Combining the Tunnel Orbicularis Oculi Muscle Flap Technique With Skin Grafting for Enhanced Adhesion in Burn-Induced Ectropion Repair.

PURPOSE: Scar contracture of the eyelid following facial burns often has adverse consequences. Total cicatricial contracture often makes adjustment flap translation challenging to implement. Previously used upper and lower eyelid adhesion methods are ineffective for patients with severe cicatricial contracture, and ectropion can easily recur. This study aimed to retrospectively examine upper and lower eyelid adhesions using an orbicularis oculi muscle flap and verify its stability. METHODS: In patients with ectropion caused by severe scar contracture following head and face burns, we employed a tunnel orbicularis oculi muscle flap technique, which involved creating a tunnel between the skin and the tarsal plate of the eyelid, mobilizing the orbicularis oculi muscle, and rotating it into this tunnel to provide stable adhesion of the upper and lower eyelids. Full-thickness skin grafting was then performed. The eyelids were examined postoperatively to determine whether reoperation was necessary and to monitor for any potential complications. RESULTS: This study included 26 patients and 46 eyes. No accidental disconnection occurred after eyelid adhesion, which lasted for an average of 21.87 ± 10.08 months before the eyelid adhesion was cut open. No complications or adverse reactions occurred, and the adhesions did not break unexpectedly. CONCLUSIONS: Repairing eyelid ectropion with the tunnel orbicularis oculi muscle flap is a simple procedure that immediately creates tension against upper and lower eyelid contractures, providing long-term stable adhesion. This method avoids structural disorders, such as eyelid margin scarring, minimally influences surrounding tissues, and has few postoperative complications. It holds great value for repairing eyelid tissue defects and warrants further study.

[Clinical characteristics and surgical management outcomes of glaucoma secondary to congenital ectropion uveae: a preliminary analysis of penetrating Schlemm's canaloplasty].

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of glaucoma secondary to congenital ectropion uveae (CEU) using penetrating Schlemm's canaloplasty. Methods: This was a retrospective case series study. Medical records of patients diagnosed with glaucoma secondary to CEU and undergoing penetrating Schlemm's canaloplasty at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between August 2020 and December 2021 were collected. Clinical characteristics including the extent and location of iris ectropion, type of glaucoma, were analyzed. Follow-up visits were conducted at 1, 3, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior segment and fundus condition, filtering bleb morphology, use of IOP-lowering medications, ultrasound biomicroscopy results, and other indicators were analyzed to summarize surgical outcomes. Results: Six cases (6 eyes) of glaucoma secondary to CEU were included, all unilateral, with 3 left eyes and 3 right eyes; median age was 10.0 (5.3, 28.8) years; including 3 males and 3 females. Preoperative IOP was (31.7±10.0) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), and the preoperative number of IOP-lowering medications used was 2.0 (2.0, 3.2). The extent of iris ectropion in the 6 cases ranged from 270 ° to 360 °, with peripheral anterior synechiae corresponding to the location of iris ectropion, and angle closure with the degree of synechiae extending beyond Schwalbe's line. No surgical complications occurred in any of the 6 cases postoperatively. At 1 month postoperatively, the IOP was (16.4±3.2) mmHg, with a median of 0.0 (0.0, 1.5) medications used. At 3 months postoperatively, the IOP was (14.8±6.0) mmHg, with a median of 0.0 (0.0, 2.2) medications used. At 6 months postoperatively, the IOP was (18.1±6.1) mmHg, with a median of 0.0 (0.0, 0.5) medications used. Among them, 5 patients had a follow-up period of 1 year postoperatively, all achieving controlled IOP without the use of IOP-lowering medications, with an average IOP of (15.5±3.1) mmHg. No obvious filtering bleb formation was observed at the surgical site in all patients. Conclusions: Glaucoma secondary to CEU manifests primarily as closed-angle glaucoma, with a correspondence between the closure range of anterior iris adhesions in the angle and the extent of iris ectropion. Penetrating Schlemm's canaloplasty demonstrates favorable and stable efficacy for its treatment.

