Frequency and Patterns of Hearing Dysfunction in Patients Treated with Teprotumumab.

PURPOSE: To better characterize the frequency and patterns of hearing dysfunction in patients who have received teprotumumab to treat thyroid eye disease. DESIGN: Noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Patients who underwent audiology testing before and after completion of teprotumumab infusions. METHODS: A review of patients who underwent audiology testing before and after completion of teprotumumab infusions was carried out. Additional audiogram testing during treatment was included when available. Hearing function was analyzed using audiogram data measuring threshold hearing levels at specific frequencies. Basic demographic data as well as information regarding otologic symptoms also were obtained and analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hearing loss demonstrated by a significant change in decibel hearing thresholds or that meets criteria for ototoxicity. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (44 ears) were included in the study, with baseline and most recent audiology testing after treatment ranging from 84 days before to 496 days after treatment. Fifteen patients (30 ears) also underwent testing during treatment starting after the second infusion up until the day of, but before, the eighth infusion. Hearing loss after treatment met criteria for ototoxicity in 17 of the 44 ears (38.6%), with 11 of the 22 patients (50.0%) meeting criteria in at least 1 ear. The pure-tone average decibel hearing levels (HLs) across all 44 ears demonstrated hearing loss after treatment (P = 0.0029), specifically at high (P = 0.0008) and middle frequencies (P = 0.0042), but not at low frequencies (P = 0.8344). Patients who were older also were more likely to experience hearing loss after treatment (P = 0.0048). CONCLUSIONS: Audiometric data demonstrate that teprotumumab influences hearing function, most significantly at higher frequencies and in older patients. Audiometric testing is critical for counseling patients regarding teprotumumab treatment. A protocol for monitoring hearing during treatment is needed to detect and manage hearing changes associated with teprotumumab use. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Quantitative Assessment of Subjective Symptoms and Corneal Sensitivity in Chronic Orbital Pain Patients.

PURPOSE: To objectively evaluate the subjective symptoms and characteristics of chronic orbital pain as well as to quantify sensitization of peripheral trigeminal nerves. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, patients who previously showed a response to peripheral trigeminal nerve blocks for unilateral, idiopathic chronic orbital pain and healthy subjects completed validated questionnaires assessing headaches, neuropathic signs and symptoms, photophobia, and pain qualities. Corneal sensitivity was measured in both eyes for all subjects with a Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer. For pain patients, the full assessment protocol was repeated 2-4 weeks after the study injection, and corneal sensitivity was also measured 30 minutes postinjection. Outcomes assessed were headache, neuropathic pain, and photophobia scores; pain qualities; and corneal sensitivity. RESULTS: Six female chronic orbital pain patients (mean age 48.2 years) and 11 female controls (mean age 47.5) were included. The mean headache, neuropathic pain, and photophobia questionnaire scores were significantly higher for pain patients than for controls (p < 0.001). On sensory testing, 5 pain patients (83.3%) endorsed allodynia, and all 6 (100%) had hyperalgesia in the ipsilateral frontal nerve dermatome. No controls had allodynia or hyperalgesia. Corneal sensitivity was similar between eyes in pain patients and between groups. Questionnaire scores and corneal sensitivity did not change significantly after the injection. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic orbital pain patients have a measurable reduction in quality of life due to headaches and photophobia. The supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves are sensitized, resulting in cutaneous hypersensitivity in the corresponding dermatome, but corneal nerves have normal sensitivity.

Valsalva-associated orbital compartment syndrome in the setting of frontoethmoidal mucocele and orbital cellulitis.

