Eyelid retractor surgery as an adjunct to cicatricial ectropion repair

Purpose : To evaluate the effectiveness of eyelid retractor repair in cicatricial ectropion of the lower eyelid. Methods : The study design was a prospective case series. One hundred and twenty eight eyelids were operated on in 100 consecutive patients with cicatricial ectropion. All patients underwent lower eyelid retractor repair via a conjunctival approach combined with skin replacement to the anterior lamella with or without a horizontal lid tightening procedure. When only medial ectropion was present, a medial‐based transpositional skin flap was used to repair the anterior lamella (26 eyelids). The remaining eyelids with ectropion involving all or most of the eyelid underwent upper‐to‐lower eyelid lateral‐based transpositional skin flap repair (92 eyelids), or full thickness free skin grafting (10 eyelids). Horizontal lid tightening was performed by lateral canthoplasty in 123 eyelids. Results : Relief of cicatricial ectropion symptoms was reported in 90% of patients overall. A normal punctum position was achieved in 70% of eyelids, overall, and was highest (88%) with a medial‐based transpositional skin flap. Conclusions : Eyelid retractor repair combined with skin replacement and horizontal lid shortening is an effective procedure for cicatricial ectropion.     

Rotation mattress suture: a powerful adjunct for ectropion correction

We describe an effective adjunctive suture technique for severe forms of both tarsal and marginal ectropion in a case series of 28 patients undergoing the rotation mattress suture technique for ectropion repair. Forty eyelids, followed for 1 to 5 years (average, 2.5 years), underwent tarsal or marginal ectropion repair, using the rotation mattress suture technique. Transient notching was noted in 31 eyelids (78%) but persisted in only 1 case (3%). Twenty-five eyelids (63%) had 0.5 to 1.0 mm of eyelid retraction. There were only 2 cases (5%) of recurrent ectropion. We found that excluding transient changes and predictable, mild lower eyelid retraction, the rotation mattress suture provides a powerful adjunctive reparative option for difficult cases of ectropion with low complication and failure rates.     

Surgical management of deep chemical burns of the eyelids

Chemical burns of the eyelids are common, and this may lead to ocular damage. A direct insult of the eyes that result in permanent damage, is rare in facial burns. The majority of the chemical burns of eyelids are partial-thickness that heal spontaneously in 1 week. Whereas, 10 percent are full-thickness burns that require release of contractures and grafts. Wound contracture can cause ectropion of the eyelid, resulting in exposure keratitis, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, perforation, and even blindness. At our departments, thirteen patients with 28 chemical burns of eyelids of third-degree, were reviewed. The eyelids had burns wounds with granulation and necrotic tissue. All patients had severe cicatrical ectropion. The eyelids were released with incisions running along the eyelid margin, down to the orbicularis muscle, including the distal part of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, when necessary. To cover the resulting defects, we use generous full-thickness skin grafts, if available, for both the upper and lower eyelids. Rarely has a tarsorrhaphy been required, and properly constructed dressing provides satisfactory eyelid margin immobilization and conjunctival hygiene. Eighteen full-thickness grafts in 10 patients are reported 8 to 12 weeks after grafting. In seven eyelids, 3 patients developed ectropion and required reconstruction of the eyelids. Our series demonstrates that the early grafting of eyelid burns with full-thickness grafts, can prevent the development of recurrent cicatrical ectropion. Split-thickness grafting should be limited to cases where we can not find the hairless donor site for full-thickness skin grafts.     

Surgical treatment of cicatricial ectropion in lamellar ichthyosis

BACKGROUND. Lamellar ichthyosis is a skin disorder that is frequently associated with cicatricial ectropion and lagophthalmos. The authors present the surgical management of cicatricial ectropion in a case with lamellar ichthyosis. PATIENT AND METHODS. A 2-year-old male presented with bilateral cicatricial ectropion of the upper and lower eyelids. He had lagophthalmos and corneal punctuate staining. His skin was totally involved with the disease process except his prepuce. The patient was circumcised, and after the correction of horizontal eyelid laxity, the penile skin graft was sutured into the defects in all four eyelids. RESULTS. 18 months following surgery the patient had no lagophthalmos or corneal exposure, but had slight ectropion at the temporal side of the left lower eyelid. He had no complications from the circumcision. CONCLUSION. Prepuce is an alternative donor tissue in male patients with no other available donor site. To our knowledge, this is the second report of cicatricial ectropion corrected with a penile skin graft.     