Fourteen-Year Experience in Burn Eyelid Reconstruction and Complications Recurrence: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Loss of vision and other ocular defects are a concern with eyelid burn sequelae. This most commonly progresses from eyelid contracture to cicatricial ectropion and lagophthalmos. When left untreated, these may lead to exposure keratitis, ulceration, infection, perforation, and loss of vision. In the case of full-thickness eyelid burns, release and grafting are required. However, there is a paucity of studies on outcomes in eyelid burn surgery treatment, despite concern for permanent ocular damage or loss of vision. The aim of the study is to describe the complication rates in burn eyelid reconstruction at a single center for 14 years. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed of all patients who had sustained eyelid burns and required reconstruction between April 2009 and February 2023. Medical records were obtained from patients' charts. Collected data include demographics, medical history, type of injury, indication for surgery, procedure performed, and complications. RESULTS: A total of 14 patients and 25 eyelids underwent eyelid reconstruction of the 901 total patients with burn-related injuries requiring plastic surgery reconstruction. These patients underwent 54 eyelid surgeries with a mean follow-up time of 13.1 ± 17.1 months. Patients were 71% men and 29% women, with a mean age of 45.1 ± 15.6 years. In 53.7% (n = 29) of the cases, the simultaneous reconstruction of both the upper and lower eyelids was necessary. The reconstruction of the upper and lower eyelid alone represented a smaller percentage (25.9% and 20.4%, respectively). On average, the patients received 3.9 ± 3.5 eyelid surgeries. The overall complication rate was 53.7% (n = 29). The most common complication was ectropion (42.6%, n = 23). Other complications included eye injury (25.9%, n = 14), lagophthalmos (24.1%, n = 13), local infection (7.4%, n = 4), and graft loss (5.6%, n = 3). CONCLUSION: Periorbital burns represent a major challenge that may require complex surgical intervention. Full-thickness skin graft remains the standard of care for patients with eyelid burns. However, there is a high incidence of ectropion that may require reoperation. Further studies examining the conditions of successful eyelid burn procedures may provide guidance on when patients may benefit from eyelid reconstruction during their burn treatment.

Congenital ectropion in Noonan syndrome.

Ten-year-old female patient, with facial dysmorphia, scoliosis, short stature, muscular hypotonia, patent foramen ovale and maturational delay, presented for correction of bilateral congenital ectropion. Ophthalmological examination revealed bilateral lower eyelid ectropion, euryblepharon and lagophthalmos, with a positive Bell's phenomenon. She was treated with full-thickness autologous skin grafts on the lower eyelids with bilateral lateral canthoplasty, resolving the ectropion and improving eyelid occlusion. Subsequently, a genetic study was performed that revealed a mutation in the PTPN11 gene and allowed, together with the clinical picture, to make the diagnosis of Noonan syndrome. Noonan syndrome is a multisystem genetic disorder with a wide variety of phenotypes, which usually presents with ocular and periocular disorders. Eyelid ectropion, a distinctive feature of this patient, is a rare ophthalmological manifestation of this syndrome that can be corrected with full-thickness skin graft and lateral canthoplasty.

The Hatchet Flap for Eyelid and Midfacial Reconstruction: Experience From 70 Cases.

