Eyelid Symmetry Research Articles

Surgical treatment of severe congenital ptosis using deep temporal fascia

ABSTRACTPurpose: To evaluate the surgical outcome of a frontalis sling using deep temporal fascia in the treatment of severe congenital ptosis (SCP).Methods: A retrospective, interventional case series was performed. The study involved 25 patients with SCP (>4 mm). All patients underwent frontalis sling surgery with deep temporal fascia between 2004 and 2012 with a follow-up period of 12 months at a minimum. Data regarding eyelid position, eyelid symmetry, cosmetic outcomes, and postoperative complications were evaluated.Results: The mean age at surgery was 7.68 years (range 4–17 years) with an average follow-up of 60 months (range is 12–108 months). The functional success rate was 88% (22/25). Ptosis recurred in 8% (2/25) of patients, overcorrection was present in 4% (1/25) of patients. The patients with ptosis recurrence underwent reoperation.The preoperative margin-to-reflex distance (MRD1) was −0.85±0.87 mm (range, −2.5 to + 0.5 mm), while the postoperative MRD1 was + 2.1 ± 1.05 mm (range, −1.5 to + 4 mm) (p < .0001). Lid symmetry (asymmetry < of 1 mm of MRD1 between the two eyes) was present in all the successful cases.Postoperative complications included transient exposure keratopathy (32%) and inflammatory brow reaction (8%).Conclusions: Frontalis sling operation with deep fascia temporalis is very effective in the treatment of SCP with excellent long-term functional and cosmetic successes.

Hering's Law in Congenital Ptosis: Evaluation of the Contralateral Response to Unilateral Congenital Ptosis Repair.

To determine the applicability and clinical relevance of Hering's law for the eyelids in cases of congenital ptosis. A retrospective chart review and digital photograph analysis of patients who underwent unilateral congenital ptosis repair at a tertiary, university-based, Oculoplastics clinic was conducted. Pre- and postoperative eyelid height (marginal reflex distance), upper eyelid symmetry, and brow position were determined using ImageJ analysis software. Changes in these values, and the relationship between the change in ipsi- and contralateral eyelid heights and brow positions, were determined. In 51 patients, the mean change in contralateral upper eyelid position (marginal reflex distance) following unilateral repair was -0.5 mm with 29% (n = 15) demonstrating a greater than 1 mm contralateral descent. The contralateral brow position remained stable with a mean change of +0.1 mm. No significant differences were seen between the 15 patients who demonstrated a contralateral upper eyelid descent greater than 1 mm and the remainder of the cohort in terms of amblyopia rate (p = 0.71), mean preoperative marginal reflex distance (p = 0.14), mean change in ipsilateral marginal reflex distance (p = 0.32), mean change in contralateral brow position (p = 0.44), or mean postoperative upper eyelid asymmetry (1.3 mm vs. 1.2 mm). Overall, the mean upper eyelid asymmetry improved from 2.6 mm preoperatively to 1.2 mm postoperatively. None of the 51 patients underwent subsequent contralateral ptosis repair. Hering's law for the eyelids applies to cases of congenital ptosis but has little clinical significance due to improved upper eyelid asymmetry following unilateral surgery.

Update on upper eyelid blepharoplasty

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is among the most frequent oculoplastic surgical procedures. It is often performed as one of the first esthetic surgical interventions by surgeons of various disciplines. While there is ahigh probability of happy and satisfied patients postoperatively, there are important potential surgical complications that should be prevented. This requires acareful preoperative, perioperative and postoperative approach. This synopsis presents the basic considerations concerning upper eyelid blepharoplasty to serve as practical surgical guidelines. This is acompendium of important preoperative, perioperative and postoperative contemplations derived from the medical literature, expert opinions and the authors' personal experiences. Careful examination and documentation of eyelid and periorbital findings are required in order to identify additional pathologies to dermatochalasis and plan the surgical approach accordingly. There is atrend in the literature and in expert opinions away from large tissue resection and towards volume preserving and volume reconstructing surgical techniques. Correct placement of the skin fold as well as maintaining lid symmetry are crucial points in order to achieve anatural appearance and patient satisfaction. Careful and realistic patient information, state of the art surgery including cautious tissue resection and correct symmetrical formation of the skin fold as well as postoperative assistance and availability increase the likelihood of satisfied patients after blepharoplasty.

