Extensive full-thickness eyelid reconstruction with rotation flaps through “subcutaneous tunnel” and palatal mucosal grafts

AIM: To reconstruct the extensive full-thickness defects of eyelids is a challenge for the plastic surgeon because of their complex anatomy and special functions. This article presents and discusses an improved surgical technique in which the orbicularis oculi myocutaneous flap is rotated through a “subcutaneous tunnel” in conjunction with a palatal mucosal graft employed for lining.METHODS: Data from 22 eyes with extensive full-thickness eyelid defects from various causes between 2009 and 2013 were analyzed in this study. After the different layers of eyelid were separated completely, a temporally based orbicularis oculi myocutaneous flap was designed following fishtail lines and was mobilized, leaving the base of the pedicle intact with a submuscular tissue attachment. The flap was then rotated through a “subcutaneous tunnel” to the defect, and the donor site was closed primarily. Posterior lamellar reconstruction was performed with a mucosal graft harvested from the hard palate.RESULTS:All the flaps were survived without any healing problems. There was no corneal irritation, flap contraction, or significant donor-site morbidity in the follow-up period. The incision scars were almost invisible. The defects were repaired completely, and the evaluations showed satisfactory function and appearance.CONCLUSION: This technique is an improved single-stage operation and can be applied to repair large, full-thickness eyelid defects from various causes. With our method, the functional and aesthetic results can be obtained in either the upper or lower eyelids.     

A technique for the reconstruction of lower eyelid marginal defects

Objectives

To report on a new one‐step technique for the reconstruction of lower eyelid marginal defects.

Method

Retrospective case series of 5 patients with lower eyelid basal cell carcinomas abutting the eyelid margin. In all patients, the tumour was radically excised with a 3‐mm clear cutaneous margin and a 2‐mm tarsoconjunctival margin under frozen section control. Defect size ranged from 12 to 22 mm horizontally and from 8 to 9 mm vertically. For eyelid reconstruction, the 2‐mm residual lower lid tarsus was advanced superiorly on a conjunctival pedicle and sutured into the posterior lamella defect. The anterior lamella was reconstructed with orbicularis muscle advancement and a free skin graft from the ipsilateral upper eyelid.The outcome following surgery was assessed using a subjective scoring system with 4 subsequent grades (poor, adequate, good, excellent).

Results

At 1 week postoperatively, adequate viability of the grafts was noted in all patients. One patient developed transient punctate epithelial keratopathy. After a mean follow‐up of 10 months (range 1 to 21 months) the outcome was “poor” in 0 patients, “adequate” in 0 cases, “good” in 1 case and “excellent” in 4 cases.

Conclusion

Reconstruction of small to large lower lid marginal defects with local tarsoconjunctival flap advancement combined with orbicularis muscle advancement and free skin graft is associated with a good functional and cosmetic outcome and limited donor‐site morbidity.Basal cell carcinomas account for approximately 90% of eyelid tumours and most frequently involve the lower eyelid.¹ Several techniques can be used to reconstruct lower lid marginal defects (table 1​1).). We present a one‐step technique to repair lower lid marginal defects in patients with cutaneous tumours abutting the lower lid margin. In this technique, the posterior lamella is reconstructed by advancing the residual lower lid tarsus on a conjunctival pedicle, as described by Irvine and McNab for the upper eyelid.⁷ The anterior lamella is reconstructed by orbicularis muscle advancement and a free skin graft, as recently reported by our group.⁵Table 1 Alternative surgical techniques for the repair of lower eyelid marginal defects

Migration of Intraocular Silicone Oil from the Vitreous Cavity into the Upper Eyelid Causing Ptosis

Introduction

To report a case in which intraocular silicone oil migrated into the upper eyelid and caused ptosis.

Methods

A 65-year-old woman presented with proliferative vitreoretinopathy in the right eye. Vitrectomies, injection of silicone oil and encircling were performed. Two months after the last operation, swelling of her right eyelid occurred.

Result

Magnetic resonance imaging revealed moisture in the palpebral fat tissue. We incised the bulbar conjunctiva and confirmed silicone oil leakage from the vitreous cavity through the scleral button hole of the encircling suture. Postoperatively, the right upper eyelid swelling decreased. Histopathologically, dense macrophage infiltration was seen in the palpebral tissues.