Surgical treatment of cicatricial ectropion in lamellar ichthyosis

BACKGROUND . Lamellar ichthyosis is a skin disorder that is frequently associated with cicatricial ectropion and lagophthalmos. The authors present the surgical management of cicatricial ectropion in a case with lamellar ichthyosis. PATIENT AND METHODS . A 2-year-old male presented with bilateral cicatricial ectropion of the upper and lower eyelids. He had lagophthalmos and corneal punctuate staining. His skin was totally involved with the disease process except his prepuce. The patient was circumcised, and after the correction of horizontal eyelid laxity, the penile skin graft was sutured into the defects in all four eyelids. RESULTS . 18 months following surgery the patient had no lagophthalmos or corneal exposure, but had slight ectropion at the temporal side of the left lower eyelid. He had no complications from the circumcision. CONCLUSION . Prepuce is an alternative donor tissue in male patients with no other available donor site. To our knowledge, this is the second report of cicatricial ectropion corrected with a penile skin graft.     

Anterior lamella actinic changes as a factor in involutional eyelid malposition

PURPOSE: We conducted a noncomparative, retrospective chart review of 45 patients and 51 eyelids with the diagnosis of involutional entropion or ectropion that underwent full-thickness lower eyelid shortening between June 2001 and February 2004, in whom the severity of actinic damage was analyzed in relation to the eyelid position. Patients with any different surgical approach or other primary causes of abnormal eyelid position, such as paralytic, congenital, or mechanical factors, were excluded. METHODS: After excision, all eyelid specimens were examined by a single anatomic pathologist, who was masked to the type of eyelid malposition. The extent of dermal actinic change was evaluated under light microscopy, according to a previously validated grading system. RESULTS: Fifty-one eyelids from 26 male and 19 female patients were analyzed. The mean age at the surgery was 76 +/- 10 years (range, 52 to 92 years), affecting one side in 39 cases and both sides in 6 cases. The most frequent eyelid malposition was ectropion, which affected two thirds of the cases (35 eyelids). Half of the patients presented with mild actinic skin changes; however, the severity of the histologic skin actinic changes was significantly worse in patients with ectropion in comparison to those with entropion (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Actinic damage affecting the anterior lamella of the lower eyelid contributes as an additional factor in final eyelid position in patients with involutional eyelid changes. More severe and extensive actinic changes were present in eyelids with ectropion.     

Lateral palpebral tendon repair for lower eyelid ectropion

A dehiscence of the lateral palpebral tendon may cause laxity of the eyelid and result in lower eyelid ectropion. In this study lateral palpebral tendon reconstruction was performed on 45 eyelids with ectropion and lateral palpebral tendon laxity. A periosteal flap from the lateral orbital rim was used to replace the attenuated tendon. After a mean follow-up of 16 months, 91% (41 of 45) of the eyelids had acceptable cosmetic and functional results. Included in this group were 16 eyelids with mild residual ectropion. The use of a periosteal flap to replace an attenuated lateral palpebral tendon has several advantages. The periosteal flap is readily available, strong, and autogenous. The lateral canthus is pulled posteriorly and laterally keeping the eyelid against the globe. Lastly, the procedure may be repeated or combined with other ectropion procedures.     

Eyelid abnormalities in lamellar ichthyoses

PURPOSE: To describe eyelid abnormalities in lamellar ichthyoses (LI). DESIGN: Retrospective observational case series. PARTICIPANTS: Eight patients with classic LI and two patients with congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma. METHODS: Results of eyelid and corneal examinations of 10 patients with LI were reviewed and analyzed with emphasis on the relationship between eyelid ectropion and corneal damage. RESULTS: All patients presented with cicatricial lagophthalmos. Of the eight patients with classic LI, five had ectropion of the four eyelids, one had only lower ectropion, and two had no degree of ectropion. Two patients with congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma had distinct eyelid abnormalities, including madarosis and eyelash retraction. Loss of vision caused by corneal damage was found in three patients with classic LI. Of these three patients, two did not have upper eyelid ectropion. CONCLUSIONS: Severe corneal damage can occur in LI even if there is no upper or lower eyelid ectropion.     

