Check ligament suspension for correction of congenital severe blepharoptosis

Abstract

To evaluate the clinical result of check ligament suspension for correction of congenital severe blepharoptosis. Since Jan. 2010 to Nov. 2010, 15 eyes in 15 cases with congenital severe blepharoptosis were treated with the check ligament suspension. Palpebral aponeurosis was exposure by opening fascia palpebral during blepharoplasty. Palpebral aponeurosis was cut off about 5 mm above the tarsus. The check ligament was seen in the intermuscular space between the segment of levator and the anterior one third of superior rectus attached to the conjunctival fornix. Congenital blepharoptosis could be corrected by suturing the check ligament and levator palpebrae superior to the upper margin of tarsal plate with 3-0 silk thread. Double eyelid plasty was carried out in the end. The follow-up period was 3-11 months with good cosmetic result. All the cases could close their eyes in 15 to 30 days with no complication. In conclusion, this technique is quite successful in raising the level of the upper eyelid in severe congenital blepharoptosis. The check ligament moves in a similar direction as the natural movement of levator muscle, so both the postoperative static and dynamic appearance of the upper lid is more natural.