Spontaneous Blinking Kinematics After Frontalis Muscle Flap Advancement.

PURPOSE: To measure the spontaneous blinking metrics after blepharoptosis correction with frontalis muscle flap advancement. METHODS: A video system was employed to measure the amplitude and velocity of spontaneous blinking of 24 eyelids after the frontalis muscle flap surgery for blepharoptosis correction. A control group with no eyelid disorders was also measured. The data of 13 eyelids who had frontalis slings with autogenous fascia, which were previously collected with the same method in another study, were used for comparison. Digital images were used to measure the superior margin reflex distance and the presence of lagophthalmos during a gentle closure of the palpebral fissure. Superficial keratitis was assessed by corneal biomicroscopy. RESULTS: The mean amplitude of spontaneous blinking was 6.3 mm in controls, 2.6 mm in the frontalis flap patients, and 2.1 mm in the fascia sling group. The mean blink velocity was 133.8 mm/second in controls, 39.0 mm/second (3.7 standard error) after the frontalis flap, and 36.3 mm/second in patients with frontalis sling with fascia. For these 2 parameters, there was no statistical difference between the surgical groups, but a significant reduction when compared with the control group. No significant association was found between lagophthalmos and keratitis and the surgical procedure. CONCLUSIONS: There is no difference between the blinking metrics of eyelids operated using the frontalis muscle flap advancement technique or frontalis sling with autogenous fascia. The presence of lagophthalmos and keratitis also does not differ between the 2 procedures.

Rundle's Curve: A Useful Construct That Does Not Fit All.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze Rundle's original data and subsequent articles on Graves orbitopathy (GO) natural history. METHODS: Rundle's texts were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Serial measurements were plotted and fitted with different functions. Subsequent articles in the English literature on the natural history of GO were also analyzed. RESULTS: Different functions such as simple linear regressions, parabolic, saturating exponential growth, and exponential decay functions were well fitted for Rundle's data on measurements of proptosis and supraduction along time. The few quantitative data of the same variables post-Rundle were also well-fitted with various functions. CONCLUSION: Rundle described in his articles, from 1945 to 1957, 2 phases of ocular changes in GO: dynamic and static. However, he did not mention the pathophysiology of these phases nor used the terms inflammatory and cicatricial. Actually, most of his observations and the subsequent data in the literature on proptosis and supraduction did not obey the biphasic pattern of the so-called Rundle's curve.

Revisiting the orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis

Abstract Objective: The present study revisited three classification systems of orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) (Chandler, Mortimore & Wormald, and Velasco e Cruz & Anselmo-Lima) and observed which of them presented the best clinical applicability. Methods: Clinical data and CT scan findings of patients with orbital infection were retrospectively collected. To compare the three classification systems, we revised and graded all CT images accordingly, and divided the patients into four groups: Eyelid cellulitis (EC), orbital cellulitis (OC), subperiosteal abscess (SA), and orbital abscess (OA). The groups were compared regarding the presence of sinus opacification, the need for hospitalization and/or surgical treatment, and the presence of further complications/sequelae. Results: 143 patients were included. The median number of sinuses involved in patients in the OC, SA, and OA groups was 2.0. ARS was rarely associated with signs of EC (present in both Chandler's and Mortimore & Wormald's classifications. The hospitalization rate was significantly lower in the EC group compared to the other three groups. Surgery was performed in all cases in the OA group, in 58.1% in the SA group, 19.4% in the OC group, and 12.5% in the EC group (p-value < 0.0001 ). Complications were present at higher rates in the OA group compared to the other three groups. Conclusions: ARS was rarely associated with Eyelid Cellulitis. The stratification in the other three groups showed to be clinically relevant. Velasco e Cruz & Anselmo-Lima's classification system proved valid, simple, and effective for categorizing orbital complications of ARS. Level of evidence: 3.