Valsalva-associated orbital compartment syndrome in the setting of orbital cellulitis, mucocele, or subperiosteal abscess has not been previously reported. A previously healthy girl presented with orbital cellulitis complicated by a subperiosteal abscess and frontoethmoidal mucocele. On the day of her planned orbitotomy and endoscopic sinus surgery, she developed a Valsalva-associated retrobulbar hemorrhage and elevated intraocular pressure after crying during a blood glucose fingerstick. An urgent canthotomy and cantholysis in addition to the planned endoscopic sinus procedure was performed. She did well post-operatively with normal vision at follow-up. Based on these experiences, there should be a consideration to implement heightened vigilance to prevent or minimize Valsalva maneuvers in orbital cellulitis patients with subperiosteal abscesses or mucoceles extending into the orbit. While it remains unclear whether and to what degree these patients may be at an increased risk of developing retrobulbar hemorrhage leading to orbital compartment syndrome, we hope that this novel report aids in providing another consideration with the goal of preventing vision loss.

Echographic characterization of extraocular muscles in pediatric patients with thyroid dysfunction.

PURPOSE: To characterize the size of extraocular muscles (EOMs) in a pediatric population with thyroid dysfunction using orbital echography. METHODS: Patients under age 18 with thyroid dysfunction who presented to an academic ophthalmology department from 2009 to 2020 and received orbital echography were included in this IRB-approved retrospective study. Data collected included age, clinical activity score (CAS), thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI), and extraocular recti muscle thickness on echography. Patients were organized into three age cohorts, after which statistical analysis compared recti measurements to previously reported normal ranges. RESULTS: Twenty patients with thyroid dysfunction were included. When comparing average recti muscle thicknesses of study patients to those of previously published normal children in similar age ranges, the levator-superior rectus complex was significantly increased in all age groups of children with thyroid dysfunction (p-values = <.004), and the levator-superior rectus complex was most frequently enlarged compared to published normal values (78% of eyes). CAS was not correlated with EOM size in the youngest group (5-10 years old, p-values >.315) but was significantly correlated in older groups (11-17 years old, p-values <.027). TSI was not correlated with EOM size in any group (p-values >.206). CONCLUSIONS: Echographic reference ranges for EOMs in children with thyroid dysfunction were established. There are increased rates of levator-superior rectus complex enlargement in children with TED compared to adults with TED, and EOM size is correlated with CAS in children older than 10 years. Though limited, these findings may serve as an additional tool for ophthalmologists to ascertain disease activity in pediatric patients with thyroid dysfunction.

Elevated Intraocular Pressure in Periorbital Sweet's Syndrome.

A 66-year-old immunocompromised man presented with cellulitis around the left eye that was initially concerning for necrotizing fasciitis. Exam findings were remarkable for exquisite periocular tenderness with rigid, immobile eyelids resulting from severe erythema, edema, and induration. Given the concern for orbital compartment syndrome and a necrotizing infection, the patient was taken urgently to the operating room for debridement of the eyelid skin as well as an urgent lateral canthotomy and cantholysis. His eye exam revealed 360° of hemorrhagic chemosis, no relative afferent pupillary defect, and an ipsilateral elevated intraocular pressure of 35 mm Hg. No visual acuity measurement could be obtained secondary to the patient's altered mental status. His intraocular pressure normalized after treatment with antihypertensive drops and further extension of the canthotomy. Histopathological analysis showed extensive neutrophilic infiltrate of the dermis which was compatible with a diagnosis of Sweet's syndrome.

Peripheral Trigeminal Nerve Blocks for Chronic Orbital Pain: Clinical Features and Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To characterize chronic orbital pain in patients who benefitted from peripheral trigeminal nerve blocks and to explore the relationship between pain etiologies and phenotypes, injection attributes, and positive response to treatment. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective descriptive study, patients who underwent peripheral trigeminal nerve blocks for chronic orbital pain from November 2016 to May 2021 were selected. Data reviewed included inciting factors, neuropathic symptoms of orbital pain, injection composition (anesthetic alone versus anesthetic + dexamethasone), and corneal epitheliopathy grades. Primary outcomes assessed were response to injection, duration of injection effectiveness, and overall treatment efficacy. Associations between subgroups of chronic orbital pain, injection attributes, and treatment outcomes were examined. RESULTS: Nineteen patients who underwent a total of 94 peripheral trigeminal nerve blocks for chronic orbital pain were included. During a mean follow-up period of 2.4 years after initial injection (range 7 days-4.6 years), 16 (84.2%) patients achieved either partial or complete improvement. Ocular versus nonocular origin of orbital pain or the presence of neuropathic sensory characteristics was not associated with a treatment outcome. Injections containing dexamethasone had a lower positive efficacy (relative risk, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.81-0.97) and no statistically significant association with prolonged effect. Twenty-nine (50.9%) of the 57 injections for which effect duration was recorded produced a response lasting greater than 6 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Modulation of trigeminal afferent nerve activity with peripheral trigeminal nerve blocks containing anesthetic with or without dexamethasone may be a promising treatment strategy for chronic orbital pain of diverse etiologies and phenotypes.