Conclusions

We report a rare case with a postoperative complication caused by silicone oil. In cases with swelling of the eyelid and decreased silicon oil in the vitreous cavity postoperatively, clinicians should consider the possibility of silicone oil leakage.Key words: Migration of silicone oil, Upper eyelid, Vitrectomy, Scleral buckling, Postoperative complication, Ptosis     

Isolated eyelid edema in Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome: a case series

Purpose

To report the clinicopathologic features of a series of patients with Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome (MRS).

Methods

Patients in this clinicopathological case series were identified through retrospective review. Five Caucasian patients (2 women and 3 men; age range, 46 to 73 years) with isolated eyelid swelling presented over an 11-month period to two Canadian tertiary Oculoplastic referral centres. All underwent clinical examination and had tissue biopsies.

Results

The patients presented with non-pitting, non-pruritic, painless and recurrent eyelid swelling. None had evidence of cranial nerve palsy or fissured tongue. The duration of symptoms before referral was between 1–5 years. Histopathological examination showed granulomatous inflammation in four patients. Granulomatous folliculitis was a novel finding in three patients.

Conclusions

Monosymptomatic patients with MRS require a high index of suspicion. Histopathological confirmation is vital for the diagnosis.     

Ultrasonographic visualization of lower eyelid structures and dynamic motion analysis

AIM

To define the ultrasonographic structure of normal lower eyelid anatomic compartments and their spacial relationship in dynamic motion.

METHODS

High resolution ultrasound (15MHz) was performed on the lower eyelids of 7 normal subjects. Movements of the lower eyelid and its compartments were visualized with ultrasound. In addition, the maximal excursion area of the lower eyelid fat compartments and retractor motions was measured before and after motion.

RESULTS

The orbicularis muscle could be seen as an echolucent structure between the dermis and the echodence fat pads. Lower eyelid fat pad seems to be divided into 2 compartments as range of motion and direction of movement of each of them varies. It seems that these compartments have also different behavior. The measured profile area of the visible normal lower eyelid fat pads during movement of globe from up-gaze to down-gaze decreased by 50%. Order of movement of lower eyelid structures seems to be as follows: after globe movement fist we see retractor movement, anterior orbital fat pad, then skin and septum, and finally movement of inferior fat pad.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound represents a noninvasive tool for the visualization of lower eyelid morphology. Expanding its application could help us understand the compartmental changes in physiological eyelid movement, in aging and diseased study populations, as well as assess operative outcomes.     

Lower Eyelid Epiblepharon Associated with Lower Eyelid Retraction

Purpose

To describe a series of patients with lower eyelid epiblepharon associated with lower eyelid retraction.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent surgery for lower eyelid retraction, epiblepharon, or thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) between October 1999 and March 2007. Patients with both lower eyelid retraction and epiblepharon on preoperative examination were included in this study.

Results

Twenty-seven eyelids of 20 patients with both lower eyelid retraction and epiblepharon were enrolled. The underlying causes of lower eyelid retraction included congenital retraction (seven eyelids), congenital fibrosis of the extraocular muscles (CFEOM; seven eyelids), TAO (seven eyelids), post-operative cicatricial retraction (five eyelids), and facial nerve palsy (one eyelid). Eight of 27 eyelids were successfully corrected after the repair of retraction without the repair of epiblepharon, regardless of the cause of lower eyelid retraction. Another four eyelids with epiblepharon associated with TAO resolved after only orbital decompression. Cilia-everting sutures were additionally applied for epiblepharon in another 14 eyelids, 12 of which did not require the excision of a skin fold or the orbicularis muscles. Only one eyelid with mild retraction and epiblepharon underwent simple epiblepharon repair. Recurrence of retraction or epiblepharon developed in three eyelids during follow-up.

Conclusions

In cases with both lower eyelid retraction and epiblepharon, the retraction should be repaired first, and then the epiblepharon can be corrected selectively according to the severity of the case.     