Symmetric tarsal show is crucial in creating upper eyelid symmetry

PurposeTo illustrate different causes of upper eyelid asymmetry and to stress that detection of any asymmetry is important in avoiding an unhappy patient.MethodsPatients want an ‘upper eyelid correction’ and do not know the real cause of the asymmetry, or even did not notice any asymmetry. Different kind of asymmetric appearances of the upper eyelids will be shown and analyzed.ResultsThe upper eyelid has several landmarks. Besides the palpebral aperture, the margin pupil distance and lid crease height, also the margin fold distance/tarsal show, the lid fullness and braw distance needs to be described. An asymmetric tarsal show is often perceived as ptosis. Also bony orbit, eye position, orbital fat and braw position are all important factors influencing the final upper eyelid shape. In some conditions a perfect upper eyelid symmetry is very difficult to achieve or sometimes impossible.ConclusionsGood preoperative assessment is crucial in eyelid surgery, both in primary surgery and in correcting postoperative asymmetry. Good patient counseling is important to create realistic expectations.

Posterior approach levator aponeurosis advancement in aponeurotic ptosis repair

Purpose The aim of the study was to investigate the efficiency, advantages, and disadvantages of posterior approach advancement of the levator aponeurosis in the repair of aponeurotic ptosis. Patients and methods This is a prospective interventional study, which included 27 eyelids of 20 patients with aponeurotic ptosis. The study included only cases with good levator function of 11 mm or more. Patients with significant dermatochalasis were excluded from the study. All patients were treated by posterior approach levator aponeurosis advancement under local anesthesia. Patients were evaluated 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively for margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1), eyelid symmetry, and eyelid crease and contour. Results The study included 27 eyelids of 20 patients with aponeurotic ptosis. The patients' mean age was 44.36 ± 14.47 years. The mean preoperative MRD1 was 1.6 ± 0.5 mm, whereas the mean levator function was 12.6 ± 1.1 mm. The mean operative time was 32.6 ± 5.4 min. The postoperative MRD1 showed significant improvement to 3.7 ± 0.6 mm (P Conclusion Posterior approach aponeurotic advancement is an effective procedure for correction of aponeurotic ptosis. It has the advantages of high success rate, good natural-looking eyelid contour, and short operative time, and the results are independent of the response to phenylephrine.

Frontalis Sling Operation using Silicone Rod Compared with Autogenous Fascia Lata for Simple Congenital Ptosis

To evaluate the cosmetic results and recurrence of unilateral frontalis sling surgery using a silicone rod compared with autogenous fascia lata in cases of simple congenital ptosis. This is a retrospective comparative study of 59 patients who underwent a frontalis sling operation for congenital ptosis. Patients were divided into two groups according to the sling material used; an autogeneous fascia lata (fl) group (n = 24) and a silicone rod group (sl) (n = 35). Cosmetic results and recurrence rates were compared between these 2 groups. The cosmetic results of the frontalis sling operation were assessed as good, fair, or poor based on the difference between the Margin Reflex Distance (MRD) of both eyelids and graded as good if the difference in two eyes was ≤1mm and poor if it was 2mm or more. Recurrence was defined as the conversion of the cosmetic result from good or fair to poor category. At postoperative day seven and 30, MRD of both the groups were good but on three months follow-up MRD of silicon rod group dropped, however it was not statistically significant .Lid contour was good in both the groups, however, lid symmetry was poor in two cases of fascia lata at three months follow-up. Repeat surgery for poor outcome was done in 8.6% of cases in silicon rod and 8.3% of fascia lata group. The frontalis sling operation using either a silicone rod or autogenous fascia lata showed equally good cosmetic results and lower recurrence rate at three months follow up.

Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy of Silicone Rod in Tarsofrontalis Sling Surgery for Severe Congenital Ptosis

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of silicone rod in tarsofrontalis sling surgery for severe congenital ptosis. A prospective, case series study was performed in 46 patients (56 eyelids) who underwent tarsofrontalis sling surgery using silicone rod for severe congenital ptosis. The efficacy of the silicone rod in tarsofrontalis sling surgery was evaluated by marginal reflex distance1 (MRD1), postoperative eyelid symmetry, and recurrence of ptosis. Safety of silicone rod was assessed by noting postoperative complications. The postoperative results were considered as good if MRD1 was 4.0 ± 0.5 mm (3.5-4.5 mm) and symmetry ≤1 mm; fair if MRD1 was 2.5 ± 0.5 mm (2-3 mm) and symmetry 1.5 to 2.0 mm; and poor if MRD1 was <2.0 mm and symmetry <2.0 mm. In cases of unilateral congenital ptosis, good results were seen in 83.3% cases, fair results in 11.1% cases, and poor results in 5.5% cases. In cases of bilateral congenital ptosis, good results were seen in 80.0% cases, fair in 15.0% cases, and poor result in 5.0% cases. Satisfactory postoperative eyelid elevation of ≥2 mm was seen in 93% cases. Complications in the form of granuloma formation, subsequent silicone rod extrusion, and recurrence occurred in 4% cases. The use of silicone rod in tarsofrontalis sling surgery for severe congenital ptosis repair is a safe and effective surgery, with few complications and easy removal and adjustment.

The Modified Fasanella-Servat Procedure

To describe a modified Fasanella-Servat procedure and nomogram for the correction of minimal amounts of ptosis. Retrospective review of this modified Fasanella-Servat procedure was performed on 118 eyelids in 86 consecutive patients over 2, 4-year periods by 1 surgeon (S.C.D.). The amount of tarsectomy was based on the amount of ptosis. Mean pre- and postoperative margin-to-reflex distance 1 were +0.7 mm and +2.4mm, respectively. One hundred and twelve eyelids (95%) had satisfactory results with postoperative margin-to-reflex distance 1 ≥ 1.5 mm. Eyelid symmetry was achieved in 92% of eyelids to within 0.5 mm. There was no incidence of overcorrection, tarsal buckling, or corneal abrasion. One eyelid had a contour deficit. Tarsectomy amount ranged from 2 mm to 5 mm. Average amount of tarsectomy to eyelid elevation was 2.4:1. The modified Fasanella-Servat procedure is technically easy, time-efficient, and has a low complication rate for the treatment of minimal blepharoptosis (< 2.5 mm) with good levator function and negative phenylephrine test. In the authors' hands, the ratio of tarsectomy to eyelid elevation is approximately 2:1. In addition to other techniques such as levator advancement and Müller's muscle conjunctival resection, the modified Fasanella-Servat technique is a useful adjunct to the modern ptosis surgeon's armamentarium.

Simplified Müller’s Muscle-Conjunctival Resection Internal Ptosis Repair

To describe and evaluate a modified technique for blepharoptosis repair via Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection. An observational case series is reported. Records of 29 consecutive patients (42 eyelids) with blepharoptosis undergoing internal ptosis repair between January 2008 and December 2010 were reviewed including detailed preoperative and postoperative evaluations, eyelid measurements, surgical outcome, and complications. The procedure performed was a modified Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection with simple measurements, no traction sutures, a double-opposing mattress suture, and single external knot. Main outcome measures included success of ptosis repair surgery defined by improvement in margin reflex distance, symmetry of upper eyelid position, and incidence of complications. The described modified Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection procedure achieved improvement in eyelid position in all patients with mean margin reflex distance change of 2.3 mm (p < 0.001). No patient experienced significant complications, and all procedures resulted in objective eyelid symmetry (within 1 mm) and satisfactory cosmetic appearance. The procedure described is an efficient, safe, and successful technique for internal blepharoptosis repair.