The Effect of Sleep Position Preference on Eyelid and Eyebrow Symmetry.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between sleep position preference and eyebrow and eyelid position and degree of upper eyelid dermatochalasis. METHODS: A prospective study evaluating the impact of sleep position on facial asymmetry was conducted at an academic ophthalmology department. Eligibility criteria included the absence of periocular-altering trauma or surgery, contact lens use, or other periorbital disease processes. Patients reported their sleep position preference on a questionnaire. Standardized digital photographs of patients were obtained, and Image J software was used for measurements and converted into millimeters based on a standard corneal limbus-to-limbus ratio. Upper and lower eyelid position, upper eyelid dermatochalasis, and eyebrow position were assessed by the following image-derived measurements: marginal reflex distance 1 (iMRD1), marginal reflex distance 2 (iMRD2), tarsal platform show (iTPS), and central brow position (iBP). These results were compared with the patient reported sleep position preference to determine correlation. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients were enrolled and reported the following sleep position preferences: 28 (right), 24 (left), 13 (both), and 6 (supine). Patients with a right- or left-sided preference demonstrated lower iMRD1 measurements for the preferred sleep side (p < 0.0004) with no other significant difference in periorbital measurements. A larger degree of upper eyelid height (iMRD1) asymmetry was observed among patients with a sleep side preference. CONCLUSION: Patients with a predominant sleep side preference demonstrate a significant increase in ipsilateral upper eyelid asymmetry and an inferior upper eyelid position on the sleep side. There were no differences noted in lower eyelid position, central eyebrow position, or amount of upper eyelid dermatochalasis.

Echographic Assessment of Extraocular Muscle Response to Teprotumumab.

PURPOSE: To evaluate extraocular muscle response to teprotumumab using orbital echography in thyroid eye disease. METHODS: This retrospective study included adult thyroid eye disease patients with pre- and post-teprotumumab orbital echography. Data collected included: age, Hertel measurements, clinical activity score, Gorman diplopia scores, ocular motility, and recti muscle diameters measured by echography. The patient's more proptotic eye before treatment initiation was designated as the study orbit. Ocular motility was assessed by totaling the ductions in all 4 cardinal directions. Orbital echography was obtained pre- and post-treatment to assess response of extraocular muscle diameters. RESULTS: Six patients with a mean age of 67 years were included. There was a mean improvement in proptosis of 4.3 mm in the study eye with 11/12 orbits showing improvement in globe position ( p < 0.05). All patients had a decrease in clinical activity score with a mean reduction of 2.5. Four patients had an improvement in Gorman diplopia score. Ocular motility in the study orbits improved by a total mean of 26.9° ( p < 0.05). Mean total extraocular muscle diameter was reduced from 27.4 to 23.4 mm ( p < 0.001). On average, superior recti were largest pre- and post-treatment, followed by inferior, medial, then lateral recti. However, inferior recti showed the greatest reduction of 23% ( p < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Orbital echography demonstrated extraocular muscle reduction in all patients after teprotumumab, correlating with improved clinical activity score, ocular motility, and proptosis. Orbital echography is a safe and cost-effective imaging alternative to monitor therapeutic response to teprotumumab.

Scleral Contact Lens as Initial Management in a Neonate With a Large Upper Eyelid Coloboma.

