A new algorithm for the transconjunctival correction of moderate to severe upper eyelid ptosis in adults

Abstract

A posterior approach is recommended for the correction of mild to moderate upper eyelid ptosis in adults. The aim of this study is to propose a new algorithm that helps to predict outcomes in the transconjunctival correction of moderate to severe blepharoptosis. This study included adult patients with moderate to severe upper eyelid ptosis treated between 2019 and 2021. Patients meeting inclusion criteria underwent ptosis correction through a posterior approach using an algorithm: 4 mm Mueller’s muscle transconjunctival resection to correct 1 mm ptosis (depending on a test with 10% phenylephrine: 3–12 mm) ± tarsal plate resection: 1 mm for every 1 mm of residual ptosis after phenylephrine test, but leaving a minimum of 4 mm upper tarsus intact. Outcomes were ovserved within at least 6-months. Outcomes were assessed based on pre- and postoperative MRD1 changes, inter-eyelid height symmetry, cosmetic effect, and complications. Outcomes of 118 procedures in 81 patients (average age 69, range: 47–87) were analyzed. MRD1 changes were statistically significant, from 0.2 ± 1.6 mm before to 4.1 ± 1 mm after surgery. The function of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle was 10.2 ± 3.4 (range 5–17) mm. Upper eyelid lifted by an average of 1.8 ± 0.7 (range 0–3) mm after the instillation of 10% phenylephrine eyedrops. An average of 8.5 ± 0.8 (range 8–10) mm of conjunctiva and Mueller’s muscle and 2.2 ± 0.9 (range 1–5) mm of the tarsal plate were resected during the procedure. Inter-eyelid height symmetry within 1 mm was achieved in 95% of outcomes. The algorithm introduced in this study appears to be useful to achieve repeatable satisfactory outcomes in the transconjunctival correction of moderate to severe upper eyelid ptosis in adults with at least ”fair” levator function.