PURPOSE: To describe surgical variations of the hatchet flap and a large series of patients in which this procedure was used for eyelid and midfacial reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on patients treated with a hatchet flap between March 2016 and March 2023. Patient demographics, defect characteristics, surgical techniques, and outcomes were investigated. RESULTS: The hatchet flap was used to repair 70 defects in 69 patients, aged 41.6 to 90.0 years (mean, 66.1). Defects measured 0.6 to 23.6 cm 2 (mean, 4.8) and resulted from Mohs surgery (n = 62), exenteration (n = 2), benign lesion excision (n = 3), or cicatricial ectropion/fistula repair (n = 3). The flap tail was managed with 3 techniques: V-Y plasty (n = 26), transposition (n = 34), and excision (n = 10). Ancillary procedures were often used during reconstructions (skin grafts: 29; double hatchet flap: 2; additional skin flaps: 26; tarsoconjunctival flaps: 6; and other grafts: 7). Small distal eschars healed in 7 flaps without necrosis. Four patients with subcutaneous thickening improved after steroid injections. Mild hatchet flap contracture may have contributed to postoperative cicatricial ectropion in 1 patient. There were no other flap related complications. CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients, the hatchet flap is a versatile technique to mobilize vascularized tissue into eyelid/midfacial defects resulting from the excision of lesions or treatment of cicatricial ectropion/fistulas. Individuals without laxity in the plane perpendicular to the flap base may not be good candidates for this procedure. The hatchet flap can be modified by advancing, transposing, or excising the flap tail. Reconstruction is often combined with other flaps/grafts. Few complications were associated with the hatchet flap.

Applied Anatomy of the Lower Eyelid Preseptal Space for Treating Ectropion and Retraction with Soft-Tissue Fillers.

BACKGROUND: Lower eyelid malposition can result from age-related changes, such as ectropion, or postsurgical changes, such as retraction after lower lid blepharoplasty. The current accepted treatment is surgical, but soft-tissue fillers have been used as well, with good outcome. The underlying anatomy, which is incompletely described, would be useful information for practitioners desiring to provide minimally invasive injections of the lower eyelid. The authors describe a minimally invasive injection technique adjusted to the complex anatomy of the lower eyelid for the treatment of ectropion and retraction of the lower eyelid. METHODS: A total of 39 periorbital regions of 31 study participants were retrospectively analyzed using photographs before and after reconstruction of the lower eyelid with soft-tissue fillers. Two independent raters assessed the degree of ectropion and lower eyelid retraction (0 to 4, best to worst) before and after the reconstruction and the overall aesthetic improvement using the Periorbital Aesthetic Improvement Scale. RESULTS: The median degree of ectropion and lower eyelid retraction score improved statistically significantly from 3.00 (SD, 1.5) to 1.00 (SD, 1.0) ( P < 0.001). The mean volume of soft-tissue filler material applied per eyelid was 0.73 cc (SD, 0.5). The median Periorbital Aesthetic Improvement Scale score after the treatment was rated as 4.00 (SD, 0.5), indicating improvement of the periorbital functional and appearance. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic knowledge of the lower eyelid and of the preseptal space is of clinical relevance when reconstructing the lower eyelid with soft-tissue fillers. The targeted space provides optimal lifting capacities for improved aesthetic and functional outcome. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Lateral Tarsal Strip versus Tensor Fascia Lata Sling for Paralytic Ectropion: Comparison and Long-Term Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Paralytic ectropion increases risk for corneal injury in facial palsy patients. Although a lateral tarsal strip (LTS) provides corneal coverage through superolateral lower eyelid pull, the unopposed lateral force may result in lateral displacement of the lower eyelid punctum and overall worsening asymmetry. A tensor fascia lata (TFL) lower eyelid sling may overcome some of these limitations. This study quantitatively compares scleral show, punctum deviation, lower marginal reflex distance, and periorbital symmetry between the two techniques. METHODS: Retrospective review was performed on facial paralysis patients who underwent LTS or TFL sling surgery with no prior lower lid suspension procedures. Standardized preoperative and postoperative images in primary gaze position were used to measure scleral show and lower punctum deviation using ImageJ, and lower marginal reflex distance using Emotrics. RESULTS: Of 449 facial paralysis patients, 79 met inclusion criteria. Fifty-seven underwent LTS surgery and 22 underwent TFL sling surgery. Compared with preoperatively, lower medial scleral show improved significantly with both LTS (10.9 mm 2 ; P < 0.01) and TFL (14.7 mm 2 ; P < 0.01). The LTS group showed significant worsening of horizontal and vertical lower punctum deviation when compared with the TFL group (both P < 0.01). The LTS group was unable to achieve periorbital symmetry between the healthy and paralytic eye across all parameters measured postoperatively ( P < 0.01); and the TFL group achieved symmetry in medial scleral show, lateral scleral show, and lower punctum deviation. CONCLUSION: In patients with paralytic ectropion, TFL sling provides similar outcomes to LTS, with the added advantages of symmetry without lateralization or caudalization of the lower medial punctum. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Lateral tarsal strip procedure: comparison of absorbable sutures and non-absorbable polypropylene suture. Does the suture type matter?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the success and complication rates of the Lateral Tarsal Strip (LTS) Procedure, when treating involutional ectropion/entropion, is influenced by the use of suture when attaching the tarsal strip to the periosteum. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Multi-centre retrospective comparative study of re-operation and complication rates (Recurrence, Dehiscence, Suture Infection, Granuloma, Haemorrhage, Residual-Lid Laxity, Suture Extrusion and Repeat Procedure) in LTS, between 01/01/2017 and 01/01/2022 who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria, for involutional ectropion/entropion using an absorbable polyglactin (vicryl) and non-absorbable polypropylene suture (prolene). RESULTS: 1079 operations in 891 patients (36% female, average age 81.4 years) were performed with an average follow-up of 1.785 years. 588 operations in 475 patients were performed using prolene whilst 491 procedures in 416 patients were performed using vicryl sutures. Of these, 61% were performed by a consultant surgeon in the prolene group compared to 49.7% in the vicryl group. Overall complication rates between prolene and vicryl were 24.7% and 29.7% (p = 0.061) respectively. Higher complication rates for post-operative residual lid laxity, granuloma and suture infection were greater in the vicryl group versus prolene (2.65% and 0.51% p = 0.004, 2.24% and 0.68% p = 0.03, 1.83% and 0.17% p = 0.007 respectively). Non-significant results for dehiscence or repeat procedures (2.24% and 2.21% p = 0.974, 6.72% and 9.01% p = 0.166 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Both sutures are effective for the correction of involutional ectropion/entropion with LTS. Dehiscence and redo rates were not statistically significant. Nevertheless, the use of vicryl suture was found to be associated with a higher complication rate for: post-operative residual lid laxity, granuloma and suture infection.

