Quantitative analysis of the eyelid curvature in patients with blepharoptosis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of two novel eyelid curvature measurements to distinguish between normal eyes and different severities of blepharoptosis. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional analysis of upper eyelid curvature was performed for different severities of patients with unilateral blepharoptosis (congenital and aponeurotic) and normal controls. Mean upper lid contour index (ULCI) and area circularity index (ACI) were calculated for each group by dividing the intercanthal distance by upper eyelid margin length (ULCI) and dividing the interpalpebral area by the area of a circle enclosing the eye (ACI). The ratio of each index for the study and fellow normal eye of each patient was also calculated and compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 106 eyes including 30 eyes in the control group and 25, 27, and 24 eyes in the mild, moderate, and severe ptosis groups were enrolled in the study. ULCI and ACI showed a statistically significant difference between the groups (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). The inter-eye ratio (ULCI-ratio and ACI-ratio) of indices was also significantly different between groups (p = 0.002, p < 0.001). Pairwise comparisons revealed that ACI and ACI-ratio were significantly different between all pairs of study groups. CONCLUSION: The results of our study showed that ACI based on area measurements may distinguish blepharoptosis patients from normal controls and from each other. Including the data from the fellow normal eyes in the form of ratio indices may improve the differentiating power. These results can be useful in designing the optimal eyelid curvature measurements.

Clinical Relevance of the Variability of the Infraorbital Arterial Anatomy Evaluated by Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of the anatomy of the infraorbital artery (IOA) is crucial for the rejuvenation of the anterior medial aspect of the midface; however, studies adequately describing the anatomy of the IOA branches are lacking, and their connection with the ophthalmic artery branches remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to elucidate the anatomical characteristics of the IOA in its deployment within the lower eyelid using three-dimensional (3D) technology, thereby offering an anatomical foundation for clinical surgical procedures. METHODS: An analysis was conducted on computed tomography scans of 132 cadaveric head sides post-contrast injection, utilizing the Mimics software for reconstruction. The study focused on examining the anastomosis of the IOA, its principal branches, and the branches emanating from the ophthalmic artery. RESULTS: The prevalence of type I IOA was observed at 38.6% (51/132), while Type II IOA was found in 61.4% (81/132) of cases. A 7.6% incidence (10/132) of IOA directly anastomosing with the angular artery was noted. The presence of palpebral branches (PIOA) was identified in 57.6% (76/132) of instances. In the lower eyelid, four distinct distribution patterns of IOA were discerned: The likelihood of Type I PIOA was 5.3%, whereas for Types IIA, IIB, and IIC PIOA, the probabilities were 8.3%, 32.6%, and 11.4%, respectively. The occurrence of the orbital branch of IOA was recorded at 41.7% (55/132). CONCLUSIONS: 3D technology can map IOA variants and identify the deployment patterns of IOA branches in the lower eyelid vascular vesicles at high resolution as a guide in clinical practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography of eyelid margin growths: A case series.

BACKGROUND: The clinical differential diagnosis of lesions arising on the eyelid margin may be challenging and an unneeded surgical approach may have serious functional and aesthetic consequences. Nonetheless, early recognition and treatment of malignant tumors of the eyelid margin is mandatory. Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) is a novel tool for the in vivo, real-time skin imaging. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to identify and analyze the LC-OCT features of a series of eyelid margin growths and to correlate these features with the histopathological findings. METHODS: Patients with eyelid margin growths who were scheduled for lesion excision underwent LC-OCT examination. Inclusion criteria were a challenging clinical aspect of the lesions and a clinical history of recent onset (up to 12 months). In all cases, the histopathological examination of the excised lesions was performed for the final diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 31 lesions located on the upper (13 cases) or lower (18 cases) eyelid margin from 28 consecutive patients (male = 15, female = 13; mean age: 64.7 years, range: 44-87 years) were evaluated and excised. The histopathologic diagnoses were nodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (nine cases), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (three cases), compound nevus (four cases), dermal nevus (two cases), seborrheic keratosis (four cases), pyogenic granuloma (one case), trichilemmal cyst (three cases), and hidrocystoma (five cases). LC-OCT allowed the in vivo recognition of the main microscopic features of the examined lesions. CONCLUSIONS: LC-OCT represents a promising tool for the evaluation of eyelid margin lesions. Advantages of non-invasive diagnosis particularly relevant in such a sensitive region include a more correct planning of the treatment and, in case of surgery, the most appropriate surgical approach and, importantly, a correct timing of intervention.