Revisiting the orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: The present study revisited three classification systems of orbital complications of acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) (Chandler, Mortimore & Wormald, and Velasco e Cruz & Anselmo-Lima) and observed which of them presented the best clinical applicability. METHODS: Clinical data and CT scan findings of patients with orbital infection were retrospectively collected. To compare the three classification systems, we revised and graded all CT images accordingly, and divided the patients into four groups: Eyelid cellulitis (EC), orbital cellulitis (OC), subperiosteal abscess (SA), and orbital abscess (OA). The groups were compared regarding the presence of sinus opacification, the need for hospitalization and/or surgical treatment, and the presence of further complications/sequelae. RESULTS: 143 patients were included. The median number of sinuses involved in patients in the OC, SA, and OA groups was 2.0. ARS was rarely associated with signs of EC (present in both Chandler's and Mortimore & Wormald's classifications. The hospitalization rate was significantly lower in the EC group compared to the other three groups. Surgery was performed in all cases in the OA group, in 58.1% in the SA group, 19.4% in the OC group, and 12.5% in the EC group (p-value < 0.0001). Complications were present at higher rates in the OA group compared to the other three groups. CONCLUSIONS: ARS was rarely associated with Eyelid Cellulitis. The stratification in the other three groups showed to be clinically relevant. Velasco e Cruz & Anselmo-Lima's classification system proved valid, simple, and effective for categorizing orbital complications of ARS.

The effect of rim-off deep lateral orbital decompression on the lateral rectus shape and oculomotor balance.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to measure the effect of rim-off deep lateral decompression for Graves orbitopathy on the lateral rectus muscle path and oculomotor balance. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the medical records and pre- and postoperative computed tomography scans of 34 orbits of 23 patients who underwent deep lateral decompression alone. The oculomotor balance of these 23 patients was measured with the alternate cover test and prisms before and after surgery. Bezier functions were used to measure the postoperative path of the lateral rectus in all decompressed orbits. RESULTS: Deep lateral decompression induced a curvilinear deformation of the lateral rectus. There was no significant correlation between the position of the point of maximum muscle displacement and the size of the residual lateral wall. The changes in the lateral rectus path had no adverse effects on the oculomotor balance of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: The location of the curvilinear deformation of the lateral rectus does not depend on the residual segment of the lateral wall. The changes of the lateral rectus path have no deleterious effect on the oculomotor balance.

Blinking Parameters Do Not Normalize After Botulinum Toxin Therapy in Blepharospasm and Hemifacial Spasm Patients.

BACKGROUND: Little is known regarding changes induced by botulinum toxin injections on blinking parameters in blepharospasm (BSP) and hemifacial spasm (HFS) patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate objective changes induced by botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections on blinking parameters in BSP and HFS patients. METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with BSP and HFS were evaluated before and 30 days after receiving onabotulinumtoxinA injections. Twelve age-matched control subjects were also assessed. Pretreatment and post-treatment parameters were assessed and compared with normal controls. A high-speed camera and microlight-emitting diodes were used to register the blinking in patients and control groups. Outcomes were blinking frequency, amplitude, and maximum velocity of eyelid closure. RESULTS: BoNT injections led to a significant reduction in all parameters, compared with baseline, in BSP and on the affected side in HFS, respectively: 22% ( P < 0.001) and 20% ( P = 0.015) in amplitude; 21% ( P = 0.04) and 39% in frequency ( P = 0.002); and 41% ( P < 0.001) and 26% ( P = 0.005) in maximum closing velocity. Blinking amplitude ( P = 0.017 and P = 0.019) and velocity ( P < 0.001 for both groups) were significantly lower at 30 days on BSP and on the affected HFS side, when compared with controls. BSP and HFS patients presented a significantly lower velocity of eyelid closure, even before BoNT, compared with controls ( P = 0.004. and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Although blinking frequency became close to normal, amplitude and velocity after BoNT applications were significantly lower in BSP and on the affected side of HFS patients when compared with age-matched normal controls, demonstrating that blinking parameters do not normalize after treatment. The velocity of eyelid closure was shown to be significantly lower, even before BoNT treatment, when compared with control subjects.

