Mohs Micrographic Surgery With Immunohistochemistry for the Treatment of Periocular Melanoma In Situ.

PURPOSE: Mohs micrographic surgery with immunohistochemistry allows for same-day comprehensive margin assessment of melanoma in situ prior to subspecialty reconstruction. This study describes the oncologic and reconstructive outcomes of eyelid and periorbital melanoma in situ and identifies risk factors for complex reconstructive demands. METHODS: Retrospective case series of all patients treated with Mohs micrographic surgery with immunohistochemistry for melanoma in situ affecting the eyelids or periorbital region from 2008 to 2018 at a single institution. Tumors were assigned to the eyelid group if the clinically visible tumor involved the skin inside the orbital rim. Reconstructive variables were compared between the eyelid and periorbital cohorts. RESULTS: There were 24 eyelid and 141 periorbital tumors included. The initial surgical margin for all tumors was 5.34 ± 1.54 mm and multiple Mohs stages were required in 24.2% of cases. Eyelid tumors included more recurrences (p = 0.003), and the average defect size was larger (14.0 ± 13.3 cm2 vs. 7.7 ± 5.4 cm2, p = 0.03). Risk factors for complex reconstruction included: initial tumor diameter >2 cm (odds ratio [OR]: 3.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.95-7.57) and eyelid involved by initial tumor (OR: 4.88, 95% CI: 1.94-12.28). At an average follow-up of 4.8 years, there were no melanoma-related deaths and 1 local recurrence (0.6% recurrence rate). CONCLUSIONS: Mohs micrographic surgery with immunohistochemistry achieves excellent local control rates for periocular melanoma in situ. An initial surgical margin of 5 mm is frequently insufficient to achieve clear margins. The resulting defects are large, and the complexity of reconstruction can be predicted by tumor size and clinical involvement of eyelid skin.

Appropriateness of Ophthalmology Recommendations From an Online Chat-Based Artificial Intelligence Model.

Objective: To determine the appropriateness of ophthalmology recommendations from an online chat-based artificial intelligence model to ophthalmology questions. Patients and Methods: Cross-sectional qualitative study from April 1, 2023, to April 30, 2023. A total of 192 questions were generated spanning all ophthalmic subspecialties. Each question was posed to a large language model (LLM) 3 times. The responses were graded by appropriate subspecialists as appropriate, inappropriate, or unreliable in 2 grading contexts. The first grading context was if the information was presented on a patient information site. The second was an LLM-generated draft response to patient queries sent by the electronic medical record (EMR). Appropriate was defined as accurate and specific enough to serve as a surrogate for physician-approved information. Main outcome measure was percentage of appropriate responses per subspecialty. Results: For patient information site-related questions, the LLM provided an overall average of 79% appropriate responses. Variable rates of average appropriateness were observed across ophthalmic subspecialties for patient information site information ranging from 56% to 100%: cataract or refractive (92%), cornea (56%), glaucoma (72%), neuro-ophthalmology (67%), oculoplastic or orbital surgery (80%), ocular oncology (100%), pediatrics (89%), vitreoretinal diseases (86%), and uveitis (65%). For draft responses to patient questions via EMR, the LLM provided an overall average of 74% appropriate responses and varied by subspecialty: cataract or refractive (85%), cornea (54%), glaucoma (77%), neuro-ophthalmology (63%), oculoplastic or orbital surgery (62%), ocular oncology (90%), pediatrics (94%), vitreoretinal diseases (88%), and uveitis (55%). Stratifying grades across health information categories (disease and condition, risk and prevention, surgery-related, and treatment and management) showed notable but insignificant variations, with disease and condition often rated highest (72% and 69%) for appropriateness and surgery-related (55% and 51%) lowest, in both contexts. Conclusion: This LLM reported mostly appropriate responses across multiple ophthalmology subspecialties in the context of both patient information sites and EMR-related responses to patient questions. Current LLM offerings require optimization and improvement before widespread clinical use.