Ultrasound-based histological differences of pretarsal fat fascia before and after double eyelid blepharoplasty with the orbital septum method.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes of pretarsal fat fascia histological structure after double eyelid blepharoplasty with the orbital septum method. METHODS: From December 2019 to February 2022, the patients with congenital single eyelid who underwent double eyelid blepharoplasty with the orbital septum method at the Plastic and cosmetic surgery department of Hunan provincial people's Hospital and the same number of congenital double eyelid volunteers. Then divided into three groups: preoperative eyelid ultrasound images in Group A, postoperative eyelid ultrasound images in Group B, and congenital double eyelid volunteers in Group C. To study the histological differences of pretarsal fat fascia before and after double eyelid blepharoplasty with the orbital septum method and congenital double eyelid by ultrasound. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients who underwent double eyelid blepharoplasty with the orbital septum method met the inclusion criteria. All 98 patients aged 22.88 ± 3.00 years, including 7 males and 91 females, followed up for 6-12 months. Included 98 volunteers with congenital double eyelid, aged 23.58 ± 2.59 years, including 49 males and 49 females. Ultrasound showed that the pretarsal fat fascia was divided into two layers. The dense layer adhered closely to the surface of the tarsus with no statistically significant differences. There was a statistically significant difference in the thickness of the pretarsal loose fat fascia layer between Group A and B. The points a b c in Group A were significantly thicker than those in Group B and C, and there was no significant difference between Group B and C. Postoperative evaluation: 83 cases were satisfied, 11 cases were basically satisfied and 4 cases were unsatisfied. CONCLUSION: After double eyelid blepharoplasty using orbital septum, the histological structure of pretarsal fat fascia is similar to that of congenital double eyelid, suggesting that double eyelid blepharoplasty with the orbital septum method can change the structure of pretarsal fat fascia and make it similar to congenital double eyelid, which is one of the anatomical bases for its good clinical effect.

A Quantitative Three-Dimensional Tear Trough Deformity Assessment and Its Application in Orbital Septum Fat Transposition.

BACKGROUND: Existing evaluation tools of tear trough deformity are based on subjective impression of clinicians. More accurate quantitative assessment methods are needed. This study aimed to propose a quantitative three-dimensional assessment method for the tear trough deformity in comparison with the Barton's grading system and apply it to the efficacy evaluation of orbital septum fat transposition. METHODS: 117 healthy Chinese adults (234 eyes) were enrolled and divided into four groups according to the Barton's grading system. Three-dimensional facial images were captured using Vectra H1 handheld camera. 6 anthropometric landmarks were identified on each eye and 8 linear measurements were generated accordingly. Intra-observer reliability was determined and measurements were compared between groups. Pre- and post-operative three-dimensional measurements were compared in 19 patients who received lower blepharoplasty with orbital septum fat transposition. RESULTS: The severity of tear trough was positively correlated with age (P < 0.001) but not BMI (P = 0.145) or gender (P = 0.280). Intra-rater reliability of the 8 linear measurements was excellent except for the vertical distance between the palpebrale inferioris margin and the tear trough below the pupillary center. Intergroup comparison showed that the horizontal distance between the lateral end of tear trough (P < 0.001) and medial canthus and the sagittal vector from tear trough point toward eyelid bag point (P = 0.009) increased with grade, while the vertical distance from mid-pupil to palpebrale inferioris margin decreased gradually (P = 0.001). Orbital septum fat transposition significantly improved the tear trough deformity as assessed by these three-dimensional measurements. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated a novel quantitative evaluation method of the tear trough deformity using three-dimensional stereophotogrammetry and proved it to be valid and reliable. It showed good value of clinical application and might help with periorbital rejuvenation planning and outcome assessment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Is an image-based eyelid management service safe and effective?

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic created a requirement for reduced patient contact and reduced capacity in clinics. We previously published results of an Image-Based Eyelid Lesion Management Service (IBELMS) which was found non-inferior to traditional face-to-face clinic at diagnosing lesions and identifying eyelid malignancies. We now present first-year safety and efficacy data from this service. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively on all patients seen in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde eyelid photography clinics from 30th September 2020 to 29th September 2021, including referral source and diagnosis, time to clinic review, treatment and patient outcomes. RESULTS: 808 patients were included in the study. Chalazion was the most common diagnoses recorded (38.4%). There was a statistically significant decrease in mean time from referral to appointment time between the first 4 months and last 4 months of the service (93 days to 22 days, p ≤ 0.0001). 266 (33%) of patients were discharged following photographs, 45 (6%) were discharged for non-attendance and 371 (46%) were booked for a minor procedure. 13 biopsy-confirmed malignant lesions were identified; only 3 had been referred as suspected malignancy. 23 patients out of 330 with at least 6 months follow up (7%) were re-referred within 6 months of treatment or discharge; however, none of them with a missed periocular malignancy. DISCUSSION: Eyelid photography clinics effectively reduce patient waiting times and maximise clinic capacity. They accurately identify eyelid lesions including malignancies with a low re-referral rate. We propose that an image-based service for eyelid lesions is a safe and effective way of managing such patients.