Preseptal transconjunctival approach in orbital floor fracture repairs to prevent postoperative lower eyelid malposition.

PURPOSE: Lower eyelid malposition can be a complication following orbital floor fracture surgeries. We present our incidence of lower eyelid malposition from a large case series of orbital floor fracture repairs using the 'swinging eyelid' approach and 'hang back' technique. METHODS: A retrospective review of all orbital fracture surgeries at our institution from November 2011 to March 2021 was performed. Primary outcomes included the incidence of lower eyelid malposition by category, the average time to presentation after primary surgery, and reoperation rates among cases with lower eyelid complications. RESULTS: A total of 438 cases that involved repair of the fractured orbital floor were identified. Six patients (1.37 %) developed lower eyelid malposition following primary orbital floor repair. Two patients (0.46 %) developed reverse ptosis of the lower eyelid. Two patients (0.46 %) returned with lower lid cicatricial ectropion. One patient (0.23 %) had postoperative lower eyelid retraction. One patient (0.23 %) had postoperative lower eyelid cicatricial entropion. No cases of lower lid flattening, lower eyelid fat flattening, or eyelid notch was noted. All patients with lower eyelid malposition underwent additional surgeries except one patient with reverse ptosis (83.3 %). The average time to the presentation of postoperative complications from the surgery date was 292.8 days (range = 49 days to 3.5 years). CONCLUSION: Lower eyelid malposition after orbital floor repair is a known complication that can be decreased by employing the 'swinging eyelid' with a preseptal approach and closure by the 'hang back' technique.