A neonate presented with a large full-thickness upper eyelid coloboma with near-complete exposure of the cornea. After failing lubrication and a moisture chamber, he was fit with a customized scleral contact lens that protected the ocular surface. It was tolerated well, and ocular surface health was maintained for 13 months to permit the growth of eyelid tissue for future oculoplastic surgery. Delaying reconstruction by using scleral contact lenses as management for large eyelid colobomas has not been previously described. A temporizing measure such as this could be considered for large eyelid colobomas in neonates.

Association of Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index With Orbital Fungal Disease Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (age-CCI) in sino-orbital fungal disease patients correlates with disease-specific mortality. METHODS: Hospital billing systems at 2 academic institutions were queried for patients with ICD-9, ICD-10, and CPT codes used in fungal disease who also had orbital disease and significant visual loss. Thirty-two patients at Institution A and 18 patients at Institution B met the inclusion criteria of microbiologic or pathologic confirmation of fungal infection and completion of inpatient ophthalmology evaluation. Patients without radiographic abnormality in the sinus or orbit were excluded. Demographic, diagnostic, treatment, and outcome variables were recorded. Our primary outcome was death due to fungal disease. RESULTS: Of the 50 medical records examined, 44 patients met the criteria for fungal-related death outcome on multivariate analysis. The regression coefficient for age-CCI and fungal-related mortality was 0.242 (95% CI, 0.012-0.779) with a p value of 0.038. CONCLUSIONS: Age-CCI is significantly associated with fungal-related mortality. This relationship remains significant when controlling for 5 covariates of fungal organism phylum, presence or absence of CNS disease, exenteration, local treatment use, and presence or absence of an immunosuppressive diagnosis. Age-CCI shows promise as a clinical and research tool in the evaluation of invasive fungal disease involving the orbit.

A direct transcutaneous approach to infraorbital nerve biopsy.

PURPOSE: To describe a novel transcutaneous infraorbital nerve biopsy technique which can be performed to aid in the diagnosis of perineural invasion (PNI) of facial cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). METHODS: A single-center retrospective chart review was performed. Patients diagnosed with SCC with PNI via an infraorbital nerve biopsy between February 2019 and February 2020 were included. Data collected consisted of patient demographics, medical history, clinical presentation and exam, histologic and radiographic findings, treatment, and outcomes. RESULTS: Four patients (3 male, 1 female) met inclusion criteria. The mean age at diagnosis was 79.5 years (range 66-85 years). Three of the four patients had a history of facial skin lesions, including actinic keratosis and SCC, involving the nose, cheek, or ear. One patient had no history of cutaneous malignancy. All patients presented with cranial neuropathies, including total V2 hypoesthesia. The most common presenting symptom was facial pain, followed by diplopia, unilateral facial weakness, and hypoesthesia in the V1 and/or V2 distribution. Transcutaneous infraorbital nerve biopsy in all patients revealed squamous cell carcinoma with no biopsy complications. CONCLUSION: Definitive diagnosis of PNI can be challenging but is important to minimize tumor-related morbidity. Infraorbital nerve biopsy can establish this diagnosis, especially in the context of negative or indeterminate imaging findings. This work comprises the first description of a transcutaneous approach to infraorbital nerve biopsy, which is a minimally invasive technique that can be performed in an outpatient procedure suite with limited to no sedation.