A case of congenital ectropion in Down's syndrome

A rare case of primary congenital ectropion of all 4 eyelids in a child with Down's syndrome is reported to emphasise the problems of surgical management and to distinguish the condition from congenital eversion of the eyelids. Congenital ectropion is associated with other eyelid abnormalities and usually requires surgical measures to protect the cornea in contrast to congenital eversion which is characterised by the protrusion of oedematous conjunctiva from everted eyelids. This usually resolves spontaneously with simple supportive measures and no structural or functional eyelid abnormality remains.     

A CASE OF CONGENITAL ECTROPION IN DOWN'S SYNDROME

A rare case of primary congenital ectropion of all 4 eyelids in a child with Down's syndrome is reported to emphasise the problems of surgical management and to distinguish the condition from congenital eversion of the eyelids. Congenital ectropion is associated with other eyelid abnormalities and usually requires surgical measures to protect the cornea in contrast to congenital eversion which is characterised by the protrusion of oedematous conjunctiva from everted eyelids. This usually resolves spontaneously with simple supportive measures and no structural or functional eyelid abnormality remains.     

Anterior lamellar deficit ectropion management

AimsTo report the outcomes of using a modified Bick’s procedure (MBP) combined with a monopedicle myocutaneous flap (MMCF) or full-thickness skin grafting (FTSG) to correct lower eyelid cicatricial ectropion.Patients and methodsA retrospective case-note review of patients undergoing cicatricial ectropion repair between 2012 and 2016 was undertaken. Patient demographics, clinical features, the type of surgery, and outcomes were analysed.ResultsTwenty-four eyelids of 21 treated patients (17 males; 81%) with lower eyelid cicatricial ectropion were identified. They presented at an average age of 79.8 years (median 78; range 58–92). The commonest symptom was epiphora (15 eyelids; 63%), 12 patients (50%) experienced intermittent irritation, and 2(8%) had mucoid discharge. The aetiology included actinic cicatricial ectropion with midface descent (n = 19, 79%), previous tumour resection (n = 3, 13%), trauma (n = 1) and other previous eyelid surgery (n = 1). At a mean follow-up period of 15.3 months (median 6; range 6–52), 22 eyelids (92%) had anatomical success with good cosmesis and two eyelids (8%) had mild residual punctal ectropion. Twenty-one patients (87%) experienced functional success. Comparing the outcomes of MBP + FTSG versus MBP + MMCF, there was no statically significant difference in terms of anatomical (p = 0.48) and functional (p = 1.0) success rates. No cases of failure or recurrence were noted during the follow-up period.ConclusionsAnterior lamellar deficit ectropion occurs in the absence of overt scarring. It is crucial to fully address both the horizontal laxity and the anterior lamellar deficit associated with such ectropion to minimise the risks of early failure and recurrence. MBP combined with FTSG or MMCF is a safe and effective treatment for such ‘cicatricial ectropion’ and has a low early recurrence rate.Subject terms: Eyelid diseases, Eye manifestations     

Causes of involutional ectropion and entropion--age-related tarsal changes are the key