Lower Lid Reconstruction Utilizing Auricular Conchal Chondral-Perichondral Tissue in Patients with Neoplastic Lesions

Purpose. To assess surgical outcomes of lower lid reconstruction surgery using auricular conchal tissue. Methods. This prospective study included 20 patients that underwent reconstructive lower lid surgery using autologous auricle chondral-perichondral graft tissue. Auricle tissue was used to provide adequate support and protection with similar conjunctiva tarsal structures on overlying soft tissues in patients with pathologic inferior lid tissue loss requiring reconstructive surgery. Biopsies with histopathology and cytology analysis were taken after 1 year. Cytology analysis using CK19 was used to confirm newly formed conjunctiva overlying the graft. Results. All patients showed no graft rejection. Surgical outcomes were generally good, with minimal or no ocular complications. 16 of 20 patients had excellent results, showing good lid symmetry and esthetics, minimal auricular discomfort, patient satisfaction and proper lid function. Surgical outcomes were highly dependent on proper post-op conjunctiva formation. All patients were positive for CK19, thus indicating proper conjunctiva tissue formation. Conclusions. Lower lid reconstruction surgery using auricular chondral-perichondral conchal tissue is a good alternative in patients with neoplastic lesions. Autologous chondral-perichondral tissue provides good functional and mechanical support in the reconstructed lid, thus reducing the risks of ectropion and corneal exposure and ensuring a protected ocular surface.

Outcomes of Mild to Moderate Upper Eyelid Ptosis Correction Using Müllerʼs Muscle–Conjunctival Resection

Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection is used to correct mild to moderate ptosis commonly encountered in the rejuvenation patient population. The authors examined its efficacy and analyzed variables that potentially affect outcomes. Patients who underwent ptosis correction using Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection with greater than 10-month follow-up were included. Amount of ptosis reduction, eyelid symmetry, effects of concomitant facial aesthetic operations, and adverse outcomes were analyzed. Patients were grouped into medium- (<24 months after surgery) and long-term follow-up (>24 months) cohorts to determine whether outcomes changed over time. Forty patients with a mean follow-up of 28 months combined for a total of 70 resection operations. Resection significantly reduced ptosis by a mean of 1.48 ± 0.88 mm (p < 0.001), corresponding to 0.19 mm of eyelid elevation for every 1.0 mm of Müller's muscle resected. The procedure successfully corrected 84 percent of eyelids to within 0.5 mm and 94 percent to within 1.0 mm of normal eyelid position. On patients with asymmetric ptosis, it significantly improved eyelid symmetry to within 1.0 mm from 85 percent of patients before surgery to 95 percent after surgery, and to within 0.5 mm from 53 percent before surgery to 75 percent of patients after surgery (p = 0.036). Furthermore, the mean correction of ptosis was not significantly different between medium- (1.58 ± 0.93 mm) and long-term (1.32 ± 0.93 mm) follow-up patients (p = 0.258). Müller's muscle-conjunctival resection is an effective long-term solution to mild to moderate eyelid ptosis and asymmetry, and can be effectively performed concomitantly with other aesthetic facial procedures. Therapeutic, IV.

Aesthetic Considerations in Upper Eyelid Retraction Surgery

Classically, the aesthetic outcomes of eyelid retraction surgery in patients with thyroid-associated orbitopathy have been described in reference to eyelid margin position and marginal reflex distance. A critically important component of upper eyelid contour is the tarsal platform show (TPS). With this study, the authors aimed to assess the hypothesis that modification of the tarsal platform in posterior eyelid retraction surgery has a significant effect on the final aesthetic outcome. In a retrospective, observational, case-cohort study, the authors reviewed the medical records of 36 patients with thyroid-associated orbitopathy who underwent primary eyelid retraction surgery by 1 surgeon. Patients who underwent eyelid retraction surgery at the time of orbital decompression were excluded. The surgical technique consisted of posterior approach conjunctival release of Müeller muscle and graded recession of the levator aponeurosis. To address lateral flare, dissection was carried toward the lateral orbital rim with spreading of the lateral horn of the levator aponeurosis. Outcome measures were millimeters of TPS, millimeters of brow fat span, and symmetry of the eyelid margin position. Randomized preoperative and postoperative standardized photographs were evaluated in masked fashion by 4 surgeons to grade cosmetic outcomes. Fifteen patients (24 eyelids) met the inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up period was 6 months (range, 3-12). Mean TPS increased from 2.27 mm (standard deviation, 1.9 mm) to 4.77 mm (standard deviation, 1.7 mm; p < 0.05). Mean brow fat span remained unchanged, from 13.22 mm (standard deviation, 2.2 mm) to 13.25 mm (standard deviation, 1.9; p > 0.05). Evaluation of the aesthetic outcomes (eyelid contour, eyelid symmetry, and TPS) by 4 masked observers characterized the relevance of TPS in the postoperative aesthetics of eyelid contour and symmetry. In upper eyelid retraction surgery, the ability to control the TPS has a significant impact on the final aesthetic outcome. Posterior approach eyelid retraction surgery can control eyelid contour and can represent an ideal surgical approach in carefully selected patients. However, it has limited ability to control upper orbital volume and eyebrow and orbital fat (brow fat span). This can result in relative overelongation of the TPS. Factors such as ethnic characteristics, bony asymmetry, brow fat span, and premorbid TPS influence cosmetic outcomes achieved by the anterior or posterior approach. For optimal aesthetic results in eyelid retraction surgery, the decision for anterior versus posterior approach should be individualized.

