Upper eyelid retraction after glaucoma filtering surgery and topical application of mitomycin C

PURPOSE: To describe 3 cases of upper eyelid retraction after glaucoma filtering surgery and topical application of mitomycin C and to highlight possible causes. METHODS: A report of 3 patients, identified over an 8-year interval period, who had development of upper eyelid retraction a few months after undergoing trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in the ipsilateral eye. RESULTS: Testing for Graves disease, including second-generation thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAb), was negative in all cases. A complete physical examination was performed by an internist: Orbital and intracranial neuroimaging studies were ordered when necessary, and all were negative. One patient underwent surgical repair of the eyelid retraction and had a satisfactory result. CONCLUSIONS: Upper eyelid retraction after filtering surgery is a rarely reported entity. Müller muscle overaction, independent of Graves disease, is a likely cause and has been pointed out as a possible factor in one previous report. Müller muscle fibrosis, euthyroid Graves disease, and mechanical hindrance to an elevated bleb are other possible factors.