Ocular adnexal intramuscular hemangioma arising from the eyelid: case report and literature review.

Intramuscular hemangioma (IMH) is rare in the ocular adnexa and is uncommonly found in infants. We describe a 1-month-old female infant with an unremarkable birth history presented with subacute onset of right upper eyelid swelling. Clinical examination revealed a purplish subcutaneous mass over the right upper eyelid causing mechanical ptosis. MRI revealed a well-defined subcutaneous mass, which was hyperintense on the T1 weighted images and showed intense enhancement after administration of intravenous gadolinium. Our working diagnosis was infantile capillary hemangioma, and the patient received two intralesional steroid injections without diminishing the lesion size. The lesion had become static in size and the subsequent MRI 14 years later revealed the same lesion had become hyperintense on the T1 weighted image. An excisional biopsy revealed mixed type IMH. IMH should be considered among young patients with upper eyelid swelling, particularly in those who show a poor response to steroid treatment.

Correlation of Levator-Muller's Complex Thickness on Ultrasound Biomicroscopy to Botulinum Toxin A Injection in Thyroid-Related Upper Eyelid Retraction.

OBJECTIVES: To study the thickness of levator palpebra superioris-Muller's muscle complex (LMC) on ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and to correlate with the clinical response to botulinum toxin A (BTA) injection in patients with inactive-stage of thyroid-related upper eyelid retraction (UER). We also studied the correlation of clinical parameters, preinjection with postinjection values. METHODS: This was a prospective, interventional study. Patients with thyroid-related UER who underwent subconjunctival injection of BTA were recruited. Demographic data and clinical details were evaluated. UBM (50 MHz) was done to measure the thickness of LMC. Patient's satisfaction was graded at each follow-up. Follow-up was done at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months' time intervals. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients were recruited and 26 eyes were divided into two groups; group 1 included eyes with UER (n = 17), and group 2 included eyes without UER (n = 9). There was a statistically significant reduction in margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1) after BTA injection at 1-week, 1-month, and 3-months follow-up with maximum reduction at 1 month. The mean LMC thickness of 26 eyes was 0.96 mm which was found to be significantly more than normal controls. On comparison of mean LMC thickness with the amount of UER and reduction in MRD1, we did not find a significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with TED have significantly thicker LMC on UBM than controls. Further studies are needed with a larger sample size on the correlation of UBM features of levator aponeurosis with response to BTA injection.

Optical characteristics of the skin with dark circles using pump-probe imaging.

Pump-probe imaging was first used for quantitative analysis of melanin in dark circles' skin to improve the ability to diagnose and treat dark circles on human skin. This study aimed to compare the distribution characteristics in melanin of lower eyelid skin tissues and to determine whether pump-probe imaging has potential for the classification of dark circles in vivo. Specimens obtained from 15 patients undergoing blepharoplasty were examined using pump-probe imaging. Furthermore, adjacent slices were respectively treated with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) staining for cross-references. Subsequently, the melanin content index (MCI) and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) were quantitatively analyzed by the pump-probe imaging. The distribution of melanin granules in the pump-probe image and FeSO4 staining was consistent. Meanwhile, the tissues of the skin with dark circles and normal skin demonstrated significant differences in MCI and MFI. These differences can be used to distinguish the skin with dark circles from the normal skin. Pump-probe imaging could be used for the analysis of the microstructure and spectral characteristics of melanin granules in skin with dark circles. Significant differences were noted between the pigmented type of dark circles and the other two groups (normal skin and the vascular type of dark circles), while no significant differences were found between normal skin and the vascular type of dark circles.

Objective Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Transconjunctival Fat-Repositioning Technique Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Three-Dimensional Surface Imaging.

Background: To quantify the surgical outcomes of transconjunctival fat repositioning technique, we study the lower periorbital area with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and three-dimensional (3D) surface imaging. Methods: The preoperative and postoperative images were analyzed. The T1-weighted MR images in the quasi-sagittal plane parallel to the long axis of the orbit and passing through the globe center were used to measure the transposed fat, and 3D comparison was performed to calculate the tear trough depth. Changes throughout the surgery and their relationships with clinical characteristics were statistically analyzed. Results: A total of 11 patients who underwent surgery were included. The mean follow-up period was 10.1 months. MRI measurements showed that the fat area beneath the tear trough increased from 0 to 22.7 ± 6.7 mm2 after fat repositioning, whereas the fat area of the eyelid bag decreased from 46.3 ± 11.0 mm2 to 25.5 ± 14.0 mm2. The 3D results revealed an increase in thickness by 1.2 ± 0.4 mm in the tear tough areas. Conclusion: Both MRI and 3D imaging provide options to objectively assess the fat-repositioning technique.

Dermoscopic features of eyelid margin tumors: A single-center retrospective study.

