A Modified Hughes Flap for Correction of Refractory Cicatricial Lower Lid Retraction With Concomitant Ectropion

The etiologic and pathogenic spectrum of exposure keratopathy: Diagnostic and therapeutic implications

Exposure keratopathy (EK) is an underestimated ocular surface disorder that involves multiple underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms. It results from an exposed cornea due to different causes of eyelid insufficiency or blinking dysfunction, ocular globe protrusion, a negative orbital vector, and diverse contributing factors leading to impaired ocular surface homeostasis and the potential for vision loss. EK can be congenital, acquired, or induced, and various risk factors predispose patients to corneal exposure. These causes can be grouped into those related to proptosis and eyelid malformations, malfunctioning, or acquired deformity. If detected early, EK offers a range of effective treatment options. The superficial punctate keratitis and dryness of the cornea's lower third can be successfully treated at the initial stages; however, if left untreated, EK can progress to extensive epithelial erosion, persistent epithelial defects, stromal melting, vascularization, squamous metaplasia, and opportunistic infections, leading to significant visual loss. Different and varied treatment modalities, including medical and surgical, are available for patients with EK, depending on the disease stage, the underlying mechanism, and the cause. We examine the risk factors, causes, and range of pathologies associated with EK. Exploring the mechanisms that contribute to the development of the disorder's clinical manifestations provides valuable insights that can help clinicians detect and diagnose the disease promptly and plan appropriate targeted treatments.

Correction of Cicatricial Lower Eyelid Retraction and Entropion With Combined Scar Release, Hard Palate Graft, and Lateral Canthal Suspension

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of a technique-combined scar release, hard palate spacer graft with the recession of the lower eyelid retractors, lateral canthal suspension in the repair of cicatricial lower eyelid retraction, and entropion.

METHODS

Records of 12 patients with cicatricial lower eyelid retraction and entropion who underwent the surgery from January 2019 to August 2021 were reviewed. Surgical techniques include the following procedures: release of scar, hard palate graft with recession of the lower eyelid retractors, and lateral canthal tightening to strengthen the support of the lower eyelid. The follow-up period was at least 12 months. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated by the improvement of lower eyelid retraction, resolution of eyelid entropion, and complications.

RESULTS

All patients showed resolution in lower lid entropion, and lower eyelid retraction was significantly improved with a mean elevation of 2.93±0.82 mm. None of the patients had severe complications postoperatively, and both ocular surface symptoms and cosmetic appearance were significantly improved.

CONCLUSIONS

The technique achieves long-term stable outcomes in cicatricial lower lid retraction and entropion repair with a low morbidity rate.

Surgical Correction of Cicatricial Lower Eyelid Retraction: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Cicatricial lower eyelid retraction is a challenging condition. It involves scarring of the lower eyelid, which causes it to retract and expose the sclera. This can lead to complications such as dry eye syndrome and corneal melting. It can be caused by trauma, burns, or previous eyelid surgery. Detailed assessment and understanding of eyelid anatomy and retraction are critical for successful surgical planning. Dynamic and static examinations of the eyelid including measurements of the lower eyelid margin reflex distance (MRD2) and scleral show are also essential to determine the appropriate treatment approach.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted using Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane databases with keywords related to cicatricial lower eyelid retraction. The publication language was limited to English after 2000. A total of 29 articles were included for data extraction and analysis.

RESULTS

The main surgical techniques include tarsoconjunctival grafts, spacers, midface lift, and lateral canthal tendon suspension, although no single procedure has been universally recognized as the gold standard. New innovations such as synthetic grafts and xenografts are being explored for their potential in eyelid reconstruction. Severe cases, defined as those with inferior scleral show greater than 2 mm, may require a combination of reconstruction methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Correcting cicatricial lower eyelid retraction is a major challenge in oculoplastic reconstruction. The surgical approach should be individualized, considering the pathologies and etiologies of lid retraction. In-depth knowledge and careful surgical planning are essential for best outcomes. There is no gold standard technique, and postoperative outcomes, complications, and management vary depending on the surgical approach used.

Buccal mucosal membrane graft for correction of cicatricial lower eyelid retraction

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the outcomes of a surgical technique using buccal mucosal membrane graft for correction of cicatricial lower eyelid retraction.

METHODS

Twelve patients with unilateral cicatricial lower eyelid retraction were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent a four-step surgical technique consisted of release of scars, midface lift, transfer of buccal mucosal membrane to posterior lamella as spacer graft, and canthal tightening. All patients were followed for at least 12 months.