Effect of Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS) on Eyelid Anatomic Features.

Facial feminization surgery (FFS) improves gender dysphoria. The brows and eyes are crucial in perceived gender, yet brow and eyelid surgeries are relatively underutilized. This study aimed to determine rates of brow and eyelid surgeries as part of FFS and characterize pre- and postoperative periocular features. We conducted a retrospective review to identify all patients with the diagnosis of gender dysphoria who underwent FFS at a single academic institution from 2019 to 2022. Thirty-four patients comprising 38 surgical cases were included. Twelve (35%) eyelid surgeries and 27 (79%) brow lifts were performed. Baseline eyelid measurements did not differ between brow lift and nonbrow lift cases. Those undergoing brow lift and eyelid surgery were older in age (p = 0.022), had a higher rate of negative canthal tilt (p = 0.050), and smaller baseline margin-reflex distance 1 (p = 0.014) than patients who had brow lift alone. Brow lift increased tarsal platform show (p ≤ 0.001) and lash-to-brow distance (p ≤ 0.001), and upper blepharoplasty increased tarsal platform show (p = 0.01). Rates of brow lift are high at our institution, and patients are appropriately selected for eyelid surgery in FFS. Brow lift and upper blepharoplasty can feminize anatomical features when using standards described for cisgender cohorts. The impact of periocular features on gender perception in transgender patients warrants further study.

Eyelid and Brow Rejuvenation: Technical Pearls and Outcomes of Upper Blepharoplasty with or without Ptosis Correction and Browlift.

BACKGROUND: Eyelid ptosis may present with upper lid dermatochalasis and brow ptosis. When indicated, ptosis correction (PC) is advocated during upper blepharoplasty (UB). Here, we aimed to report our outcomes following UB and PC. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients that underwent UB from November 2018 to March 2020 was performed. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and revisions were recorded. Cox regression was performed to assess predictors of revision. RESULTS: Overall, 278 patients with 533 UB were included. Mean age was 67.3 years. Mean follow-up was 8.3 months. In 169 (31.7%) cases, a browlift was performed. UB and PC were performed in 109 (20.5%) cases, of which 60 (55%) involved Müller's muscle conjunctival resection, and 49 (45%) were levator repairs. New dry eye symptoms lasting ≥3 months occurred in 4 (0.8%) cases, all of which resolved. Revision rate was 3.8% after UB (residual skin [n=11], hypertrophic scar [n=4], Herring's law-related ptosis [n=1]); versus 9.2% after UB and PC (overcorrection [n=4], residual skin [n=4], asymmetry [n=2]). Multivariable analysis demonstrated increased revision rates after UB and PC (p-value=0.008). There was no difference in revision rates between different techniques of PC. CONCLUSIONS: In our study of 278 patients presenting for dermatochalasis, up to 21% of cases required ptosis correction in addition to upper blepharoplasty. Ptosis correction is a safe procedure when combined with upper blepharoplasty, regardless of technique used. The revision rate in our series was 9.2% after the combined procedure, which is greater than the revision rate of upper blepharoplasty only, however, comparable to the literature.

Telemedicine in Oculoplastic Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Single Center Experience.

Purpose: To investigate patterns in oculoplastic surgery telemedicine visits at our institution during the pandemic period. Methods: Retrospective chart review of all patients who had a virtual consultation with the oculoplastic surgery service at Mayo Clinic Rochester between March 1, 2020, and March 1, 2021. Results: There were a total of 148 patients. Mean age was 65 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 62-68). The mean driving distance to the medical center was 468 kilometers (95% CI: 352-586) and 15 (10%) patients came from states with no practicing American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) members. Out of the 205 virtual visits, 35 (17%) were new, 45 (22%) were return, and 125 (61%) were postoperative. Conversion rate to surgery was 60%. A comparison between type of virtual visits (new vs. return vs. postoperative) revealed that a diagnosis of eyelid malposition was most frequent in postoperative visits (p = < 0.001), skin malignancy was most frequent in new visits (p = 0.009), and orbital tumors (p = 0.018) and thyroid eye disease (p = < 0.001) were most frequent in return visits. Most virtual encounters had supportive media attached including external photographs in 127 (62%) visits and other imaging or testing in 18 (9%) visits. The average virtual visit lasted 18 min (95% CI: 14-22) with technical difficulties noted in 9 (4%) visits. Unanticipated conversion to in-person visits was noted in three (1%) cases. Conclusions: A wide range of oculoplastic surgery conditions was managed virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilization of initial virtual visit versus follow-up care varied by diagnosis. Virtual visits may improve access to oculoplastic subspecialty care for patients from underserved areas.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Associated With Increased Failure Rate of Ptosis Repair.