Medial Oblique Eyelid Split Orbitotomy.

PURPOSE: The authors describe their experience with a variant of the split orbitotomy with a small medial oblique transmarginal incision for approaching a variety of lesions involving the superonasal aspect of the orbit. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records and clinical photographs of all patients who underwent an unilateral medial oblique incision to access various intraconal lesions abutting the superomedial quadrant of the orbit. The curvature of the medial contour of the operated and contralateral eyelids were expressed with Bézier functions and compared using the R-squared coefficient of determination (R 2 ). RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were submitted to this surgical technique for approaching various unilateral lesions on the superonasal quadrant of the orbit. Excellent cosmesis was achieved in all eyelids, with almost imperceptible scars, and no ptosis or retraction. There was no significant difference between the postoperative medial contour of the operated and the contralateral eyelid, with R 2 ranging from 0.896 to 0.999, mean 0.971. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' results show that the modified eyelid split approach provides a wide exposure of the superonasal quadrant of the orbit with no risk of eyelid dysfunctions or significant scars.

Upper Eyelid Contour Changes After Orbital Decompression in Graves Orbitopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of orbital decompression on the upper eyelid contour. METHODS: A paired cross-sectional analysis of the upper eyelid contour was performed for 103 eyes of 66 patients who underwent orbital decompression. A control group of 26 normal subjects was also included. The eyelid contour of all participants were measured with Bézier lines adjusted to the eyelid contour and 9 midpupil eyelid margin (MPD) distances from a horizontal line bisecting the pupil. One central, corresponding to the margin reflex distance (MRD 1), and 8 equally distributed medially and laterally at 20% of the interval between the lines. Patients were classified as with flare if the height of the most lateral MPD relative to the MRD 1 was above the upper limit of the controls. RESULTS: Preoperatively 63 of the 103 contours were classified as flare + (F+). After decompression MRD1 showed a mean decrease of 0.4 mm and the location of the contour shifted 0.8 mm medially. These changes were not correlated with proptosis reduction. Orbital decompression decreased the lateral curvature of the contours especially for the F+ lids. In 40% of the F+ eyelids the flare sign disappeared after decompression. CONCLUSIONS: Orbital decompression affects the lateral eyelid contour and diminishes the amount of lateral eyelid retraction surgery necessary to correct the flare sign. In 40% of the patients, the eyelid contour is normalized with proptosis reduction only.

Lid Flare Measurement with Lateral Midpupil Distances.

PURPOSE: To assess the sensitivity and specificity of lateral midpupil lid distances for the detection of upper lid lateral flare. METHODS: Lateral lid flare was determined by unanimous agreement among six experienced oculoplastic surgeons in the grading of photographs obtained for patients with Graves orbitopathy (GO). Bézier lines were employed to extract the upper eyelid contours of the patients and a control group of age and sex matched subjects. Custom software was employed to determine 5 lateral midpupil eyelid distances. The sensitivity and specificity of each measurement in detecting lateral flare were estimated from receiver operating characteristic curves. The non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Dunn's posthoc test was used to compare the median values of the contour parameters between groups. RESULTS: The degree of agreement between judges evaluated with the Fleiss' Kappa test was relatively high (K = 0.69, z = 16.6, p < .0001). The raters classified 12 lids with lateral lid flare (LLF) and 7 without LLF in patients with GO. There was no agreement on the presence or absence of LLF in 11 lids. In all eyes, lateral midpupil lid distances diminished from the center of the eyelid towards the lateral canthus. Receiver operating characteristic analysis for the midpupil distances revealed that the fourth distance from the center demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in detecting flare. At this location (2.5 mm medial to the lateral canthus) a midpupil distance equal to or greater than 60% of the margin reflex distance (MRD1) indicated the presence of flare. CONCLUSIONS: - A single measurement of a lateral midpupil eyelid distance 2.5 mm medial to the lateral canthus is a sensitive and specific measurement for the diagnosis of the LLF.