Adverse periocular reactions to five types of prostaglandin analogs

Purpose

We investigated the appearance frequency of eyelid pigmentation and eyelash bristles after the use of five types of prostaglandin (PG) analogs.

Methods

This study included 250 eyes from 250 patients diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who were treated with either latanoprost, travoprost, tafluprost, bimatoprost, or isopropyl unoprostone for >3 months in only one eye. Photographs of both eyes were obtained, and the images were assessed by three ophthalmologists who were masked to treatment type. The existence of eyelid pigmentation and eyelash bristles was judged, and images of the left and right eyes were compared. Subjective symptoms regarding the existence of eyelid pigmentation and eyelash bristles were investigated through a questionnaire.

Results

There was no significant difference between the five types of medications with regard to eyelid pigmentation (P=0.537). Use of isopropyl unoprostone resulted in a significantly lower incidence of eyelash bristles (P<0.0001). The questionnaire investigation showed that eyelid pigmentation and eyelash bristles were significantly more frequent with travoprost (42.0% and 42.0%, respectively) and bimatoprost (58.0% and 60.0%, respectively) than with other three medications (P<0.0001).

Conclusion

The appearance frequency of eyelid pigmentation was similar among the five types of PG analogs studied, and eyelash bristles appeared less frequently with isopropyl unoprostone use. Patients are conscious of eyelash bristles; therefore, these adverse effects should be sufficiently explained to patients before PG administration.     

Visible iris sign as a predictor of problems during and following anterior approach ptosis surgery

Objective

To describe the pre- and postoperative features of the visible iris sign (VIS), which is the apparent visibility of iris colour through a closed upper eyelid, in patients undergoing anterior approach surgery for severe involutional aponeurotic ptosis, and to assess its effect on postoperative outcome.

Design

Prospective, comparative interventional case series.

Methods

Prospective series of all patients undergoing surgery for severe involutional aponeurotic ptosis during a 16-month period at a single centre.

Inclusion criteria

Severe involutional ptosis (upper eyelid margin reflex distance (MRD) ≤1 mm) treated by anterior-approach surgery.

Main outcome measures

Presence of VIS, type of ptosis (primary or recurrent), preoperative MRD, levator function and skin crease height, documented unusual intra-operative findings, postoperative complications, and follow-up time.

Results

Of 133 procedures for involutional aponeurotic ptosis, 96 procedures (56 patients) were included in the study. In total, 12 patients (21%, 12/56, 2 males, and 10 females) had been identified as having VIS preoperatively. In order to avoid any selection bias, only patients with severe degree of ptosis were included in the two groups with the two groups being alike in the preoperative lid height, levator function or the skin crease. In the VIS group, 55% (12/22) had a thinned, significantly retracted levator aponeurosis and a thin tarsus prone to full-thickness suture passes (36.3%, 8/22) during aponeurosis reattachment. Immediate persistent overcorrection during surgery was seen in three procedures, with one patient having an under corrected outcome when treated with a hang-back suture. In the non-VIS group, no patients were documented intra-operatively, as having significant retraction of the levator aponeurosis. However, 14% (10/74) of the eyelids were recorded as having a very attenuated levator and one patient (3%, 1/44) was noted to have a floppy tarsus that was difficult to suture. The total incidence of intra-operative difficulties during surgery were 78% in the VIS group and 22% in the non-VIS group. Mean postoperative follow-up was 22 weeks. (median 18, range 12–64). The overall success rates were 63.6% (14/22) in the VIS group, compared with 77.0% (57/74) in the non-VIS group (P=0.260). After excluding cases undergoing concurrent blepharoplasty and non-caucasions, success rates were 57.1% (4/7) and 69.2% (9/13) in the VIS and non-VIS groups, respectively (P=0.598). All failures were because of under-correction.

Conclusion

The VIS is a clinical sign of severe involutional ptosis. Patients with VIS have one or more features, including a retracted levator aponeurosis, a thinned tarsus prone to full-thickness suture passes, and a tendency for immediate persistent overcorrection following levator advancement. Preoperative identification of VIS may help in appropriate patient counselling, procedure selection, anticipation of intraoperative difficulties, and possibly further standardisation of future cohorts when evaluating the results of involutional ptosis surgery.

