Ptosis Sensitivity Threshold for the Lay Observer.

PURPOSE: This study aims to understand the degree to which ptosis is recognizable to a layperson. METHODS: Fifteen color drawings of a gender-neutral human face were created. Six faces exhibited right-sided ptosis (decreased margin reflex distance 1 and lengthened tarsal platform show) of 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, and 3 mm, respectively. Six more faces exhibited left-sided ptosis of the same amounts. The 12 ptotic faces and 3 symmetrical faces were randomly placed on three 11-inch by 14-inch sheets of paper with 5 faces on each page. Lay observers were provided 6 seconds per face to indicate whether it appeared to be asymmetrical. Statistical tests examined the observers' ability to detect asymmetry better than chance. Sex differences in correctly recognizing asymmetry in ptosis at each 0.5 mm increment were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-one lay observers were enrolled in the study. Fifty-seven were women and 74 were men. Lay people were able to correctly recognize ptosis better than chance when the asymmetry was 1.5 mm or greater. Moreover, females were more accurate in recognizing ptosis at 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, and 2.5 mm of asymmetry. CONCLUSIONS: Lay observers tend to recognize between 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm of ptosis on one side as being abnormal. This may have implications in the selection of candidates for ptosis surgery and the analysis of subsequent surgical outcomes.

The utility of a single simple question in the evaluation of patients with myasthenia gravis.

INTRODUCTION: Assessing myasthenia gravis (MG) can be challenging, and multiple scales are available to evaluate disease severity. We evaluated the utility of a single, simple question, as part of the MG evaluation: "What percentage of normal do you feel regarding your MG, 0%-100% normal?" METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients attending the neuromuscular clinic from January 2014 to December 2015 was performed. Responses were correlated with symptoms and signs, the Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis Score (QMGS), the Myasthenia Gravis Impairment Index (MGII), and the 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life scale (MG-QOL15). RESULTS: The total cohort included 169 patients. The percentage of normal correlated strongly with limb muscle weakness and MG scales, moderately with bulbar and respiratory symptoms, and weakly with ocular manifestations. DISCUSSION: The question, "What percentage of normal do you feel regarding your MG?" is feasible and valid, and can be incorporated easily into routine clinical evaluation. Muscle Nerve 57: 240-244, 2018.

Pre-operative experiences and post-operative benefits of ptosis surgery: A qualitative study.

This qualitative study sought to explore the experiences of patients who had undergone successful ptosis correction surgery. Participants were recruited from Bristol Eye Hospital. Nine participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule and open ended questions. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Four major themes were identified from patient accounts. Patients described the psychosocial and functional difficulties they experienced living with ptosis, and the subsequent benefits of surgery. Patients reported experiencing appearance related anxiety pre-operatively due to their condition and engaging in behaviours to avoid social encounters. Gender differences were noted in the internalization of perceived negative reactions from others, with men describing fewer adverse impacts. Patients described perceived barriers to seeking surgery including a lack of awareness of ptosis as a treatable condition, the perception that being concerned with their appearance could be seen as vain and the view that ptosis surgery is synonymous with cosmetic surgery. Following successful surgery patients outlined positive impacts on their vision, appearance and psychosocial well-being after successful surgery. This qualitative study highlights the complexities of the factors and processes contributing to the psychosocial impacts of ptosis and the potential benefits of surgery and/or psychosocial support. An increased awareness amongst people with ptosis of the potential positive impacts of surgery and an enhanced understanding of the reasons why patients may not seek treatment amongst health care professionals are likely to benefit this often overlooked patient group.

Long term patient-reported benefit from ptosis surgery.

PURPOSE: To assess the long term impact of ptosis surgery on health-related quality-of-life using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) patient-reported outcome measure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective case note review was carried out on all patients who had undergone ptosis surgery (6 November 2008 to 5 December 2010) by one surgeon at Royal Bournemouth Hospital. Patient demographics, surgical technique, and complications were recorded. The GBI questionnaire data was obtained by telephone interview. RESULTS: A total of 62 ptosis operations (33 right, 29 left, of which 18 were bilateral) on 44 patients; 20 male, 24 female were included. Median age 77 years (range: 17-95 years). One wound dehiscence occurred, but no redo ptosis procedures were required. GBI data was obtained on 32 patients (45 ptosis procedures) at a mean follow-up period of 42.8 months postoperatively (range 31-67 months). The mean total GBI score for ptosis surgery was +21.36 (range 0-58.33; 95% confidence interval: 17.28-25.43, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients derived a highly significant benefit to their health-related quality-of-life from ptosis surgery measured by the GBI that was maintained for up to 5 years.