The Effect of Photographic Visual Aids in Preoperative Patient Counseling in Oculoplastic Surgery.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of visual supplementation and its mode of delivery in preoperative counseling of patients undergoing oculoplastic surgery. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial of consecutive patients undergoing oculoplastic eyebrow and eyelid surgery was conducted. Patients were randomized to an "oral only" group receiving routine preoperative oral counseling or an "oral and visual" group receiving identical counseling visually supplemented with photographs demonstrating common postoperative physical findings. Patients in the "oral and visual" group were further randomized to receive education from the medical team in person versus prerecorded video. Patient emotions and expectations regarding postoperative healing were assessed preoperatively and at 1 week and 2 months postoperatively. RESULTS: 103 patients were included: 32 received in-person oral education, 33 received in-person oral education with photographs, and 38 received education with photographs via video. There were no significant differences in demographics or preoperative patient fear, anxiety, or preparedness. The "oral and visual" group expected more severe postsurgical discomfort and physical findings at postoperative day 1 and week 1. There were no significant differences between groups in surgery signup, cancellation, or triage call rates; patient expectations of postoperative months 2 and 4; or in anxiety, preparedness, or satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Visual supplementation in preoperative counseling increases patient expectations of postoperative physical findings without escalating fear or anxiety, and has no significant impact on patient emotions, triage call rates, and satisfaction throughout their surgical experience. Preoperative education via video is perceived by patients to be equivalent to counseling in person by the surgeon.

Thyroid eye disease with choroidal folds.

Purpose: To determine the clinical course of patients with chorioretinal folds (CRF) in thyroid eye disease (TED).Methods: A multi-center retrospective case series of patients with TED who developed CRF.Results: Ten patients (17 eyes) with CRF related to TED were identified. The mean age of presentation was 59.3 ± 8.3 years old. The majority of patients were male (70%), hyperthyroid (70%), hyperopic (53%), had a history of radioactive iodine (60%), and currently on methimazole treatment (30%). Three patients (3 eyes) had unilateral involvement of CRF with bilateral TED. The average clinical activity score was 3.6 ± 2.1 at the time of presentation. The most commonly enlarged extraocular muscles were medial (76%), inferior (64%), superior (64%) and lateral rectus (35%). Compressive optic neuropathy was seen in 47% of eyes. Treatment included oral prednisone (70%), orbital decompression (59%), thyroidectomy (20%) and tocilizumab (10%). The CRF did not resolve over a follow up period of 24.7 ± 23.7 months in 70% of eyes. There was no significant difference in average axial length (25.7 ± 4.9 mm) and optic nerve to optic strut distance (37.8 ± 3.9 mm) between patients with CRF and the eight age-and sex-matched TED control patients without CRF (p = 0.81 and 0.65 respectively). A univariable and multivariable analysis found an enlarged inferior rectus as a factor in TED patients with persistent CRF.Conclusions: CRF are often an indicator of visually threatening situations and often do not resolve despite treatment of TED.

Teprotumumab for Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy, a condition commonly associated with Graves' disease, remains inadequately treated. Current medical therapies, which primarily consist of glucocorticoids, have limited efficacy and present safety concerns. Inhibition of the insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR) is a new therapeutic strategy to attenuate the underlying autoimmune pathogenesis of ophthalmopathy. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to determine the efficacy and safety of teprotumumab, a human monoclonal antibody inhibitor of IGF-IR, in patients with active, moderate-to-severe ophthalmopathy. A total of 88 patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo or active drug administered intravenously once every 3 weeks for a total of eight infusions. The primary end point was the response in the study eye. This response was defined as a reduction of 2 points or more in the Clinical Activity Score (scores range from 0 to 7, with a score of ≥3 indicating active thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy) and a reduction of 2 mm or more in proptosis at week 24. Secondary end points, measured as continuous variables, included proptosis, the Clinical Activity Score, and results on the Graves' ophthalmopathy-specific quality-of-life questionnaire. Adverse events were assessed. RESULTS: In the intention-to-treat population, 29 of 42 patients who received teprotumumab (69%), as compared with 9 of 45 patients who received placebo (20%), had a response at week 24 (P<0.001). Therapeutic effects were rapid; at week 6, a total of 18 of 42 patients in the teprotumumab group (43%) and 2 of 45 patients in the placebo group (4%) had a response (P<0.001). Differences between the groups increased at subsequent time points. The only drug-related adverse event was hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes; this event was controlled by adjusting medication for diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with active ophthalmopathy, teprotumumab was more effective than placebo in reducing proptosis and the Clinical Activity Score. (Funded by River Vision Development and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01868997 .).