Précis

The authors describe the pre-, intra- and postoperative features of visible iris sign. They discuss the success rates of anterior approach surgery in VIS patients and discuss the contributing factors for a poorer outcome.     

Ocular manifestation of Ichthyosis

Purpose

Ichthyosis is a rare dermato-ocular disease. This study evaluates the presenting ocular signs, symptoms, complications and prognosis of ichthyosis in a case series from Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed for 11 patients with ichthyosis who presented to King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, over the last 20 years.

Results

The most common presenting ocular diagnosis was ectropion of both the lids. Two patients developed corneal perforation with poor prognosis. Most of the patients underwent skin grafting to repair eyelid ectropion. The visual prognosis was excellent because timely surgical interventions were performed. Hence the rate of corneal complications such as perforation was low.

Conclusion

The most ocular presentation of ichthyosis is ectropion of both the upper and lower lids. Despite good visual prognosis, there were some devastating corneal complications such as perforation with unpredictable outcomes.     

Clinical features of intratarsal keratinous cysts

Purpose

Intratarsal keratinous cysts (IKCs) have been frequently misdiagnosed as chalazia or epidermal cysts. We reviewed a series of cases of IKCs to identify clinical features that distinguish IKCs from other eyelid diseases.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 17 suspected IKC patients between January 2004 and September 2014.

Results

Seventeen patients who were clinically suspected to have IKC were enrolled. All patients presented with non-inflamed eyelid nodules fixed to the tarsus. Among them, 12 biopsy specimens were available and 11 patients (91.7%) were diagnosed with IKC, with a pathological finding of stratified squamous cell lining with keratin material. The mean patient age was 55.1 years (31–71). Six patients had a surgical history of incision or incomplete excision of the lesion, followed by recurrence. On eyelid eversion, five patients showed a white–yellow nodule, and three patients had a bluish cystic lesion. The diameter of the nodules ranged from 4 to 10 mm. The intracystic material was a milky white fluid. Ten patients underwent a complete surgical excision including partial tarsectomy and there was no recurrence.

Conclusions

IKC can be distinguished from other intratarsal lesions by a characteristic tarsal nodule fixed to the tarsus. To prevent recurrence, complete excision with partial tarsectomy is needed.     

Comparison of two- and three-point sutures for advancing the levator aponeurosis in Asian eyelids

Purpose

To compare the functional and cosmetic outcomes of two- and three-point sutures for advancing the levator aponeurosis in blepharoptosis surgery on Asians.

Patients and methods

This retrospective study examined 60 Asian patients with blepharoptosis who had undergone advancement of the levator aponeurosis: 34 patients (46 eyelids) had ptosis correction using the two-point suture technique and 26 patients (41 eyelids) had ptosis correction using the three-point suture technique. The postoperative marginal reflex distance (MRD1), lid height difference, and eyelid contour were evaluated.

Results

Twenty-seven (79.4%) of the 34 patients in the two-point group and 19 (73.1%) of 26 patients in the three-point group had a postoperative MRD1 of 2–4 mm, lids within 0.5 mm of each other, and a satisfactory eyelid contour; this difference was not significant. The rate of reoperation did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusion

Two- and three-point sutures for advancing the levator aponeurosis were equally effective for correcting blepharoptosis in Asians.     

A comparison of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate adhesives versus conventional suture materials for eyelid wound closure in rabbits

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and histopathological tolerance of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate versus conventional suture materials for eyelid wound closure in rabbits.

Methods

We performed an experimental study on 16 eyes of eight New Zealand albino rabbits. Eyelid incisions of 15 mm were done 4mm from the upper eyelid margin in both eyes. The eyes of the rabbits were divided into two groups: eyelid incisions of the right eye were closed by a 2-octyl cyanoacrylate adhesive (group A) and eyelid incisions of the left eye were closed by 7-0 nylon sutures (group B). At 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery, the rabbits were macroscopically examined and then sacrificed. The specimens of their eyelid tissues were stained by a hematoxylin and eosin stain and Masson-trichrome stain, and were observed under microscope.