PURPOSE: This study investigates how Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects the outcomes of ptosis repair. We hypothesized that patients with OSA have an increased rate of reoperation after ptosis repair. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients age >18 from the Mayo Clinic who underwent ptosis repair by levator advancement or Müller muscle-conjunctiva resection between 2018 and 2021. Outcomes were measured at 1 to 3 months of follow-up with surgical failure defined as asymmetry or unsatisfactory eyelid height requiring revision surgery within 1 year. RESULTS: A total of 577 patients met the inclusion criteria. There was a statistically significant difference in surgical failure between patients with OSA and those without (20.5% vs. 13.1%, p = 0.02). Patients with OSA showed a statistically significant difference in risk of revision by a factor of 1.70 (95% CI: 1.06-2.07). Revisions were attributed to unsatisfactory eyelid height in 72.6% of patients and eyelid asymmetry in 21.1%. All patients who had revision surgery had satisfactory outcomes. On logistic regression analysis, when adjusting for age and sex, OSA was significantly associated with ptosis revision ( p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: OSA increases risk of surgical failure and need for revision surgery in patients undergoing blepharoptosis repair but is not a sole risk factor.

Surgical Anatomy of the Microscopic and Endoscopic Transorbital Approach to the Middle Fossa and Cavernous Sinus: Anatomo-Radiological Study with Clinical Applications.

BACKGROUND: The transorbital approaches (TOAs) have acquired growing notoriety, thanks to their ability to offer alternative corridors to the skull base. However, the limited access and the unfamiliarity with this surgical perspective make recognition of key landmarks difficult, especially for less experienced surgeons. The study wants to offer a detailed description of the anatomy to comprehend the potential and limitations of TOAs. METHODS: Measurements of the orbit region and the surrounding areas were performed on two hundred high-resolution CT scans and thirty-nine dry skulls. Five specimens were dissected to illustrate the TOA, and one was used to perform the extradural clinoidectomy. Three clinical cases highlighted the surgical applications. RESULTS: A step-by-step description of the key steps of the TOA was proposed and a comparison with the transcranial anterior clinoidectomy was discussed. The mean work distance was 6.1 ± 0.4 cm, and the lateral working angle increased 20 ± 5.4° after removing the lateral orbital rim. CONCLUSIONS: TOAs are indicated in selected cases when tumor involves the lateral portion of the cavernous sinus or the middle skull base, obtaining a direct decompression of the optic nerve and avoiding excessive manipulation of the neurovascular structures. Comprehension of surgical anatomy of the orbit and its surrounding structures is essential to safely perform these approaches.

Predictors of Surgical Versus Medical Management of Eyes in the Setting of Orbital Fracture at an Academic Level I Trauma Center.