Clinical manifestations and visual outcomes associated with ocular toxoplasmosis in a Brazilian population.

Ocular toxoplasmosis is the leading cause of posterior uveitis worldwide. We conducted an observational study of 262 consecutive individuals (n = 344 eyes) with ocular toxoplasmosis who were followed over a 34-month period. Most subjects were T. gondii IgG + /IgM- (n = 242; 92.4%; 317 eyes), and 140 eyes (40.7%) had active lesions. For eyes in which retinal lesions were active at recruitment and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) could be measured (n = 133), 21.0% (n = 28) remained blind (BCVA below 20/400) after inflammation resolved. In these eyes, atypical ocular toxoplasmosis (OR 4.99; 95% CI 1.14-22.85; p = 0.0330), macular lesion (OR 9.95; 95% CI 2.45-47.15; p = 0.0019) and any complication (OR 10.26; 95% CI 3.82-30.67; p < 0.0001) were associated with BCVA below 20/200. For eyes with only inactive lesions at recruitment and BCVA measured (n = 178), 28.1% (n = 50) were blind. In these eyes, having at least one lesion larger than one disc-diameter (OR 6.30; 95% CI 2.28-22.46; p = 0.0013) and macular lesion (OR 5.69; 95% CI 2.53-13.54; p < 0.0001) were associated with BCVA below 20/200. Older age (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00-1.05; p = 0.0493) and active disease at presentation (OR 4.74; 95% CI 1.95-12.91; p = 0.0011) were associated with recurrences. Additional clinical attention should be directed towards patients with risk factors for poor visual outcome.

Combined pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and phacoemulsification (phaco) versus PPV and deferred phaco for phakic patients with full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) and no significant cataract at baseline: 1-year outcomes of a randomized trial combined PPV/phaco vs PPV/deferred phaco for MH.

PURPOSE: To compare functional and anatomic outcomes of combined pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and phacoemulsification (phaco) versus PPV and deferred phaco in patients with full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) and no significant cataract. METHODS: Thirty-four patients were randomized to group 1 (combined PPV/phaco) and 34 to group 2 (PPV/deferred phaco). Group 2 patients could undergo phaco any time after FTMH surgery if significant cataract developed. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients (33 group 1 and 32 group 2) completed the 12-month visit. Mean ± SEM logMAR best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.92 ± 0.04 and 0.90 ± 0.04 at baseline and improved significantly to 0.60 ± 0.05 and 0.58 ± 0.05 at month 12 (p < 0.0001) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups in mean BCVA at baseline or at month 12. Mean macular sensitivity (dB) was 18.22 ± 0.93 and 16.72 ± 0.93 at baseline and increased to 21.13 ± 0.86 and 21.07 ± 0.85 in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p < 0.05) with no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.449) at month 12. FTMH closure rate was 73% and 75% in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.834). CONCLUSION: Among patients with FTMH and no significant cataract at baseline, combined PPV/phaco was associated with similar BCVA, microperimetry, and FTMH closure outcomes at 1-year compared with PPV/deferred phaco. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ( clinicaltrials.gov.br ): Ensaios clínicos brasileiros: RBR-3wmd9s; UTN number: U1111-1190-5013; Plataforma Brasil CAAE number: 50455415.3.0000.5440; IRB number: 1.433.000.

Evaluation of botulinum toxin effects in hemifacial spasm patients: correlation between clinical rating scales and high-speed video system measurements.