Orbital Actinomyces Masquerading as Meningioma.

Orbital actinomyces is a rare diagnosis with only a few cases reported in the literature. It can be difficult to diagnose due to its slow, indolent course, and nonspecific findings on imaging and clinical examination, and frequently it can masquerade as other pathologies such as neoplasm and inflammatory disease. The authors present a case of actinomyces masquerading as meningioma with findings of hyperostosis and a superior orbital roof interosseous tract on imaging.

Novel Use of Porcine Urinary Bladder Matrix in the Exenterated Socket.

The aim of exenteration reconstruction is to stabilize the postsurgical wound bed to promote expeditious healing particularly in patients who are undergoing adjuvant radiation and/or chemotherapy. Porcine urinary bladder matrix has previously been used successfully as a wound-healing scaffold in treatment of burns and in acute, chronic, and surgical wounds, but the use of these products has not previously been reported in the exenterated orbit. The authors present a case of the novel use of porcine urinary bladder matrix in a pediatric patient who underwent exenteration for recurrent embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, subsequent split-thickness skin grafting, and adjuvant radiation.

Upper Eyelid Response to Topical 0.5% Apraclonidine.

PURPOSE: To describe the change in upper eyelid position in a self-reportedly normal population after the administration of topical 0.5% apraclonidine in each eye. METHODS: One hundred self-reportedly normal subjects received a 1-time administration of topical 0.5% apraclonidine in each eye. Digital photographs were taken at baseline and then 30 and 45 minutes following apraclonidine instillation. Marginal reflex distance 1 was determined via image analysis of acquired digital photographs (image-derived measurements are given the prefix "i" in this study). The horizontal corneal diameter was used as a constant measurement scale in each photograph. RESULTS: The mean increase in i-marginal reflex distance 1 post-administration of 0.5% apraclonidine was +0.70 ± 0.60 mm (range, -0.94 to +2.66 mm) after 30 minutes and +0.68 ± 0.59 mm (range, -0.69 to +2.54 mm) after 45 minutes. Of the 200 total eyelids in 100 subjects, 181 (90.5%) had an increase in i-marginal reflex distance 1 at 30 minutes. Of the 100 subjects, 85 (85%) had a bilateral increase in i-marginal reflex distance 1, 4 (4%) had a bilateral decrease, and 11 (11%) had a unilateral increase with a contralateral decrease. CONCLUSIONS: Given its predominant small-amplitude upper eyelid elevating effect, topical apraclonidine may be a useful off-label alternative treatment for mild upper eyelid ptosis and in eyelid asymmetry due to eyelid retraction through use in the contralateral eye.

Hering's Law in Congenital Ptosis: Evaluation of the Contralateral Response to Unilateral Congenital Ptosis Repair.

PURPOSE: To determine the applicability and clinical relevance of Hering's law for the eyelids in cases of congenital ptosis. METHODS: A retrospective chart review and digital photograph analysis of patients who underwent unilateral congenital ptosis repair at a tertiary, university-based, Oculoplastics clinic was conducted. Pre- and postoperative eyelid height (marginal reflex distance), upper eyelid symmetry, and brow position were determined using ImageJ analysis software. Changes in these values, and the relationship between the change in ipsi- and contralateral eyelid heights and brow positions, were determined. RESULTS: In 51 patients, the mean change in contralateral upper eyelid position (marginal reflex distance) following unilateral repair was -0.5 mm with 29% (n = 15) demonstrating a greater than 1 mm contralateral descent. The contralateral brow position remained stable with a mean change of +0.1 mm. No significant differences were seen between the 15 patients who demonstrated a contralateral upper eyelid descent greater than 1 mm and the remainder of the cohort in terms of amblyopia rate (p = 0.71), mean preoperative marginal reflex distance (p = 0.14), mean change in ipsilateral marginal reflex distance (p = 0.32), mean change in contralateral brow position (p = 0.44), or mean postoperative upper eyelid asymmetry (1.3 mm vs. 1.2 mm). Overall, the mean upper eyelid asymmetry improved from 2.6 mm preoperatively to 1.2 mm postoperatively. None of the 51 patients underwent subsequent contralateral ptosis repair. CONCLUSIONS: Hering's law for the eyelids applies to cases of congenital ptosis but has little clinical significance due to improved upper eyelid asymmetry following unilateral surgery.