Psychogenic unilateral pseudoptosis.

Conversion disorders are among common psychological problems. Pseudoptosis is an uncommon presentation of this category of disorders. Herein, the authors report 2 cases of psychogenic pseudoptosis. The first case is a 21-year-old man who presented with sudden onset of ptosis in his OS 2 weeks previous. The patient reported episodes of left upper eyelid drooping during the last 7 months. The second case is a 10-year-old girl with ptosis onset 6 months previously, after a viral conjunctivitis. In both patients, specific presentations in favor of nonorganic ptosis were observed; all neurological and paraclinical evaluations were normal, and considerable familial or social stressors were found. Both patients received psychological treatment, and no recurrence was observed afterward.

The psychosocial impact of ptosis as a symptom of Myasthenia Gravis: a qualitative study.

The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate the psychosocial impact of ptosis as a symptom of Myasthenia Gravis (MG). Participants were recruited from a MG patient group on Facebook. 166 participants answered a series of open ended questions examining the impact of ptosis, and responses were analysed using Inductive Thematic Analysis, which revealed four main themes. The first highlighted the extent to which ptosis impacted negatively on psychosocial functioning. The second related to ways in which ptosis can be framed in a positive way, eg, as a believable symptom. The final two themes revealed the complex inter-relationships between functional and appearance-related impacts, and a desire from many participants for health care professionals to provide more support directly related to their ptosis. This study suggests that ptosis impacts in ways not currently recognized in literature and practice.

The psychological well-being and appearance concerns of patients presenting with ptosis.

PURPOSE: Ptosis affects both the function and appearance of the eyes and face, because of drooping of the eyelids. Previous research has focused on functional impairment; however, similar appearance altering eye conditions have been demonstrated to have major impacts on psychosocial functioning. METHODS: This study examines the psychological well-being and appearance concerns of patients presenting with ptosis recruited from Bristol Eye Hospital using validated questionnaires focusing on demographics and psychosocial factors before surgery. RESULTS: Patients reported higher levels of anxiety, depression, and appearance concern than population norms, with scores comparable to previous research examining the impact of other disfiguring eye conditions. Gender differences were observed, with almost half of females experiencing significant psychosocial issues related to appearance concern about their ptosis compared with 20% of males. Linear regressions revealed that the main predictor of poor adjustment to the appearance of ptosis was the level of concern an individual had regarding the negative perceptions of other people. These results implicate psychosocial factors and demographics as predictors of the development of appearance-related distress and compromised psychological well-being for patients with ptosis who are currently seeking surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides clinicians with a greater understanding of the concerns of affected patients, and treatment motivations. The findings may also inform the development of patient reported outcome measures and support for patients, which targets the psychosocial impact of the condition.

Outcomes of ptosis surgery assessed using a patient-reported outcome measure: an exploration of time effects.

AIMS: To explore effects of time following ptosis surgery on patient-reported quality-of-life outcomes. METHODS: The Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), a validated, postinterventional questionnaire was administered to consecutive adults undergoing ptosis surgery on the operating list of one surgeon over a 30-month period. Patients who were not contactable or unable to provide answers were excluded. Mean scores of patients grouped by time since surgery were compared (unpaired t test and Westlake intervals to test equivalence). RESULTS: Of 63 consecutive patients, 50 (79%) were included. Mean age was 63 years. Mean time since surgery was 561 days (range 21-973). There was no significant difference in mean total scores of patients assessed less than 18 months since surgery compared with those assessed later (p=0.544). Distributions of total scores were similar. No significant differences were found for subscores or when patients were divided into three groups according to time after surgery. Multivariate logistic regression revealed no significant effect of time since surgery. Trends were seen with regard to age and type of operation, but did not reach significance. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-perceived benefit following ptosis surgery shows stability with time, as assessed using the GBI. Future studies could explore correlations with age and type of surgery.