Despite rapid growth in the significance of dermoscopy in dermatological oncology, relatively little is yet known about the dermoscopic patterns of eyelid margin tumors. The aim of the study was to analyze the dermoscopic features of eyelid margin tumors. This was a retrospective, single-center, consecutive study which included clinical and dermoscopic analysis of eyelid margin tumors diagnosed at the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology at the Medical University of Gdansk from 1 June 2016 to 31 December 2020. Dermoscopic features significantly more prevalent in malignant non-melanocytic lesions compared to benign ones were alteration in eyelash growth, structureless pink areas, starry milia-like cysts, and perpendicular vessels. In contrast, there were no dermoscopic features that occurred significantly more frequently in malignant melanocytic lesions when compared to benign ones. Basal cell carcinoma, in comparison to hidrocystoma, more commonly presented with ulceration and structureless pink areas. The main features differentiating basal cell carcinoma from dermal nevus were the presence of ulceration, alteration in eyelash growth, structureless pink and structureless white areas, and perpendicular vessels within the tumor with each of these features observed more commonly in basal cell carcinoma. Blue nevus, hemangioma, or pigmented hidrocystoma presenting exclusively with blue structureless areas may be difficult to differentiate based on dermoscopy. The study offers additional dermoscopic clues in the assessment of eyelid margin tumors. Some observations reported previously to be typical of basal cell carcinoma (e.g., linear vessels arranged perpendicularly to the eyelid margin) were documented also within the normal eyelid margin accompanying other cases, and according to our study, cannot be useful as a pathognomonic feature. In contrast, it seems that yellow structures (half-moon sign, starry milia-like cysts) may be important dermoscopic features, though further studies are needed to confirm our observations.

Ex vivo porcine model for eye, eyelid, and orbit movement analysis of 4-mm ferromagnetic foreign bodies in MRI.

PURPOSE: Ferromagnetic foreign bodies (FFB) present during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) explorations can lead to tissue injury due to movement, especially in and around the eyes. Ferromagnetic foreign bodies located in the intraocular area, eyelids, and orbit are thus prohibited from undergoing MRI. The aim of the study was to analyze movement of 4-mm ferromagnetic foreign bodies in MRI in the eye, eyelid, and orbit using computed tomography (CT) scan. METHOD: We developed a porcine model using 12 quarters of fresh porcine heads. Each porcine head included one whole orbit with the ocular globe, orbital fat, muscles, and eyelids. Four-millimeter FFB were implanted in the eye within 2 days post-slaughter, and images were acquired within 5 days post-slaughter. Four-millimeter FFB movement was analyzed after 1.5-Tesla (T) MRI. Four locations were tested: intravitreous, suprachoroidal, intraorbital fat, and intrapalpebral. Movement analysis was assessed using computed tomography (CT) scan. RESULTS: The intravitreous ferromagnetic ball moved 14.0 ± 8.8 mm (p < 0.01), the suprachoroidal ball moved 16.8 ± 5.4 mm (p < 0.01), the intraorbital fat ball moved 5.8 ± 0.9 mm (p > 0.05), and the intrapalpebral ball moved 2.0 ± 0.4 mm (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The ex vivo porcine model was able to study FFB movement. The 4-mm ferromagnetic balls moved in intravitreous and in suprachoroidal locations after MRI.

Lower eyelid entropion in thyroid eye disease.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical features, ultrasound biomicroscopic features, and management outcome in patients presenting with thyroid eye disease (TED) and lower eyelid entropion. METHODS: Retrospective interventional case review of patients with TED presenting with lower eyelid entropion over a 12-year period. RESULTS: Five patients (eight eyes) of a total of 1211 presented with lower eyelid entropion as one of the presenting signs of TED (0.41%). The average age was 28.8 years (18-39 years), and three patients were males. Three had systemic hyperthyroidism, and two were euthyroid. Four (80%) had bilateral TED, three had inactive disease, and two were active. The average Hertel exophthalmometry reading was 24.6 mm. All patients had upper lid retraction. Four (80%) had concomitant lower eyelid retraction. Entropion was medial in five and complete in three eyes. Symptomatic corneal epitheliopathy was noted in four eyes. UBM was performed in four eyes which showed a thickened middle lamella. In four eyes (three patients), the entropion was managed conservatively as the patient was not contemplating surgery for proptosis. In the remaining four eyes (two patients) orbital decompression was performed and the lower eyelid retractor release corrected the symptomatic entropion. The average follow-up was 11.6 months (range 1-30). CONCLUSION: Lower eyelid entropion is a rare presenting sign in TED. The mechanism is multifactorial and could be caused by the thickened and fibrosed lower lid retractors, as demonstrated by UBM. Young age and globe projection may play a role. Decompression approaches that involve lower lid retractor release correct the entropion.