Blepharoptosis Repair Outcomes From Trainee Versus Experienced Staff as the Primary Surgeon

To compare outcomes of conjunctival Müllerectomy with or without tarsectomy versus external levator advancement for correction of upper blepharoptosis when performed by trainee versus staff surgeons. Retrospective, nonrandomized, interventional, consecutive case series. Charts of patients undergoing conjunctival Müllerectomy with or without tarsectomy and external levator advancement blepharoptosis repair from January 2006 through December 2009 were reviewed. Main outcome measures included age, gender, preoperative and postoperative use of artificial tears, preoperative and postoperative marginal reflex distance, surgical complications, surgeon (trainee or staff surgeon), and anesthesia time. The Student t test was used for statistical analysis. A total of 170 patients underwent 248 surgeries (154 conjunctival Müllerectomies with or without tarsectomy and 94 external levator advancements). There were 108 female and 62 male patients. Mean patient age was 62 years (range, 3 to 94 years). Forty-one (24%) patients (26 conjunctival Müllerectomies with or without tarsectomy and 15 external levator advancements) underwent concurrent eyelid surgery, such as blepharoplasty. Trainees performed surgery on a total of 88 (35%) eyelids in 60 patients (35%). There was no significant difference in the percentage of cases undergoing concomitant surgery between trainee and staff surgeons (P= .18). The mean postoperative marginal reflex distance difference was 0.53 and 0.59 for trainee and staff surgeons, respectively. Mean overall anesthesia time was 26.8minutes and 30.3minutes for trainee and staff surgeons, respectively. Complications, including increase in dry eye or irritative symptoms and reoperation, occurred in 8 (13%) of 60 patients undergoing surgery by a trainee surgeon and in 22 (20%) of 110 patients undergoing surgery by staff surgeon. There was no significant difference in eyelid symmetry (P=.55), mean anesthesia time (P= .14), complication rate (P= .26), or reoperation rate (P= .17) when surgery was performed by a trainee versus a staff surgeon. There is no significant difference in mean postoperative marginal reflex distance, mean anesthesia time, complication rate, or reoperation rate between either conjunctival Müllerectomy with or without tarsectomy or external levator advancement blepharoptosis repair performed by trainee versus staff surgeons.

Comparison of Postoperative Eyelid Position Using Fibrin Sealant versus Suture for Wound Closure in Müllerʼs Muscle–Conjunctiva Resection Ptosis Repair

The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative eyelid position using fibrin sealant versus suture for wound closure in Müller's muscle-conjunctiva resection ptosis repair. One hundred ninety-six patients (367 eyelids) who underwent Müller's muscle-conjunctiva resection ptosis repair were divided into two groups: wounds closed with suture and those closed with fibrin sealant. Preoperative and postoperative eyelid measurements were compared statistically using appropriate t tests. Complications, eyelid symmetry, and revision rates were analyzed using a two-tailed Fisher's exact test. Suture was used for wound closure on 53 eyelids of 39 patients and fibrin sealant was used on 314 eyelids of 157 patients. There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.49) when comparing the change from preoperative to postoperative margin-to-reflex distance 1 between the two groups. Postoperative symmetry within 0.5 mm was achieved in 87 percent of patients in the suture group and in 96 percent of patients in the fibrin sealant group (p = 0.06). The percentage of patients requiring additional ptosis adjustment was 2 percent in both groups (p = 1.0). Major complications were more common in the suture group (p = 0.0001). Müller's muscle-conjunctiva resection ptosis repair using fibrin sealant for wound closure offers equivalent lid position and symmetry as compared with suture wound closure. There is also a reduction in major postoperative complications when using fibrin sealant.