The purpose of this study was to compare the scores of two clinical rating scales and high-speed video system measurements obtained during spontaneous eyelid movements in hemifacial spasm (HFS) patients before and after treatment. Patients were evaluated before and 30 days after receiving treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA injections. Using a high-speed video system, the eyelid movements were recorded bilaterally for 3 min and the energy power generated by the upper eyelid during spontaneous eyelid movements was assessed before and after treatment. The scores of the Jankovic rating scale (JRS) and Hemifacial Spasm Grading System (HSGS) were also assessed before and after treatment. The authors studied 22 patients. Significant reduction in JRS and HSGS scores and in the energy generated by the upper eyelid was observed after treatment. A power spectrum of less than 23,000 was associated with JRS and HSGS scores less than 4 and 6.25, respectively and a power spectrum greater than or equal to 23,000 was associated with JRS and HSGS scores greater than or equal to 4 and 6.25, respectively (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0025). Rating systems are easy to use, but they may exhibit limitations in sensitivity to assess differences between distinct disease patterns and between subtle differences in treatment responses. The high-speed video system permits a greater degree of accuracy, which allows for the assessment of differences in eyelid movement patterns and would permit better tailoring of treatment to patients. However, simpler devices employing this system would need to be developed, so that it could be used in clinical practice.

Endocrine disrupting chemicals associated with dry eye syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a multifactorial disease that causes changes in the tear film and occurs more frequently in women. Sex hormones (SHs) influence tear production, and SHs imbalance is associated with DES. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are compounds that can bind to SHs receptors, changing the SHs action in several organs and tissues. METHODS: The levels of 21 EDCs were measured in the urine of DES patients and healthy controls. All individuals were submitted to eye exams for DES and responded to the questionnaire "Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI)". DES was considered present when the OSDI score was >20 and one of the DES tests surpassed the established thresholds. RESULTS: Methyl-protocatechuic acid (OHMeP), had higher urine levels in DES individuals than in control individuals (p = 0.0189). On the other hand, triclocarban (TCC) exhibited lower urine levels in DES individuals than in control individuals (p = 0.0081). Statistically significant positive associations were found between Methyl Paraben (MeP), EtP (ethyl paraben) and OHMeP with fluorescein staining test; between TCC and Tear breakup time test and between OHMeP and OSDI score. Significant negative associations were found between EtP and OHMeP and schirmer test; between OHMeP and Tear breakup time test; between TCC and the OSDI score and fluorescein and lissamine staining test.The quadratic discriminant function classified 94.4% of individuals in their groups based on the urine levels of EDCs. CONCLUSION: The following EDCs, MeP, EtP, and OHMeP, were associated with signs and symptoms of DES. TCC had a paradoxical protective effect against DES. These findings suggest that EDCs are associated with DES and the exposure should be included in the investigation of causes and risk factors for DES.

Analysis of blink activity and anomalous eyelid movements in patients with hemifacial spasm.

To assess spontaneous blinking and anomalous eyelid movements in patients with hemifacial spasm with an emphasis on interocular differences. Spontaneous eyelid movements were registered bilaterally for 3 min using a high-speed video camera in 28 patients with hemifacial spasm (HFS) who had not been treated with botulinum toxin injections for at least 5 months. The degree of blink conjugacy, maximum velocity, and amplitude of the closing phase of the blinks were determined for the affected and non-affected sides. Out of the 28 subjects, 23 (82%) presented with abnormal nonconjugate spasms that were similar to blinks, and in 17 (61%), high-frequency eyelid twitches were detected between blinks on the affected eye. The rate of nonconjugate blink-like spasms ranged from 0.3 to 24.7 movements/min. With regard for conjugate blinks, there was no significant interocular difference in amplitudes or eyelid closure velocities. The amplitude and velocity were significantly lower for nonconjugate movements than for spontaneous blinks. HFS is a unique condition in which complex patterns of eyelid movements, including both conjugate and nonconjugate movements, are present. Conjugate movements correspond to spontaneous blinking, and the same metrics were observed in affected and non-affected eyes. Nonconjugate movements correspond to anomalous nonconjugate blink-like spasms and high-frequency eyelid twitches in the affected eye, both of which were characterized by lower amplitudes and velocities than were observed in conjugate movements.

Contour Symmetry of the Upper Eyelid Following Bilateral Conjunctival-Müller's Muscle Resection.