PURPOSE: To measure tarsal plates across various age-groups, to determine whether tarsal size changes with increasing age and whether size correlates with involutional ectropion and entropion. METHODS: Comparative, observational, case-control study design. Data were obtained for length and height of tarsus in each of the four eyelids. The data were constructed to determine: (I) right-to-left-side comparison data, (II) sex difference data, (III) age normal data, (IV) involutional entropion data, (V) involutional ectropion data. RESULTS: (I) There is no difference in tarsal dimensions between right and left sides; (II) males have larger tarsal dimensions than females; (III) tarsal plates are on average smaller in older age ranges; (IV) patients with entropion have smaller than average age-normal tarsal plates; (V) patients with ectropion have larger than average age-normal tarsal plates. CONCLUSIONS: (I) Right and left tarsal plates have equal dimensions, and involutional changes likely occur on both right and left sides equally frequently; (II) males have larger tarsal plates than females and entropion is more frequent in females and ectropion in males; (III) tarsal plates may have a general tendency to atrophy or shrink with age; this may explain why some eyelids develop entropion and others ectropion; (IV) entropion results from the mechanical effect of an atrophied or smaller than age-normal, partially or fully disinserted, tarsal plate being overcome by the normal or increased tone of the preseptal/pretarsal orbicularis muscle; (V) ectropion results from an age-normal or larger than normal tarsal plate mechanically overcoming the normal or decreased tone of the preseptal/pretarsal orbicularis muscle in combination with medial/lateral canthal tendon laxity.     

Combined medical and surgical management for cicatricial ectropion in lamellar ichthyosis: A report of three cases

Ichthyosis is a rare inherited skin disorder characterized by abnormal keratinization of the epidermis. Cicatricial ectropion is the most common ophthalmic feature of congenital ichthyosis. Progressive subepithelial cicatrization and abnormal cornification of eyelid skin cause progressive ectropion in both eyelids, leading to lagophthalmos and corneal exposure. Surgical correction of cicatricial ectropion in these cases is challenging with unsatisfactory results. Proper processing of the donor and recipient site with lubricants and topical retinoids before surgery makes grafting easier and its survival better. We present three cases of lamellar ichthyosis with cicatricial ectropion managed with combined preoperative topical therapy followed by surgery. All patients had extremely good surgical outcomes, with none of them requiring repeat surgery.     

Congenital ichthyosis in a Libyan child with ophthalmic manifestations

This report presents a Libyan child with congenital ichthyosis of the recessive lamellar variety complicated by severe ectropion of both upper and lower eyelids. Over a period of 12 months the degree of ectropion diminished and the anterior segments of the eyes were preserved using regular lubricating drops, vitamin A ointment and intermittent topical antibiotic therapy. Despite the pronounced initial upper eyelid ectropion no surgery was required to relieve the ectropion or prevent corneal exposure.     

Mucous membrane graft for cicatricial ectropion in lamellar ichthyosis: an approach revisited

A 26-year-old woman with congenital lamellar ichthyosis presented with bilateral cicatricial ectropion of the upper and lower eyelids. There was severe exposure keratopathy with corneal perforation in the left eye. The generalized skin involvement necessitated the use of an alternative to correct the cicatricial ectropion. Mucous membrane graft harvested from the oral cavity was used to correct the cicatricial ectropion of upper and lower eyelid of both eyes. Six months after treatment, the mucous membrane graft was keratinized and a significant reduction in lagophthalmos was seen. Mucous membrane graft offers a promising alternative to correct cicatricial ectropion in lamellar ichthyosis.     

Comprehensive, combined anterior and transcaruncular orbital approach to medial canthal ligament plication

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of a comprehensive technique for correction of severe punctal and medial lower eyelid ectropion and lower eyelid retraction associated with medial canthal ligament (MCL) laxity. METHODS: A comprehensive technique that plicates the anterior and posterior crura of the MCL was performed on 8 eyelids of 6 patients with punctal ectropion and MCL laxity. Preoperative and postoperative symptoms, punctal ectropion, medial lower eyelid ectropion, lower eyelid retraction, lagophthalmos, and exposure keratopathy were evaluated. RESULTS: At an average of 13 months (range, 8-17 months), preoperative symptoms of epiphora and discomfort improved or resolved in all eyes. Punctal ectropion improved in all eyes and completely resolved in 75% of eyes. Medial lower eyelid ectropion was corrected in all eyes, when present. Lower eyelid retraction, lagophthalmos, and exposure keratopathy improved in all eyes. In 1 case, edema of the caruncle and semilunar fold persisted for 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Combined anterior and transcaruncular MCL plication is an effective and safe procedure for addressing severe punctal and medial lower eyelid ectropion that accompanies MCL laxity and is difficult to correct by other methods. This procedure provides stable, 3-dimensional support to the medial lower eyelid and punctum.     