Psychogenic unilateral ptosis with ipsilateral muscle spasm of orbicular oculi.

This report describes the rare case of a 27-year-old female patient with conversion disorder who presented unilateral ptosis with ipsilateral muscle spasm of orbicular oculi. The co-existing of ptosis and muscle spasm of orbicular oculi indicates that, in accord with prior reports, the overactivity of orbicular oculi is essential in psychogenic pseudoptosis. The co-existing of unilateral ptosis and ipsilateral muscle spasm of orbicular oculi in the present case leads us to the conclusion that the overactivity of orbicular oculi is essential in psychogenic pseudoptosis.

[Quality of life assessment in patients with blepharoptosis]. / Avaliação de qualidade de vida em portadores de blefaroptose.

PURPOSE: To assess the health-related quality of life in blepharoptosis patients and the impact after surgical management on their quality of life. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with congenital or acquired blepharoptosis completed a questionnaire which was adapted from the Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ), before and after surgical management. RESULTS: Mean preoperative score was 74 and mean postoperative score was 81 and there was a statistically significant difference between mean pre- and postoperative scores of 7 (p=0.004). There was a statistically significant difference only for the mental health subdomain (p=0.001) in the evaluation of the questions (alpha=0.002) and subdomains (alpha=0.004). CONCLUSION: The quality of life in blepharoptosis patients was significantly better after surgical management in the assessment using the VFQ. The outcomes emphasize the need for of using questionnaires designed specifically for this disease.

Avaliação de qualidade de vida em portadores de blefaroptose / Quality of life assessment in patients with blepharoptosis

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade de vida dos portadores de blefaroptose e o impacto da correção cirúrgica sobre os mesmos. MÉTODOS: Foram aplicados questionários adaptados do "Visual Function Questionnaire" (VFQ) antes e após tratamento cirúrgico em 21 pacientes com blefaroptose congênita ou adquirida. RESULTADOS: A pontuação média dos pacientes, no pré-operatório, foi de 74 e, no pós-operatório, 81 e diferença pré e pós-cirurgia estatisticamente significante de 7 (p=0,004). Na avaliação das questões (alfa=0,002) e subdomínios (alfa=0,004) houve diferença estatisticamente significante apenas para o subdomínio saúde mental (p=0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A qualidade de vida dos pacientes com blefaroptose apresentou melhora significante após a intervenção cirúrgica na avaliação com o VFQ. Os resultados reforçam a necessidade do uso de questionários elaborados especificamente para esta doença.

PURPOSE: To assess the health-related quality of life in blepharoptosis patients and the impact after surgical management on their quality of life. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with congenital or acquired blepharoptosis completed a questionnaire which was adapted from the Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ), before and after surgical management. RESULTS: Mean preoperative score was 74 and mean postoperative score was 81 and there was a statistically significant difference between mean pre- and postoperative scores of 7 (p=0.004). There was a statistically significant difference only for the mental health subdomain (p=0.001) in the evaluation of the questions (alpha=0.002) and subdomains (alpha=0.004). CONCLUSION: The quality of life in blepharoptosis patients was significantly better after surgical management in the assessment using the VFQ. The outcomes emphasize the need for of using questionnaires designed specifically for this disease.

Symmetry in healing after bilateral eyelid surgery.

PURPOSE: To determine whether surgery performed bilaterally (ptosis repair, blepharoplasty, or both) results in symmetric healing. METHODS: Case series of 19 consecutive patients undergoing bilateral ptosis repair, blepharoplasty, or both. Patients were provided with questionnaires to determine their perception of the degree of symmetry in healing at four time points after bilateral surgery. Digital imaging analysis was used to measure the amount of bruising present on each side in a separate cohort of 10 patients undergoing bilateral eyelid surgery. RESULTS: Asymmetry in bruising, swelling, and discomfort was reported by the majority of patients at each time point after surgery. For each measure (bruising, swelling, and discomfort), the percentage of patients reporting asymmetry peaked at day 3. Objective measurement 7 days after surgery showed that 50% of patients had more bruising on the right and 50% had more bruising on the left. The difference in the average area of bruising was not statistically significant between sides. Eight of 10 patients had less than a 10% difference in area of bruising between sides. CONCLUSIONS: Patients frequently perceive asymmetry in healing after bilateral eyelid surgery, but objective measurements show that asymmetry in bruising is typically small.