Background: Conjunctiva-Müller muscle resection (CMMR) is a simple, effective, and predictable procedure for internal treatment of ptosis. Objectives: The authors determined contour symmetry of the upper eyelid following bilateral CMMR. Methods: Thirty control participants (ie, without ptosis) and 44 patients with acquired bilateral blepharoptosis who underwent CMMR were evaluated in a prospective study. To assess symmetry of lid contour, distances from midpupil to the upper eyelid (ie, MPLDs) were determined radially at intervals of 15° (total, 180°) along the palpebral fissure, and MPLDs at each angle were compared for right and left eyes. Results: For control participants, the mean marginal reflex distance (MRD1; ie, MPLD at 90°) ± standard error (SE) was 4.05 mm ± 0.75 mm, and small contour asymmetries (<10%) were measured for all angles. Medial (9.4% ± 4.7%) and lateral (8.1% ± 4.9 %) asymmetries were not significantly different for these participants. For patients with ptosis, the mean preoperative MRD1 was 2.56 ± 0.1 mm, and mean medial and lateral lid asymmetries (14.3% ± 8.4% and 16.7% ± 9.7%, respectively) were significantly higher than those of controls. Medial and lateral asymmetries correlated significantly with the extent of ptosis and were more pronounced laterally than medially. One month after CMMR, the lateral-medial discrepancy in lid asymmetry was resolved, and mean medial and lateral MPLDs (9.9% ± 7.5% and 8.5% ± 5.3%, respectively) were similar to those of controls. Conclusions: For patients with involutional ptosis, CMMR enables elevation of the lid margin and correction of contour anomalies.

Spontaneous Blinking Kinetics on Paralytic Lagophthalmos After Lid Load with Gold Weight or Autogenous Temporalis Fascia Sling.

PURPOSE: To assess the upper eyelid kinematics during spontaneous blinking in unilateral paralytic lagophthalmos before and after upper eyelid load with gold weight (GW) or autogenous temporalis fascia (TF) sling. DESIGN: Comparative case series. SUBJECTS: Patients with long-standing unresolved unilateral facial palsy who underwent surgical treatment with GW (n = 8) or upper lid cerclage with TF (n = 10). The contralateral eyelid served as the control for each patient (control group). METHODS: Preoperative and postoperative measurements of spontaneous blink kinematics with magnetic search coil and clinical assessment of lid margin position, lagophthalmos and ocular surface exposure, and determine amplitude, maximum velocity and main sequence of spontaneous blinks; relative amplitude of blinks to the pupil center; ocular surface exposure scores; magnitude of lagophthalmos and mid-pupil lid distances. RESULTS: The mean (±SE) down-phase amplitude ratio between paralyzed and contralateral eyelids (blink gain) was 10.0% preoperatively for both groups and significantly increased to 29 ± 6% for the GW group (p < 0.05) and 23 ± 4% for the TF group (p < 0.05). At 6 months the gain was significant for the GW group only (32 ± 7%, p < 0.05). There was no effect on the maximum velocity of the blinks or the main sequence of paretic and contralateral blinks with either surgery. Both procedures lowered the lid margin increasing the number of blinks that reached the pupil center. At 6 months this effect was prominent only for the GW group. Exposure keratopathy scores and lagophthalmos decreased postoperatively especially in the GW group. CONCLUSIONS: The beneficial effect of lid load surgeries result from a combination of a small increase on the spontaneous blink amplitude and a static effect due to the reduction of the distance between the lid margin and pupil center.

Supramaximal levator resection for unilateral congenital ptosis: cosmetic and functional results.