We present clinical and imaging predictors of ocular injuries that required medical management versus surgical intervention in cases of orbital fractures. From 2014 to 2020, a retrospective review of patients with orbital fractures who received ophthalmologic consultation and computed scan (CT) analysis at a level I trauma center was performed. Inclusion criteria were patients with confirmed orbital fracture on CT and ophthalmology consultation. Patient demographics, associated injuries, comorbidities, management, and outcomes were collected. Two hundred and one patients and 224 eyes (11.4% bilateral orbital fractures) were included. Overall, 21.9% of orbital fractures presented with a significant concomitant ocular injury. Associated facial fractures were present in 68.8% of eyes. Management included surgical treatment in 33.5% of eyes and ophthalmology-directed medical treatment in 17.4%. On multivariate analysis, clinical predictors of surgical intervention were retinal hemorrhage (OR=4.7 (1.0-21.0), P =0.0437), motor vehicle accident injury (OR=2.7 (1.4-5.1), P =0.0030) and diplopia (OR=2.8 (1.5-5.3), P =0.0011). Imaging predictors of surgical intervention were herniation of orbital contents (OR=2.1 (1.1-4.0), P =0.0281) and multiple wall fractures (OR=1.9 (1.01-3.6), P =0.0450). Predictors of medical management were corneal abrasion (OR=7.7 (1.9-31.4), P =0.0041), periorbital laceration (OR=5.7 (2.1-15.6), P =0.0006), and traumatic iritis (OR=4.7 (1.1-20.3), P =0.0444). We demonstrated a 22% incidence of concomitant ocular trauma in orbital fracture patients at our level I trauma center. Predictors of the surgical intervention included multiple wall fractures, herniation of orbital contents, retinal hemorrhage, diplopia, and motor vehicle accident injury. These findings emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary team in managing ocular and facial trauma.

Alemtuzumab-Induced Thyroid Eye Disease: A Comprehensive Case Series and Review of the Literature.

PURPOSE: To present 5 cases of alemtuzumab-induced thyroid eye disease (AI-TED) and review the literature to highlight the natural history, severity, and outcomes as compared with conventional thyroid eye disease (TED). METHODS: A multi-institutional retrospective case series of patients with AI-TED was compiled. Chart review evaluated for clinical characteristics, imaging findings, and treatment for AI-TED. Additionally, a comprehensive review of the literature identified all previously published cases of AI-TED. RESULTS: Five new patients with AI-TED were included in this series. The average clinical activity score on presentation was 2.8 (range 1-4) and reached an average peak of 5.0 during the active phase of the disease (4-7). Patients were treated medically with selenium (40%) or monoclonal antibodies including teprotumumab or tocilizumab (40%). Surgical treatment with orbital decompression for compressive optic neuropathy was performed on 2 (40%) patients. Combined with 11 previously reported cases, these 16 patients with AI-TED had an average clinical activity score on presentation of 3.3. The average length of the AI-TED phase was 14.0 months, and all patients were treated with medical and/or surgical interventions for their disease. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and imaging findings in AI-TED mirror that of conventional TED, however, AI-TED may present with greater severity. AI-TED may develop many months after Graves' disease; therefore, providers should be aware of this association and monitor patients for the development of severe TED.

Risk Factors for Canalicular Injury After Mohs Micrographic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of literature describing risk factors for canalicular injury (CI) during periocular Mohs micrographic surgery (Mohs). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine factors associated with CI after Mohs. This information may inform patient counseling and surgical planning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control study compared subjects with canalicular injury after Mohs with subjects requiring ophthalmologic Mohs repair without canalicular injury. All subjects who had CI after Mohs were included in the control group. CI from other causes were excluded. RESULTS: Basal cell carcinoma was the most common etiologic tumor (p < .00001). Canalicular injury was associated with infiltrative, morpheaform, and/or micronodular-type basal cell carcinoma. Initial tumor location involving the medial canthus was not statistically different between cases and controls (32% vs 17%, p = .22). Having a final defect involving the medial canthus region was more likely in cases versus controls (55% vs 26%, p = .01952). CONCLUSION: Although most final defects involved the medial canthal region, a substantial number of tumors resulting in CI did not initially seem to involve the medial canthus. Surgeons cannot rely simply on anatomical location when assessing risk for CI, and anticipation of need for canalicular reconstruction is challenging.

Telemedicine for Preoperative Evaluation of Upper Eyelid Malposition: Reliability of Diagnosis and Surgical Plan.