Results

Both eyelid surgical closure methods were found to be equally efficacious in fixing the eyelids of groups A and B, and their clinical efficacy was similar. Histopathological findings of the hematoxylin and eosin stain of group A showed less inflammatory infiltration than group B at 2 weeks. There were no significant histopathological differences between the two groups at 1, 4, and 8 weeks. The degree of fibrosis of the Masson-trichrome stain was similar between the two groups at 8 weeks.

Conclusions

The 2-octyl cyanoacrylate adhesive proved to be an effective eyelid closure method and was very well tolerated by the skin surface. 2-Octyl cyanoacrylate could be used as an alternative tissue adhesive for eyelid wound closure along with conventional suture materials.     

Outcomes of Various Surgical Procedures on Acquired Lower Eyelid Epiblepharon in Thyroid Associated Ophthalmopathy

Purpose

To report the outcomes of acquired lower eyelid epiblepharon after various surgeries in thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) patients.

Methods

A retrospective review of the medical records of 53 TAO patients with acquired lower eyelid epiblepharon between October 1999 and June 2011 was performed. Data were collected on demographics, type of lower eyelid epiblepharon, the detailed surgical history such as orbital decompression, retraction repair, or epiblepharon repair and surgical outcomes including follow-up period, recurrence of epiblepharon, and post-operative complications.

Results

Among the 53 TAO patients with acquired lower eyelid epiblepharon, 25 eyes of 17 patients underwent surgical management; 6 eyes of orbital decompression, 1 eye of orbital decompression followed by retraction repair, 2 eyes of orbital decompression followed by epiblepharon repair, 6 eyes of lower eyelid retraction repair, and 10 eyes of epiblepharon repair. Twenty two lower eyelid epiblepharons (88%) were resolved after final surgical treatment without complication during mean 16.2 months (SD, ±29.9 months) of follow up period; three of 6 epiblepharons that remained after orbital decompression underwent subsequent surgical management of retraction repair or epiblepharon repair, and epiblepharons were well-corrected. Mean amount of lower eyelid retraction was decreased from 1.68 mm (SD, ±1.17 mm) to 0.29 mm (SD, ±0.44 mm) after surgery, regardless of the type of surgery (n = 25, p < 0.000, Wilcoxon signed rank test).

Conclusions

Acquired lower eyelid epiblepharon of TAO should be managed sequentially according to the general serial order of surgical managements in TAO; orbital decompression, correction of lower eyelid retraction and epiblepharon repair. Acquired lower eyelid epiblepharon was well resolved after surgical management in consecutive order, especially after repair of the lower eyelid retraction with a graft, or lower eyelid epiblepharon repair. Decreased lower eyelid retraction with a resolution of epiblepharon after surgery implied that lower eyelid retraction was associated with lower eyelid epiblepharon.     

Discoid lupus erythematosus of the periorbita: clinical dilemmas, diagnostic delays

Purpose

Untreated periocular discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), though very rare, may lead to significant morbidity with lid deformities, trichiasis, and symblepharon formation. We present the largest reported cohort of patients with biopsy-proven DLE solely affecting the periorbital region.

Methods

Observational case series of patients managed over a 7-year period (2004–10).

Results

Seven patients (one male) presented to the Adnexal Service at Moorfields Eye Hospital at a median age of 47 years (range 23–71 years); median interval from symptom onset to biopsy-proven diagnosis was 38 months (range 6–86 months). Changes in peripheral skin were present in 1 patient (occurring after the initial eyelid presentation) and the presenting periocular features were dissimilar across the group, these included: chronic blepharo-conjunctivitis, madarosis, atypical chalazia, depigmentation of the eyelid margin, or marked, persistent periocular oedema with dacryoadenitis.Two cases settled spontaneously, but five required systemic hydroxychloroquine or intralesional corticosteroid injections.

Conclusion

Periorbital DLE is rare and very varied in its presentation, the protean manifestations often resulting in significant diagnostic delay. All patients with unusual periocular skin disease and those with a refractory inflammatory dermopathy, should undergo biopsy of involved tissue(s), thus leading to earlier diagnosis and prevention of permanent cicatricial periocular changes.     