RESULTS

Mean preoperative Margin-to-Reflex-Distance 2 (MRD2) was 7.73 ± 1.10 mm, compared to mean postoperative MRD2 of 5.04 ± 0.49 mm (P < 0.0001). The mean improvement in retraction was 2.69 mm. Postoperative scleral show was present in only one case and no major complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

The four-step procedure (scar release, midface lift, buccal mucosal graft and canthal tightening) was an effective procedure to correct cicatricial lower eyelid retractions with acceptable outcomes and a low morbidity rate.

Surgical Strategies for Eyelid Defect Reconstruction: A Review on Principles and Techniques

Reconstruction of eyelid defects, especially the posterior lamella, remains challenging because of its anatomical complexity, functional considerations, and aesthetic concerns. The goals of eyelid reconstruction include restoring eyelid structure and function and achieving an aesthetically acceptable appearance. An in-depth understanding of the complex eyelid anatomy and several reconstructive principles are mandatory to achieve these goals. Currently, there are multiple surgical treatment options for eyelid reconstruction, including different flaps, grafts, and combinations of them. This comprehensive review outlines the principles of reconstruction and discusses the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of currently available surgical techniques. We also propose our clinical thinking for solving specific clinical questions in eyelid reconstruction and offer perspectives on new potential methodologies in the future.

Hughes flap in the management of lower lid retraction

PURPOSE

We present a retrospective case series on the use of Hughes flap in managing acquired cicatricial lower lid retraction.

METHODS

This was a multicentre, retrospective case series. Data was collected from medical records across different sites within Australia (Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney) and New Zealand (Hamilton).

RESULTS

Fourteen patients were identified. The aetiology of cicatricial lower lid retraction included previous lid lesion excision and reconstruction, eyelid trauma, orbital fracture repair, orbital radiotherapy, and lateral canthal dystopia from previous lid surgeries. 4/14 (29%) cases had undergone other surgery to correct the retraction prior to the Hughes flap. Pre-operative lagophthalmos due to lower lid retraction was noted in 11/14 (79%) cases with a median 2 mm (range: 1-5 mm). Exposure keratopathy was present in 7/14 (50%) cases. There were no peri-operative complications during Hughes flap reconstruction. One patient had post-operative upper eyelid retraction that did not require any further intervention. One patient had persistent lagophthalmos and exposure keratopathy that is being managed conservatively. One patient had wound dehiscence and further lid retraction following flap division, which required further surgery. Median length of follow-up was 15 months (range: 0.5-84 months). At final review, improvement or resolution of symptoms was seen in 13/14 (93%) cases.

CONCLUSIONS

A Hughes flap is an effective surgical technique for the management of cicatricial lower lid retraction.

The Köllner Tarsoconjunctival Flap for Lower Eyelid Reconstruction: Historical Perspective and Surgical Outcomes of 140 Cases

PURPOSE

While Wendell Hughes popularized the tarsoconjunctival flap for lower eyelid reconstruction, most modern procedures are derived from the technique described by Köllner in 1911. This study reviews the history, techniques, and outcomes of a large series of patients treated with a modified Köllner flap.

METHODS

In this observational cohort study, medical records and photographs were reviewed in patients undergoing surgery between 2005 and 2020. Patient demographics, complications, secondary interventions, and outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Marginal defect size ranged from 12 to 41 mm among the 140 study patients. Ancillary procedures included lower eyelid conjunctival flaps (n = 64) and septal orbicularis flaps (n = 68). The anterior lamella was reconstructed with skin grafts (n = 86), flaps (n = 10), or combined flaps/grafts (n = 44). Pedicle division was performed 23 to 84 days after primary repair. Subsequent interventions included steroid injection (n = 10), cryotherapy (n = 10), marginal erythema treatment (n = 9), and upper eyelid retraction repair (n = 6). Tearing (6.5%) and dryness (10%) were the most common postoperative symptoms, with most patients (78.6%) being asymptomatic. A good-excellent functional outcome was achieved in 94.3% and cosmetic outcome in 85.0% of cases. Defects <30 mm in width (P = 0.0001), defects not involving a canthus (P = 0.0158), and upper eyelid skin graft donor sites (P = 0.0001) were associated with better outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The Köllner tarsoconjunctival flap is an effective technique to repair moderate-large lower eyelid defects, with the majority of patients achieving good-excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes. Factors associated with a poorer result include marginal eyelid defects ≥30 mm in width, defects involving a canthus, and non-upper eyelid skin graft donor sites. Most patients are asymptomatic after surgery.