Clinical features, evaluation, and management of ophthalmic complications of facial paralysis: A review.

The purpose of this review was to study the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of ophthalmic complications associated with facial nerve palsy and to discuss the current and future interventions. The ophthalmic complications of facial paralysis include lagophthalmos, ectropion, exposure keratopathy, ocular synkinesis, and crocodile tears. Evaluation by an ophthalmologist skilled in recognizing and managing complications of facial paralysis shortly after its initial diagnosis can help identify and prevent long-term complications. Several types of grading scales are used to evaluate, measure the severity, and track surgical and patient-reported treatment outcomes. Lagophthalmos or ectropion are managed using temporary measures aimed at lubricating and covering the eye, including scleral lenses; however, these measures can be expensive and challenging to acquire and maintain. Temporary surgical interventions include lateral tarsorrhaphy, weighted eyelid implants, lateral canthoplasty, and other procedures that tighten or lift the eyelid or surrounding tissues. Management of flaccid facial paralysis due to iatrogenic injury or neoplasm requires neurorrhaphy or graft repair. The most common techniques for dynamic reconstruction in chronic facial paralysis are regional and free muscle flap transfer. Future directions for the management of ophthalmic complications aim to induce blinking and eye closure by developing systems that can detect blinking in the normal eye and transmit the signal to the paralyzed eye using mechanisms that would stimulate the muscles to induce eyelid closure. Blink detection technology has been developed, and a study demonstrated that blinking can be stimulated using electrodes on the zygomatic branch of the facial nerve. Further studies are needed to develop a system that will automate blinking and synchronize it with that of the normal eye.

The Utility of the Paramedian Forehead Flap in Lower Eyelid Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Malignant cutaneous eyelid tumors account for approximately 10% of all cutaneous cancers. Like other cancerous skin lesions, treatment commonly involves excision with wide margins, requiring tissue reconstruction. The use of the paramedian forehead flap (PMFF) has been described for reconstruction of the medial and upper eyelid, but literature is lacking for its use in lower eyelid anterior lamella reconstruction. We present a case series of patients who underwent reconstruction of lower eyelid defects using the PMFF. CASE PRESENTATIONS: We present 2 patients who underwent reconstruction of lower eyelid defects using the PMFF surgical technique. The patients had previous history of lower lid repair with other reconstructive methods because of cancerous eyelid lesions. In addition, both received adjuvant radiation therapy, which led to development of ectropion. Postoperative signs, symptoms, and photographs were collected to monitor outcomes. MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOMES: Reconstructions were performed by the collaborative efforts of a facial plastic reconstructive surgeon and oculoplastic surgeon using a staged PMFF approach. Postoperatively, both patients had significant improvement in ophthalmologic symptoms, particularly ectropion and lagophthalmos. At their most recent follow-up visit, they were satisfied with their functional and aesthetic outcomes. CONCLUSION: The PMFF may be safely used to reconstruct defects of the lower eyelid anterior lamella. In this study, the PMFF has proven to be an excellent option for patients with complications after previous lower eyelid reconstructions or history of radiation therapy. Overall, the PMFF should be considered as part of the surgeon's reconstructive ladder when addressing lower eyelid defects.

Restoration of the Lateral Canthus and Stabilization of the Lower Eyelid After Failed Esthetic Lateral Canthoplasty.