PURPOSE: To analyze the cosmetic and functional results of a large series of patients with unilateral congenital ptosis without spontaneous compensatory ipsilateral frontalis hyperaction who underwent supramaximal levator resection (SMLPSr). METHODS: A multicenter retrospective review of 35 children (14 girls and 21 boys) of mean age 5.5±3.6 SD years with unilateral congenital ptosis who underwent surgery in 3 different countries: Italy, n=8; Argentina, n=11; and Brazil, n=16. Preoperative evaluation included measurements of upper eyelid margin reflex distance (MRD1) and levator palpebrae superioris muscle excursion, assessment of frontalis hyperaction, and ocular motility examination. At least 6 months postoperatively, photographs were used to measure the upper eyelid contour of OU. The spontaneous blinking amplitude and downward eyelid saccades of OU were quantified in a subset of 14 patients. Quantitative comparison among the 3 centers was performed with nonparametric 1-way analysis of variance (Kruskal-Wallis). Paired t tests were used to compare the pre- and postoperative measurements, and p value<0.05 was statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean preoperative MRD1 of the operated eyes increased from 0.5±1.1 SD mm to 3.4±0.84 SD mm (t=15.9; p<0.000001), consequently the eyelid positional asymmetry decreased from 3.1±1.21 mm to 0.1±0.86 SD mm (t=16.5; p≤0.000001). Twenty-nine percent of eyelids had mild contour abnormalities and 31.4% showed some degree of lash ptosis. Spontaneous blinks were abnormal in 93% of the cases (eyelids). The amplitude of the abnormal blinks ranged from 12.9% to 65.4% (mean=37.1%) of the contralateral eyelids. Downward eyelid saccades were reduced in 79% of the eyelids. The amplitudes the saccades ranged from 2.2% to 84.6% (mean=54.8%). CONCLUSIONS: In unilateral congenital ptosis, SMLPSr effectively reduces the positional asymmetry between eyelids. Mild contour abnormalities and lash ptosis are the main complications of the surgery. Postoperatively, spontaneous blinks and downward saccades were reduced in most eyelids. The reduced postoperative eyelid kinetics indicates that only patients with normal upward Bell signs are good candidates for this procedure.

Graded müllerectomy for correction of graves upper eyelid retraction: effect on eyelid movements.

PURPOSE: To measure the effect of müllerectomy from posterior approach on the amplitudes of spontaneous blinking and downward eyelid saccades. METHODS: Spontaneous blinks and downward upper eyelid saccadic movements of 16 patients (23 eyelids) with Graves orbitopathy were measured before and after müllerectomy from posterior approach. A new video system was used to continuously register the blinking activity while subjects viewed a commercial movie for 5 minutes. Downward eyelid saccades (30° of downgaze) were also measured with the video system. RESULTS: Müllerectomy had no effect on the amplitude of the blink. However, as the eyelid margins were significantly lowered by the surgery, the amplitude of the blink movements relative to the pupil center increased substantially. The number of movements occluding the pupil center increased from 0% to 13%. Due to the increased efficiency of blinking, the blink rate decreased. Surgery induced a mean increase of 1.1 mm of downward saccades. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of müllerectomy on the blinks are indirect and related to correction of eyelid retraction. The relative amplitude of blink movements increases and blink rate decreases. Müllerectomy does affect the downward eyelid saccades increasing the ability of the upper eyelid to relax on downgaze.

Two-dimensional video analysis of the upper eyelid motion during spontaneous blinking.

PURPOSE: To validate and to report the results of a new inexpensive video-based method to measure upper eyelid motion during spontaneous blinks. METHODS: Spontaneous blinks were simultaneously recorded in 21 healthy adult subjects for 5 minutes with magnetic search coil (MSC) and a portable video system (VDS) composed by a commercial high-speed camera coupled to a laptop computer and a blue light-emitting diode. Agreement between the 2 methods was assessed using qualitative comparison of the eyelid motion traces and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: The blink traces registered with both methods were virtually identical. With the either method, the relationship between amplitude and maximum velocity was well fitted by linear regression with mean r values = 0.81 (MSC) and 0.85 (VDS). Bland-Altman plots showed good agreement between methods. The mean ± SE differences of amplitude (0.06 ± 0.17 mm) and maximum velocity (5.0 ± 3.4 mm/s) were not significant. With the VDS, it was also possible to quantify the horizontal component of the blink movements. The amplitude of the horizontal shift of the eyelid during blinks was 40% of the vertical downward phase of the movement. CONCLUSIONS: Blinking kinematics can be precisely measured using a simple and inexpensive video system suitable for clinical settings.