Entropion in children with isolated peripheral facial nerve paresis

Purpose

Adults with facial nerve paresis (FNP) generally develop ectropion, but a recent report of children with syndromatic FNPs implies that entropion may be more common in this setting than ectropion. This study evaluates eyelid position and other periorbital changes in children with isolated, non-syndromatic FNP.

Methods

Charts were reviewed of 10 sequential children who presented to a major national eye referral centre with isolated FNP of variable aetiology. Severity of FNP was assessed according to the House-Brackmann scale.

Results

All 10 patients (4 males and 6 females; mean age at presentation, 4 years) had unilateral, isolated FNP. Mild lower-eyelid entropion was present in four patients, and severe lower-eyelid entropion required surgical correction in three patients. All patients had lower eyelid retraction (mean 2.3 mm) and lagophthalmos (mean 2.9 mm). None had enophthalmos, lower eyelid ectropion, or brow ptosis.

Conclusion

Unlike adults, children with isolated FNP seem prone to develop entropion rather than ectropion. Entropion reported previously in five syndromic children with FNP seems more likely related to patients'' age than to their congenital syndromes.     

Microscopic characteristics of lower eyelid retractors in Koreans

Purpose

To identify the microscopic characteristics of lower eyelid retractors in Korean individuals and to elucidate age-related changes in lower eyelid retractors.

Methods

Eighteen Korean lower eyelids from formalin-fixed cadavers were stained with Masson''s trichrome. Specimens were divided into two groups based on age at death (group A, ≤65 years; group B, >65 years), and the microscopic findings were analyzed and compared by light microscopy.

Results

The capsulopalpebral fascia (CPF) had distinct junctions and no fusion with orbital septum in 14 eyelids (77.8%). The CPF was fused with the orbital septum in only two eyelids (11.1%). Although not significant, the inferior tarsal muscle was closer to the tarsus in group A (1.24 ± 0.71 mm) than group B (2.14 ± 1.18 mm, p = 0.07), and the tarsal height tended to be longer in group B (4.71 ± 0.55 mm) than group A (4.16 ± 1.01 mm, p = 0.20). Tarsal fatty infiltration was more evident in group B.

Conclusions

The CPF was rarely fused with the orbital septum in our sample of Korean lower eyelids. Although we did not identify any remarkable age-related changes in lower eyelid structures, there was a tendency for the lower retractor to loosen from the tarsus and for increased fatty infiltration in the lower eyelids from elderly individuals.     

Presence of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

AIM:To determine the prevalence of ophthalmopathy in Hashimoto’s patients and to make a comparison in subgroups of patientsMETHODS:The study involved 110 Hashimoto’s thyroiditis patients and 50 control subjects attending to the endocrinology department of the hospital. Subgroup classification of patientswas made as euthyroid, subclinic and clinic in Hashimato’s thyroiditis. All patients were evaluated by a single experienced ophthalmologist for the prevalence and characteristics of eye signs.RESULTS: The overall prevalences of eye changes were 22.7% (25 patients) in patients and 4% (2 persons) in control subjects respectively (P=0.002). In patients the most common symptom was retrobulbar eye pain with or without any eye movement. Thirteen patients had significant upper eyelid retraction (11.8%). Six patients had eye muscle dysfunction as reduced eye movements in up gaze. In control patients one person had proptosis and another had lid retraction. The clinical activity score and classification of the ophthalmopathy did not show any significant differences among subgroups.CONCLUSION:The eye signs were mostly mild (22.7%) and the most common eye sign was the presence of upper eyelid retraction (11.8%). Additionally six patients had eye muscle dysfunction as reduced eye movements in up gaze. Therefore we recommend to make a routine ophthalmic examination in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis patients in order not to omit the associated ophthalmopathy.     

A Cadaveric Anatomical Study of the Levator Aponeurosis and Whitnall's Ligament

Purpose

To identify the anatomy of the levator aponeurosis (LA) and Whitnall''s ligament (WL) in Korean subjects using cadavers.

Methods

Orbital exenteration was performed in ten cadavers (20 eyeballs) that had no history of trauma near the eyeball. We observed characteristics of WL (tension, density, and shape) and the relationship between the superior rectus muscle (SR) and the levator palpebrae superioris. We measured the distance from both the eyelid margin and the upper border of the tarsal plate to the insertion of the LA medially, centrally, and laterally.