PURPOSE: Outpatient visits and surgeries for nonurgent indications in ophthalmology have intermittently been restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine services have rapidly gained acceptance during this period, and could improve patient access for routine oculoplastic evaluations in the future. The objective of this study is to investigate interobserver and intraobserver reliability of eyelid and brow position assessment and surgical plan when comparing photography-based and face-to-face evaluation. METHODS: This was an observational study conducted at a single academic center. Thirty randomly selected patients who had completed an in-office evaluation for chief complaint of "drooping eyelids" between June 2019 and March 2020 were included. Virtual assessment of brow position, dermatochalasis, blepharoptosis, and margin-reflex distance 1 was performed by 2 oculoplastic surgeons based on external photographs, and a surgical plan was formulated. Fraction of agreement and Cohen's κ were determined to evaluate reliability of the virtual assessment compared to face-to-face examination. RESULTS: For 60 eyes from 30 study subjects, diagnostic reliability for observer A was near perfect for brow ptosis, substantial for blepharoptosis and moderate for dermatochalasis (κ = 0.86, 0.67, and 0.57, respectively); for observer B, reliability was moderate for brow and blepharoptosis and substantial for dermatochalasis (0.47, 0.59, and 0.79). Fraction of agreement for blepharoptosis was 94% in eyes where the eyelid margin was visible, and 66% in eyes where the eyelid margin was obscured by overhanging skin. Virtual margin-reflex distance 1 measurements were highly correlated with those obtained face to face (r = 0.77, p < 0.01). Fraction of agreement for surgical plan after virtual examination by observer A/B, respectively, was 100%/94% for brow lift, 90%/87% for blepharoptosis repair and 83%/83% for functional upper blepharoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual evaluation of upper eyelid and brow malposition can be performed with acceptable reliability. Co-existing dermatochalasis or brow ptosis may require special photographic technique or video examination to ensure an appropriate diagnosis. A photography-based preliminary surgical plan offers a viable alternative to face-to-face encounters.

Orbital Cyst with Ependymal Differentiation Associated with Microphthalmia.

BackgroundOrbital cysts associated with microphthalmia are colobomatous lesions that typically present unilaterally and posterior to the globe. Case Report: A male infant had an orbital cyst associated with microphthalmia located anterior to the globe composed of a neuroglial wall, ependymal-like epithelial lining, with synaptophysin-positive cells resembling the retinal neuronal layer. Conclusion: This orbital cyst may represent a malformation of the eye rather than an encephalocele.

Efficacy and safety of blepharoptosis repair after incisional glaucoma surgery.

PURPOSE: There is an increased risk for development of blepharoptosis after incisional glaucoma surgery. Data on safety and efficacy of ptosis repair in this group of patients in limited. The goal of this study is to evaluate outcomes and identify potential risk factors for failure of ptosis repair in eyes with history of incisional glaucoma surgery. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients who underwent incisional glaucoma surgery, specifically trabeculectomy or implantation of glaucoma drainage device (GDD), and subsequent ptosis repair at a single institution from 2009 to 2019. Ptosis surgery outcomes were compared to a control group who underwent ptosis repair after cataract surgery. RESULTS: Seventy-eight eyes of 64 patients were included in the glaucoma surgery group. The rate of severe ptosis (margin reflex distance 1 ⩽ 0 mm) among glaucoma surgery patients was higher compared to control (35 of 78 (44.9%) vs 23 of 82 (28.6%). Ptosis repair was successful in 59 of 78 eyes (75.6%), which was similar to control. Risk for revision surgery was increased more than five-fold in the GDD group compared to control. There were no cases of early or late bleb-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Ptosis repair can be performed safely in patients after incisional glaucoma surgery. Müller muscle conjunctival resection and external levator advancement are equally effective. Patients with history of GDD should be advised about the potentially increased risk of need for revision surgery.