BACKGROUND: An improper procedure of esthetic lateral canthoplasty can lead to lateral canthal deformity with other complications. To ensure proper canthal contour and eyelid function, the lateral canthus must be restored and the lower eyelid must be stabilized. METHODS: This was a retrospective study that included a group of consecutive patients who had failed esthetical lateral canthoplasty between 2020 and 2022. All patients underwent the modified lateral tarsal strip procedure to restore the normal anatomy of the lateral canthus and stabilize the lower eyelid. Clinical data (age, sex, laterality, follow-up, ocular symptoms, previous medical history, and lateral canthal deformity) were collected. Preoperative and postoperative photographs were analyzed for cosmetic outcomes. RESULTS: Among the 15 female patients, 25 eyelids were treated, including both eyes in 10 patients and only the left eye in 5 others. The mean age was 32.6 years. The mean follow-up was 13.34 months. All the patients had undergone esthetic lateral canthoplasty with other esthetic surgeries. Lateral canthus deformities include canthal webbing, rounding canthus, eyelid margin defect, remnant raw surface, mucosal exposure, lower eyelid retraction, sclera show, ectropion, symblepharon, and lagophthalmos. All the patients exhibited esthetically satisfactory results with improved ocular symptoms. In statistical analysis, horizontal palpebral aperture, vertical palpebral aperture, MRD2, and lateral canthus angle were statistically different pre to postprocedure (paired t test, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Restoration of the lateral canthus and stabilization of the lower eyelid using the modified lateral tarsal strip procedure showed good functional and cosmetic outcomes in patients who had failed lateral canthoplasty.

Efficacy of the Buried Temporary Suture Tarsorrhaphy: A Novel Technique.

PURPOSE: To describe a buried variation of the temporary suture tarsorrhaphy and determine its efficacy period. METHODS: This retrospective case review includes 11 patients needing corneal protection. Six patients had lagophthalmos from facial nerve palsy, 4 had cicatricial ectropion, and 1 had neurotrophic keratopathy. A total of 14 buried temporary suture tarsorrhaphies (BTSTs) were placed. The duration of the BTST was the main outcome. The corneal status before and throughout the BTST was monitored. The eyelids were examined for any undesired changes from the BTST. RESULTS: The mean duration of the BTST was 97.5 days, with a maximum of 273 days. Aside from one spontaneous dehiscence 5 days after placement, all BTSTs held until intentional removal. Five BTSTs were removed for a more definitive surgical procedure, 6 were removed after resolution of the initial indication, and 2 are still in place as the patient awaits surgery. All cases of keratopathy improved after BTST placement. There were no complications and no undesired eyelid changes. CONCLUSIONS: The BTST is a simple, fast, safe, and effective procedure that can be performed in the clinic or inpatient to immediately improve ocular surface coverage. As a minimally invasive procedure that can easily last several months, the BTST is an excellent option for patients who require more intense intervention than medical management alone. It can also securely bridge patients to a permanent solution such as lateral canthal resuspension.

The surgical management and outcomes of kissing nevi of the eyelids.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical characteristics, surgical technique, and outcomes in patients with kissing nevi who underwent surgical management in two tertiary referral centers. METHODS: Medical chart review was conducted for all patients who underwent surgical repair in Moorfields Eye Hospital and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Demographics, medical history, lesion characteristics, surgical intervention, and outcomes were collected. Main outcome measures were surgical interventions as well as functional and cosmetic outcomes. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were included. Mean age at presentation was 23.46 years (±19.35,4-61), and the mean number of surgeries per patients was 1.9 (±1.3,1-5). Initial procedure included incisional biopsy in three cases (23%) and complete excision and reconstruction in 10 cases (77%). Surgery involved the upper and lower anterior lamella in all cases, the upper posterior lamella in 4 patients (31%), and the lower posterior lamella in 2 patients (15%). Local flaps were utilized in 3 cases and grafts in 5 cases. Complications included: trichiasis (n = 2, 15%), lower eyelid ectropion (n = 2, 15%), mild ptosis (n = 1, 8%), and upper/lower punctal ectropion (n = 1, 8%). Twelve patients (92%) were satisfied with the final functional and cosmetic outcome. No recurrence or malignant transformation were observed in any patient. CONCLUSION: The surgical management of kissing nevi can be challenging, and commonly includes the use of local flaps or grafts, often requiring multiple interventions. The approach should be based on lesion size and location, proximity and involvement of key anatomical landmarks, as well as individual facial characteristics. Surgical management has a favorable functional and cosmetic outcome in the majority of patients.