Prolene frontalis suspension in paediatric ptosis

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of frontalis suspension using 4-0 prolene sutures for paediatric ptosis with poor levator function. A retrospective chart review was performed on children who underwent 4-0 prolene frontalis suspension from 2000 to 2008 with a minimum of 6 months' follow-up. Functional success was defined when three criteria were met: (a) satisfactory lid height (defined as margin-to-reflex distance ≥3 mm with minimal frontalis muscle tone); (b) satisfactory lid symmetry (≤2 mm asymmetry in margin-to-reflex distance); and (c) satisfactory cosmesis. Recurrence was defined by a drop in lid height of ≥3 mm from the initial post-operative level. A total of 23 patients (30 eyelids) were included. The mean follow-up duration was 28.7 months (range 6.3 to 100 months). The functional success rate was 74% (17/23 patients). Ptosis recurred in 22% (5/23) of patients. Only one patient (4%) developed a complication: a case of minor wound infection. In paediatric ptosis with poor levator function, prolene frontalis suspension has good efficacy and an excellent safety profile. The results of prolene frontalis suspension are comparable to those of other non-autogenous materials.

Using the Inferior Oblique Muscle to Augment Implant Coverage in Enucleation Surgery

We present a technique modification for enucleation surgery that may decrease implant exposure or extrusion by using native tissue to reinforce the implant at the most susceptible area, specifically the anterior-most aspect. An enucleation procedure is performed, and an implant is placed into the orbit. The horizontal rectus muscles are attached to the implant, and the vertical rectus muscles are attached directly to the horizontal muscles. The inferior oblique muscle is then spread over the anterior implant surface and sutured to the superior rectus and lateral rectus muscles. 15 patients underwent this procedure, with implantation of an SST porous polyethylene implant. The mean follow-up interval was 18 months with a range of 4-33 months. One patient suffered an implant exposure, and one experienced a post-operative orbital hemorrhage. Two patients required blepharoptosis surgery to achieve eyelid symmetry. This retrospective series demonstrates the potential usefulness of the inferior oblique muscle to augment coverage of the orbital implant. Reinforcement of the anterior surface of the implant with vascularized tissue may improve the integrity and strength of the tissues anterior to the implant, and thereby reduce the likelihood of implant exposure.

Digital Image Analysis to Characterize the Upper Lid Marginal Peak After Levator Aponeurosis Repair

Lid contour is important for eyelid symmetry, but clinical quantification can be difficult. The marginal peak is a major determinant of upper eyelid contour, and its horizontal position, relative to the mid-pupillary line, may be used as a measure of symmetry after surgery. This study used digital image analysis to assess the peak position in patients who had undergone levator aponeurosis repair. An unselected group of patients underwent anterior-approach levator aponeurosis repair, performed under local anesthesia by a single surgeon, using 3 6/0 Vicryl sutures to reattach the levator aponeurosis to the upper tarsus. Both before and 2-3 weeks after ptosis repair, digital photographs were taken in a fixed format and the images analyzed using NIH imaging software to assess the position of the upper eyelid peak. Comparisons were made between the pre- and postoperative measurements in the operated eye and between the operated eye and its fellow eye. Twenty people (8 male; 40%) underwent unilateral levator muscle resection (9 right eyes; 45%). In eyes before ptosis surgery, the peak was significantly more medially placed (median +0.17 mm) as compared with that of fellow eyes (median +0.80 mm) (p = 0.023). There was a significant temporal shift of the median peak after surgery, from +0.17 mm to +0.92 mm (p = 0.029). Although there was a minor nasal shift of peak in the unoperated eyes after contralateral surgery (median +0.80 mm to +0.64 mm), the peak positions for the 2 eyes were not significantly different at 2-3 weeks after aponeurosis repair (p = 0.22). Digital image analysis allows an objective assessment of the upper eyelid marginal contour after ptosis repair. A nasal shift in the upper eyelid marginal peak has been identified in ptotic eyes (as compared with the contralateral side) and, after successful ptosis repair, there is a significant temporal shift to match the unoperated fellow eye.