Decline in Medicare Utilization and Reimbursement Rates in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: 2010-2019.

BACKGROUND: Analysis of current and past reimbursement patterns for federally funded programs is crucial to develop sustainable future payment models. METHODS: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Physician Fee Schedule was used to evaluate 26 common ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery (OPRS) procedures. From 2010 to 2019, compound annual growth rate, total percent change, and annual percent change were calculated using inflation-adjusted reimbursement rates. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary was used to assess the surgical volume of the 26 procedures in ophthalmology and plastic surgery services. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2019, total billed surgical procedures in OPRS decreased by 57.0%, affecting both ophthalmologists (-54.3%) and plastic surgeons (-80.1%). Over the study period, inflation-adjusted reimbursement rates decreased by 5.6%. Compound annual growth rate was -0.66%, and annual percent change was -0.62%. From 2010 to 2013, reimbursement rates increased by 1.8% each year. In contrast, from 2013 to 2019, reimbursement rates decreased by 1.7% each year (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: From 2010 to 2019, Medicare utilization has substantially declined for OPRS procedures. Inflation-adjusted Medicare reimbursement rates have decreased for the majority of common procedures since 2013. Surgeons and policymakers need to be aware of these trends to ensure future availability of subspecialty surgical services.

Esthesioneuroblastoma Presenting With Orbital Hypertelorism and Foster-Kennedy Syndrome.

ABSTRACT: Esthesioneuroblastoma is a rare neoplasm originating from the olfactory neuroepithelium at the cribriform plate. The superior nasal cavity is primarily affected. Morbidity and mortality are related to locally destructive growth as well as metastatic potential. Orbital involvement is associated with decreased survival. The authors describe a case of advanced esthesioneuroblastoma with bilateral orbital involvement, presenting with a rare constellation of orbital hypertelorism and Foster-Kennedy Syndrome.

Delayed periorbital hemorrhage in oculoplastic surgery patients on oral anticoagulants.

Periorbital hemorrhage is a potentially sight threatening surgical complication. The effect of new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) on hemorrhagic events after periorbital surgery has not been investigated. We describe four cases of severe delayed postoperative hemorrhage associated with NOACs, in addition to three cases in patients on traditional antithrombotic agents. Time of delayed hemorrhage ranged from postoperative day 2 to 6. Six patients required surgical intervention to achieve control of bleeding, and two patients required transfusion of blood products. Risk factors and management of this rare complication are discussed.

Management of graves myopathy: Thyroid-associated orbitopathy: when should we operate?

Thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) is an autoimmune disorder that affects multiple periocular tissues. In TAO, an active immunologic inflammatory phase is typically followed by a cicatrizing recovery phase. Management in the inflammatory phase is supportive, and surgical rehabilitation should generally be deferred until the patient is stable. We review current treatment concepts, with a focus on the timing and sequence of surgical procedures to address proptosis, motility restriction, and eyelid malposition in patients with TAO. A stepwise surgical approach maximizes the predictability of surgical outcomes and minimizes reoperations.

Tocilizumab as a steroid sparing agent for the treatment of Graves' orbitopathy.

PURPOSE: To describe the effect of tocilizumab in two patients with thyroid associated orbitopathy (TAO). OBSERVATIONS: We present two patients with TAO who could not tolerate corticosteroids and had a reduction in clinical and laboratory markers of inflammatory activity with subsequent tocilizumab therapy. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: The IL-6 receptor antibody tocilizumab is a promising candidate for the treatment of TAO because it selectively targets a key inflammatory mediator and has a favorable side effect profile. Our report demonstrates that tocilizumab can achieve further reduction in inflammatory activity after treatment with corticosteroids. Importantly, we and others have observed a decrease in the level of thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) with tocilizumab treatment. This suggests an upstream effect in the inflammatory cascade. Although the impact of tocilizumab on long-term outcome is unknown at this time, we believe that early disruption of the inflammatory process may prevent late complications and decrease the need for rehabilitative surgery.