was observed.

CONCLUSION

The single-stitch aponeurotic tuck is simple, effective, and versatile. It can be used in the correction of involutional, postcataract, traumatic, and congenital types of ptosis. Although local anesthesia is preferred, consistent results also can be obtained in those cases where general anesthesia is indicated. The complications that occurred were minimal and easily corrected.

Early correction of severe congenital ptosis

Twelve infants with severe unilateral or bilateral congenital ptosis were surgically repaired before 1 year of age in an attempt to achieve early functional and cosmetic improvement. In all cases, a frontalis suspension using polyfilament nylon suture (Supramid Extra) was performed. Postoperatively, 10 patients achieved near normal eyelid position and all had resolution of their chin-up head posture. Two slings eventually failed, requiring repeat procedures for recurrent ptosis. Two developed signs of cellulitis that were successfully treated with oral antibiotics.