Surgical Method and Results of Levator Aponeurosis Transposition for Graves' Eyelid Retraction

Abstract

Predictability of final eyelid height and contour following surgical correction of eyelid retraction remains problematic. We describe our surgical method and results with the distal levator aponeurosis transposition procedure for eyelid retraction. The procedure consists of disinserting the distal levator aponeurosis from the tarsal plate and excising Muller's muscle. The lateral three-fifths of the distal aponeurosis is fashioned into a flap that is disinserted laterally, rotated inferiorly 90 degrees, and attached to the tarsal plate. Distal levator transposition is useful in the management of dysthyroid retraction and in the reduction of the margin reflex distance (MRD) asymmetry between upper eyelids. However, it shares with other eyelid lowering procedures, the disadvantage of poor predictability of final MRD.