Tarsal resection operation in correction of severe unilateral blepharoptosis with poor levator function

There are many options for surgical repair of congenital unilateral ptosis with poor levator function. We performed resection of tarsus, Muller muscle, and conjunctiva in conjunction with an intraoperative adjustable levator resection. Resection of tarsus, Muller muscle, and conjunctiva in conjunction with levator resection was performed in a prospective series of 17 consecutive patients with unilateral ptosis with poor levator function over a 2-year period. Pre- and postoperative upper eyelid margin to reflex distance, degree of levator function, amount of operative tarsus and Muller muscle resection, postoperative eyelid symmetry, and postoperative complications were evaluated. Mean preoperative upper eyelid margin to reflex distance was 0.11 mm. Mean postoperative upper eyelid margin to reflex distance was 3.20 mm. Improved postoperative eyelid symmetry within 1.0 and 1.5 mm was demonstrated in most of our cases (58% and 76%, respectively). The major complication has been exposure keratitis. Resection of tarsus, Muller muscle, and conjunctiva combined with adjustable levator resection can correct severe unilateral ptosis with poor levator function.

Congenital Melanocytic Nevi of the Eyelids and Periorbital Region

Congenital melanocytic nevi of the eyelids and periorbital region are unusual. Although their malignant potential can be debated, they present a significant aesthetic concern and also disturb lid function. In this article, the authors present an expanded approach to evaluation and treatment of these patients. Forty-four consecutive patients, aged 6 months to 18 years, were treated from 1980 to 2008. All patients had congenital nevi involving one or both eyelids, with or without extension into the surrounding periorbital area and face. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 20 years. All patients were treated successfully with excision and reconstruction of their congenital eyelid and/or periorbital nevi. The involved ciliary border was preserved in all but one case, where the exophytic lesion presented function concerns. Complications included asymptomatic lateral ectropion in three patients. Asymmetry of the palpebral apertures, before treatment, was present in at least half of the patients with extensive facial nevi, and the abnormalities causing these differences may impact efforts to obtain final lid symmetry. A single patient died as a result of extensive metastatic melanoma from an extracutaneous site. Early evaluation and treatment of these nevi may help in preventing the aesthetic, functional, and health-related issues for the patients. Although the current group of infants and young children will not reach full facial growth for more than another decade and a half, and therefore await critical assessment of their long-term outcomes, the authors hope that the experience gained to date will assist surgeons in managing these complex reconstructions.

Fasanella—Servat procedure: indications, efficacy, and complications

Background: The Fasanella-Servat procedure is used for the repair of mild to moderate ptosis. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of the Fasanella-Servat procedure for the repair of several forms of ptosis. Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed 169 charts of 2 surgeons from 1988 to 1996. All patients had undergone a Fasanella-Servat procedure for ptosis. Patients with less than a 1-month follow-up were excluded, leaving 153 eyelids of 144 patients. Surgical success was defined as lid symmetry within 0.5 mm or correction of eyelid contour abnormality from previous surgery or trauma. Results: Ptosis was classified as involutional, occurring after intraocular surgery, congenital, due to Horner's syndrome present after levator surgery, and myogenic/other.With a mean follow-up of 7 months, success was achieved in 89.5% of cases (137/153). Among subgroups, success was highest at 100% in Horner's syndrome (8/8) and post-levator surgery (11/11), and lowest in congenital ptosis at 76.4% (13/18). Postoperative problems included dry eye symptoms (6/144 patients), contour abnormalities in 12 lids, and dermatochalasis in 10 lids. Interpretation: The Fasanella-Servat operation is effective for mild to moderate ptosis from a variety of causes and for contour abnormality correction in patients with little or no ptosis. Despite the long-held belief that excision of the accessory lacrimal glands of Wolfring leads to dry eye symptoms, our study found this to be the exception. This procedure has the advantage of high reliability when reasonable preoperative criteria are applied and is minimally invasive.