Reconstruction techniques of the orbit after Brown class III maxillectomy: A systematic review.

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the surgical techniques used for orbital floor reconstruction after Brown class III maxillectomy for cancer. Three databases were searched from January 1990 to January 2022. Of the 614 studies identified, 20 were retained after eligibility assessment. The surgical techniques were classified into four groups: free bone flaps (A), alloplastic implants (B), bone grafts (C), and soft-tissue reconstructions (D). Ectropion and diplopia concerned 42.6% and 6.6% of the patients, respectively. Soft tissue reconstruction was more likely to cause ectropion (17/27), followed by the reconstruction techniques of group B (34/79), group C (26/70), and group A (1/7). Postoperative enophthalmos was identified in 18 patients (9.6%), mostly in group D (5/35), followed by groups B (8/68), A (3/33), and C (2/52). Free bone flaps and alloplastic implants represent good reconstructive options in terms of postoperative ocular parameters.

Etiologies, periocular manifestations and surgeries for congenital and childhood acquired facial nerve palsy.

AIM: To report periocular surgeries performed for patients with congenital and childhood acquired facial nerve palsy (FNP). METHODS: A retrospective case series of pediatric patients who presented with FNP over the last 34 years, was conducted at two tertiary eye hospitals in Riyadh. Data were collected from electronic charts, hospital records and external photos. Main outcome measures were visual acuity, lagophthalmos, eyelid abnormalities, Bell's phenomena, exposure keratopathy, and corneal scar; in these cases, periocular surgeries were required. RESULTS: Among the 90 recruited subjects; the mean age of onset was 4.8±5.4 years old (range, 0.01 to 17.76 years). Traumatic and congenital causes of FNP were the most common, representing over 80% of the cases. Seventy-one patients developed lagophthalmos, 26 with severe exposure that resulted in scarring. Thirty-six (40%) cases had associated strabismus. Lower lid retraction was the most common eyelid abnormality noted in 23 cases, followed by entropion in 16 and ectropion in 6 cases. Temporary tarsorrhaphy was performed in three patients (3.3%), while 18 patients (20%) needed permanent tarsorrhaphy. Gold weight implants were placed in 17 patients (18.9%). Lower lid retraction repair was performed in twelve patients (13.3%). Five patients (5.6%) underwent lower eyelid entropion repair, and three patients (3.3%) underwent lower eyelid ectropion repair. CONCLUSIONS: Lagophthalmos is the most common finding in children presenting with FNP and needs to be managed early to prevent permanent visual loss. Compared to adults, children may present with a different spectrum of eyelid abnormalities, with lower lid retraction and entropion being the most common eyelid malpositions.

The 'Invisible Lazy-T' Procedure for Correction of Medial Ectropion.

No accepted standard for the correction of medial ectropion has been established. The most critical part of the surgical treatment for medial ectropion is the tightening of both horizontal and vertical laxity. To correct this ectropion, we have applied a combination procedure which includes tightening of the conjunctiva and the eyelid retractors (posterior lamellae) and the lateral tarsal strip procedure. Our imitation of the 'Lazy-T', a surgical operation performed on the medial ectropion, is tentatively named 'Invisible Lazy-T'. It is a versatile technique with a less visible scar than alternative techniques because skin incision is made along the crease line of the 'the crow's feet'. Results suggest a satisfactory solution to this problem and with better outcomes than by other techniques. We propose this novel combination technique is the best strategy for the medial ectropion, and it does not require specialized surgical skill, so ectropion can be managed by craniofacial surgeons.

Implants and spacers for paralytic ectropion: Literature review and assessment of a thin-profile porous polyethylene implant.