Social implications of blepharoptosis and dermatochalasis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the social implications of blepharoptosis and dermatochalasis. METHODS: Two hundred ten individuals rated whole-face photographs of a series of patients based on 11 different personal characteristics: intelligence, threat, friendliness, health, trustworthiness, hard work, mental illness, financial success, attractiveness, alcoholism, and happiness. Preoperative and postoperative photographs of both male and female patients with bilateral blepharoptosis and/or dematochalasis were used. The paired t test was used to compare preoperative versus postoperative ratings on the 11 characteristics. RESULTS: The preoperative photographs were rated more negatively than were the postoperative photographs (p < 0.01) on all 11 characteristics for both male and female patients by the 210 study subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Members of our society view individuals with blepharoptosis and dermatochalasis negatively. These social attitudes may lead to unjust bias toward affected patients, and surgical correction probably provides benefits beyond improved visual function.

Psychosocial implications of blepharoptosis and dermatochalasis.

PURPOSE: To investigate, for the first time, the psychosocial implications of blepharoptosis and dermatochalasis. METHODS: Two hundred ten individuals rated whole-face photographs of a series of patients on the basis of 11 different personal characteristics: intelligence, throat, friendliness, health, trustworthiness, hard work, mental illness, financial success, attractiveness, alcoholism, and happiness. Preoperative and postoperative photographs of both male and female patients with bilateral blepharoptosis and/or dermatochalasis were used. The paired t test was used to compare preoperative and postoperative ratings on the 11 characteristics. RESULTS: The preoperative photographs were rated more negatively than the postoperative photographs (P < .01-P < .001) on all 11 characteristics for both male and female patients by the 210 study subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Members of society seem to view individuals with blepharoptosis and dermatochalasis negatively. These psychosocial attitudes may lead to unjust bias toward affected patients, and surgical correction likely provides benefits beyond improved visual function.

[Surgical follow-up and importance of information and consent on behalf of patients undergoing esthetic blepharoplasty]. / Suites opératoires et importance de l'information et du consentement éclairé des patients dans les blépharoplasties esthétiques.

INTRODUCTION: Plastic surgery of the eyelids aims to improve the cosmetic aspect while correcting either an excess of palpebral skin, or an orbital septum dehiscence with fat porf2p4on in the palpebral spaces, after evaluation of horizontal and vertical palpebral laxity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The authors describe follow-up of upper and lower lid blepharoplasty by cutaneous and conjunctival approaches respectively, with case descriptions and a review of the literature. RESULTS: A "calendar" is made of the different phases of healings, to the final aesthetic aspect desired. DISCUSSION: The patients wishes as to technique and results of blepharoplasty must be discussed and understood. The surgeon must forewarn of eventual per and postoperative complications (hemorrhage, infection), but also the usual follow-up (hematoma, edema, scarring ...). This allows to avoid aggravation of the patients "legitimate" worrying when he/she looks in the mirror! CONCLUSION: The authors underline the importance of patient information concerning the pre and postoperative aspects of aesthetic blepharoplasty.

Dysmorphophobia: a distorted perception of one's self-appearance.

Patients with dysmorphophobia are preoccupied with an imagined or grossly exaggerated defect of appearance. These patients may seek cosmetic surgical procedures to alter their perceived abnormal appearance. Treatment of patients with dysmorphophobia has not been previously addressed in the ophthalmologic literature. The authors present three case reports and discuss the syndrome of dysmorphophobia.

Psychogenic pseudoptosis.

Three patients with psychogenic pseudoptosis of one eyelid are reported. All showed depression of the eyebrow on the affected side. The clinical course varied: in two patients the symptom resolved spontaneously after positive reassurance; in the third patient it remained unchanged for 2 years.