Rethinking Our Definition of Postoperative Success: A Comparative Analysis of Three Upper Eyelid Retraction Repair Techniques Using Novel Metrics to Capture Functional and Aesthetic Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To compare 3 upper eyelid retraction repair techniques and introduce novel metrics, which enhance the analysis of postoperative aesthetic outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective review with Image J 1.48 digital analysis of patients who underwent repair of thyroid-related upper eyelid retraction at the University of Iowa from 1996 to 2014 via 1 of 3 surgical techniques, septum-opening levator recession with Muellerectomy, modified septum-preserving levator recession with Muellerectomy, and modified septum-preserving full-thickness blepharotomy, was conducted. Photographs were obtained preoperatively, 3 to 6 months postoperatively, and at last follow up (>6 months) and evaluated by digital image analysis (denoted by "i"). Outcome measures assessed were marginal reflex distance (iMRD1), temporal-to-nasal ratio, tarsal platform show (iTPS), pupil to visible eyelid crease, brow fat span (iBFS), tarsal platform show to brow fat span ratio (iTPS:iBFS), and tarsal platform show minimizing power (iTPS-minimizing power). RESULTS: A total of 121 eyelids (28 septum-opening levator recession with Muellerectomy, 66 septum-preserving levator recession with Muellerectomy, and 27 septum-preserving full-thickness blepharotomy) from 74 patients were evaluated with a mean follow up of 24.2 months. There were no statistically significant differences between techniques in terms of iMRD1 or temporal-to-nasal ratio reduction at either time point (intertechnique p values of 0.17 to >0.99). The percentage of eyelids from subjects undergoing bilateral intervention that achieved a final iMRD1 between 2.50 mm and 4.50 mm was similar (intertechnique p value of 0.23), with no difference regarding the number of subjects demonstrating iMRD1 symmetry within 1 mm (intertechnique p value of 0.15). Though iTPS elongation was greater at 3 to 6 months with septum-opening compared with the combined septum-preserving techniques (p value of 0.04), this difference was not maintained at final follow up (p value of >0.99). There was no difference in terms of iTPS symmetry at time of final follow up (intertechnique p value of 0.69). The pupil to visible eyelid crease was unchanged in all techniques (p values >0.99). Mean changes in iBFS at final follow up were -1.27 mm, -0.44 mm, and +0.55 mm for septum-opening levator recession with Muellerectomy, septum-preserving levator recession with Muellerectomy, and septum-preserving full-thickness blepharotomy (p values of 0.01, 0.49, and >0.99, respectively). Mean iTPS:iBFS ratios at final follow up were not statistically different between techniques (intertechnique p value of 0.10) and no difference in symmetry was demonstrated (intertechnique p value of 0.47). Median values for iTPS-minimizing power were: -0.83, -0.93, and -1.01 for septum-opening levator recession with Muellerectomy, septum-preserving levator recession with Muellerectomy, and septum-preserving full-thickness blepharotomy, respectively (intertechnique p value of 0.54). CONCLUSIONS: Each technique appropriately lowered the eyelid and improved contour without intertechnique variability. Septum-preserving techniques demonstrated less iTPS elongation initially, but this difference was not maintained. The visible eyelid crease height (pupil to visible eyelid crease) remained stable in all techniques, indicating that the iTPS elongation seen with each technique was secondary to reduction in iMRD1 and the iBFS reduction seen with septum-opening levator recession with Muellerectomy was due to brow descent. No intertechnique differences in the amount of iTPS elongation relative to iMRD1 reduction (i.e., the novel iTPS-minimizing power) were seen. Given that each procedure evaluated yielded similar results, technique selection may be guided by surgeon experience and preference.