Results

The WLs we observed showed several shapes. In 12 eyes, we saw clear, white fibrotic bands, while in four others, we found thin, less taut bands. In four eyes, we were unable to identify the precise shape of the band. The insertions of the LA showed nasal dehiscence in 13 eyes and parallel attachment in seven eyes. The distances from the eyelid margin to the insertion of the LA medially, centrally, and laterally were 8.31 mm, 5.57 mm, and 5.15 mm, respectively. The distances from the upper border of the tarsal plate to the insertion of the LA medially, centrally, and laterally were 2.75 mm, 4.82 mm, and 4.29 mm, respectively.

Conclusions

This study examined the anatomy of WL and the LA in Korean subjects and may be helpful as a reference in levator muscle surgery.     

Amniotic membrane transplantation in surgical management of ocular surface squamous neoplasias: long-term results

Objective

To evaluate the long-term efficacy of amniotic membrane transplantation for ocular surface reconstruction in the surgical management of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN).

Methods

OSSN in 21 patients (7 female, 14 male patients) was managed with excisional biopsy, cryotherapy, corneal epitheliectomy with absolute alcohol application when the cornea is involved, lamellar sclerectomy and adjunctional absolute alcohol application to the base when episclera is involved, and ocular surface reconstruction with cryopreserved amniotic membrane transplantation. Tumor control and complications were evaluated.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 62.42±20.9 (range, 16–84). The average diameter of the base of the tumors was 13.1±4.8 (range, 9–21) mm and complete removal was achieved in all cases as revealed histopathologically. Ocular surface healing was achieved in all cases. At the postoperative period, limbal stem cell deficiency in three eyes and mild symblepharon in one eye were detected. In a mean follow-up of 30.95±18.8 (range, 13–75) months, no recurrence was detected.

Conclusion

For large or multifocal conjunctival tumors, the reconstruction of ocular surface and fornix is challenging. The amniotic-membrane use to repair conjunctival defects larger than 10 mm is a safe and effective technique with minimal complications allowing surgeons to make large enough excisions.     

Blepharoptosis Repair through the Small Orbital Septum Incision and Minimal Dissection Technique in Patients with Coexisting Dermatochalasis

Purpose

To describe a modified surgical technique for blepharoptosis repair through a small orbital septum incision and minimal dissection, along with the results obtained in patients with coexisting dermatochalasis.

Methods

A retrospective chart review included 33 patients (52 eyelids) with blepharoptosis coexisting with dermatochalasis, surgically corrected through a small orbital septum incision and minimal dissection after redundant upper lid skin excision, by placing a single fixation suture between the levator aponeurosis and the tarsal plate. Outcome measures included the pre- and postoperative marginal reflex distances (MRD1), eyelid contour, post-operative complications, and need for reoperation.

Results

The pre- and postoperative MRD1 averaged 1.1 ± 0.8 mm and 2.8 ± 1.1 mm, respectively. Of the 33 patients, 9 patients (9 eyelids) underwent surgery on one eyelid for unilateral blepharoptosis and dermatochalasis (Group I), 5 patients (5 eyelids) underwent a simple skin excision blepharoplasty of the contralateral eyelid (Group II), and 19 patients (38 eyelids) underwent bilateral blepharoptosis and dermatochalasis repair (Group III). Of the 14 eyelids that underwent unilateral ptosis repair (Groups I and II), 12 eyelids (85.7%) showed less than a 1-mm difference from the contralateral eyelid. Of the 38 eyelids that underwent bilateral ptosis repair (Group III), 27 eyelids (71.1%), 5 eyelids (13.1%), and 6 eyelids (15.8%) had excellent, good, and poor outcomes, respectively. Overall, 44 eyelids (84.6%) out of a total of 52 eyelids had successful outcomes; the remaining 8 eyelids demonstrated unsatisfactory eyelid contour was corrected by an additional surgery.

Conclusions

Blepharoptosis repair through a small orbital septum incision and minimal dissection can be considered an efficient technique in patients with ptosis and dermatochalasis.