Purpose: There is no ideal treatment paradigm for paralytic ectropion. This study evaluated lower eyelid spacers and the efficacy of a novel lower eyelid thin profile, bio-integratable, porous polyethylene. Methods: A retrospective review of 15 consecutive patients who underwent thin-profile porous polyethylene implantation and canthoplasty for paralytic ectropion was carried out. A comprehensive literature review of spacers for paralytic ectropion and retraction using the Pubmed database with search terms "[implant or graft or spacer] and [paralytic ectropion or paralytic retraction]," "graft and paralysis and ectropion," "implant and paralysis and ectropion," "graft and paralysis and retraction," and "implant and paralysis and retraction" was carried out. Results: The mean patient age was 69 years (range: 50-88). Lagophthalmos improved from a mean of 5.7 mm (SD = 3.3, range 3-14 mm) to 1.4 mm (SD = 1.1, range 0-3.5 mm), P < 0.0001. MRD 2 improved from a mean of 6.7 mm (SD = 2.3, range 2-12 mm) to 4.2 mm (SD = 0.9, range 3-6 mm), P = 0.0005. No patients needed additional lower eyelid surgery. There were no implant exposures at a mean follow-up of 7.6 months (SD = 7.9, range 0.7-21.6 months). Detailed literature review revealed that hard palate and ear cartilage are the most reported spacers, each with unique disadvantages. Conclusion: The thin-profile porous polyethylene implant is a useful addition to the management of symptomatic paralytic ectropion. Meaningful comparison of lower eyelid spacers is difficult because of variations in surgical technique, spacer size, and poorly reported outcome data. No spacer proves superior.

Bidirectional tightening of the anterior lamella for involutional lower eyelid entropion.

OBJECTIVE: Involutional entropion of the lower eyelid is commonly encountered in the elderly population. An ideal surgical method is supposed to address the underlying horizontal and vertical lower lid laxity simultaneously. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of bidirectional tightening of the anterior lamella to correct involutional lower lid entropion. METHODS: A prospective, noncomparative interventional case series was conducted from January 2017 to June 2021. Patients with involutional lower eyelid entropion received procedures combining lateral canthus-sparing orbicularis suspension with marginal rotating sutures to tighten the anterior lamella horizontally and vertically. The aesthetic appearance, postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients (56 eyelids) with a mean age of 73.1 ± 10.5 years were included. The mean follow-up period was 23.7 ± 17.1 months. All patients had immediate resolution of entropion and associated ocular symptoms. There were no recurrences or other major postoperative complications. Mild temporary ectropion was observed in 4 patients (4 eyelids) without the need for surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: The procedure of bidirectional anterior lamellar tightening restores the tension balance of eyelid margin. It provides a simple, successful, and less invasive option to treat involutional lower eyelid entropion.

Auricular Cartilage Graft for Lengthening Levator Muscle Aponeurosis With Ectropion Correction for Paralytic Lagophthalmos.

BACKGROUND: Paralytic lagophthalmos can have devastating consequences for vision if left untreated. Several surgical techniques have been described, including the utilization of alloplastic and autologous materials. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the surgical treatment of paralytic lagophthalmos with combined techniques employing autologous material and involving the upper and lower eyelids. METHODS: Patients with paralytic lagophthalmos underwent stretching of the levator aponeurosis with interposition of conchal cartilage in the upper eyelid associated with sectioning of the orbitomalar ligament and lateral canthoplasty in the lower eyelid. The effectiveness of the technique was evaluated employing subjective (symptomatology) and objective parameters (ophthalmologic evaluation and measurements of lagophthalmos and marginal reflex distances 1 and 2). RESULTS: Eight patients with paralytic lagophthalmos were subjected to the proposed technique. In the postoperative period, 85.7% reported complete improvement of symptoms and 62.5% presented a normal eye examination. The mean lagophthalmos measurement was reduced by 5.93 mm, the mean marginal reflex distance 2 was reduced by 2.61 mm, and the mean marginal reflex distance 1 was reduced by 0.69 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The technique presented herein, employing autologous material associated with sectioning of the orbitomalar ligament and lateral canthoplasty, was effective in the treatment of paralytic lagophthalmos and did not present significant complications, such as extrusion.