Ocular manifestations of congenital lamellar ichthyosis

PURPOSE: To describe the ophthalmic manifestations in a series of children with congenital lamellar ichthyosis. These cases presented with varying types of eyelid abnormality associated with the systemic disease. The clinical features and ophthalmic management were studied. METHODS: The case histories of three children presenting to the oculoplastic clinic were reviewed. All were diagnosed with congenital lamellar ichthyosis and under the care of the Dermatology department. Family history and pedigree analysis was performed to determine mode of genetic inheritance. Ocular examination for visual acuity, eyelid and eyelash malposition, lid function and closure were carried out. Corneal examination including tests for exposure was also done. RESULTS: All three patients had eyelid position abnormalities from the systemic disease. There was no clinical evidence of conjunctival involvement. One patient required full thickness skin grafts to treat corneal exposure secondary to lower lid ectropion. One had mild lower lid ectropion but without corneal exposure. The third case had the unusual finding of inward turning of the anterior lamella of the upper eyelid with a marked lash ptosis and only mild ectropion of the lower lid. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital lamellar ichthyosis is a heterogeneous disorder with phenotypic variability. The most common eyelid abnormality is cicatricial ectropion of the upper and mainly lower eyelids. Most cases are managed conservatively although in severe cases secondary corneal exposure may require surgical correction. In this condition, to the best of our knowledge, the tendency for the eyelids to turn inwards has not previously been described.     

Medial palpebral tendon repair for medial ectropion of the lower eyelid

The primary functional support for the medial eyelid is from the deep attachments of the orbicularis muscle to the posterior lacrimal crest and lacrimal diaphragm. A dehiscence of the deep medial canthal attachments can alter the position of the lower eyelid with subsequent tearing, medial ectropion, and ocular exposure. In this study, medial palpebral tendon reconstruction was performed on seven lower eyelids with medial instability or ectropion and a dehiscence of the medial palpebral tendon. A periosteal flap left attached to the posterior lacrimal crest was used to replace the attenuated or absent medial palpebral tendon. After a mean follow-up of 7 months, 86% (6/7) of the eyelids had acceptable cosmetic and functional results. The use of a periosteal flap to replace a dehiscence of the medial palpebral tendon has several advantages. The periosteal flap is readily available, strong, and autogenous. The lower eyelid and punctum are pulled tightly against the globe. Lastly, the procedure may be repeated or combined with other ectropion procedures.     

Use of topical cutaneous N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of major bilateral ectropion in an infant with lamellar ichthyosis

PURPOSE: To report for the first time bilateral ectropion treatment in an infant with severe lamellar ichthyosis associating N-acetylcysteine applied directly to the skin and oral acitretin. METHODS: An 8-week-old male child with major bilateral ectropion due to lamellar ichthyosis was given treatment associating oral acitretin (Soriatane) and topical N-acetylcysteine. Though the precorneal tear film quality could be maintained, after 1 month of initial treatment with acitretin only, bilateral upper eyelid ectropion remained threatening for the child's cornea. The adjunction of topical N-acetylcysteine enabled a complete regression of ectropion. No complementary surgery was needed and the eyelids remained well positioned. CONCLUSION: Topical N-acetylcysteine has been proved to have an antiproliferative effect on keratinocytes in vitro and in vivo. It may be useful in the treatment of major forms of ectropion in children with lamellar ichthyosis. Its association with conventional acitretin treatment may prevent unnecessary surgery.     

Role of the lower lid retractors in involutional ectropion repair

AIM. To outline the role of the lower lid retractors in correction of involutional ectropion. METHODS. Eight eyelids with a tarsal ectropion were included in the study. Clinical clues to help identify weakness of the lower lid retractors were documented. A transconjunctival lower lid retractor reattachment with concommitant correction of horizontal lid laxity and lamellar dissociation was performed. RESULTS. Stable eyelid position was obtained in 7 of the 8 cases. One case had a lateral ectropion due to a wound dehiscence. CONCLUSIONS. This small study helps better define the clinical presentations of retractor weakness and provides evidence of a systematic approach in correcting involutional ectropion.