Cheeklift With and Without Posterior Lamellar Spacer Grafts for Treatment of Lower Eyelid Retraction.

BACKGROUND: To compare outcomes of lower eyelid retraction repair using a subperiosteal midface lifting technique with and without posterior lamellar grafts. METHODS: Charts of patients undergoing a sub-periosteal midface lift for treatment of lower eyelid retraction using 4 techniques for posterior lamellar reconstruction were reviewed. Thirty patients were included in each of the groups: midface with hard palate graft (HPG), midface lift with acellular cadaveric graft (ADG), midface lift with retractor disinsertion (RD) and midface lift alone (NG). Measurements of distance from pupil center to lower lid margin (MRD2) and from lateral limbus to lower lid margin (MRD2limbus) were taken from pre- and postoperative photographs and compared. Secondary outcomes included rates of reoperation, major and minor complications, resolution of symptoms and keratopathy. RESULTS: One hundred twenty operations were assessed (n = 30 for each surgical group). The average follow-up time was 20 weeks. The median MRD2 elevation was 0.95 mm (NG), 0.85 mm (HPG), 1.59 mm (ADG) and 1.02 mm (RD). The median MRD2limbus elevation was 1.06 mm (NG), 0.92 mm (HPG), 1.45 mm (ADG) and 1.12 mm (RD). There were no significant differences in MRD2 or MRD2limbus between the 4 groups (p = 0.06 and 0.29, respectively). Reoperation rates were highest with in the hard palate graft group (33%) compared to other techniques (p = 0.0006). CONCLUSIONS: Similar degrees of lower eyelid elevation were achieved with all the midface lifting techniques, and complication rates did not significantly differ between techniques. However, the higher reoperation rates with the use of spacer grafts suggest that a no-graft technique may be preferable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Lower eyelid position before and after blepharoptosis repair.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the changes in lower eyelid position after blepharoptosis surgery and the factors that influence the outcome. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 155 eyes of 89 patients who underwent blepharoptosis surgery between June 2019 and October 2022. The margin reflex distance (MRD)-1 and MRD-2 were examined preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively in two groups: one with lower scleral show (LSS) (n = 37) and one without LSS (n = 118). The clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Both the LSS and non-LSS groups showed significant postoperative improvement in MRD-1 scores (p < .01, p < .01, respectively). MRD-2 was significantly reduced in the LSS group, while it remained unchanged in the non-LSS group (p < .01, p = .27, respectively). There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, sex, history of hard contact lens use, preoperative levator function, use of topical steroids, history of endophthalmic surgery, or history of filtration surgery; however, the LSS group significantly used prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) (p = .03). Postoperatively, MRD-2 decreased in 13 eyes (35.1%) and was maintained in 24 eyes (64.9%) in the LSS group and was maintained in all eyes in the non-LSS group. In the LSS group, we also examined the association between postoperative MRD-2 reduction and the use of PGAs and found that more patients with MRD-2 reduction used PGAs (p = .02). CONCLUSION: Lower scleral show in PGAs-associated blepharoptosis is expected to improve after blepharoptosis surgery.

Change in upper eyelid position after teprotumumab treatment for thyroid eye disease.

PURPOSE: Despite the high prevalence, treatment challenges, and significant impact of eyelid retraction on vision and quality of life among patients with thyroid eye disease, the effects of teprotumumab on eyelid retraction are not fully understood. This study evaluated change in upper eyelid position after teprotumumab. METHODS: A retrospective study of all patients who completed eight teprotumumab infusions at one institution from January 1 2020 to December 31 2022. Primary outcome was change in upper eyelid position immediately after treatment and at most recent follow-up compared to pre-treatment. RESULTS: Among 234 eyes of 118 patients, average margin reflex distance-1 (MRD1) pre-treatment was 5.25 mm (range 0-10.0, SD 1.75), 4.66 mm (1.0-9.0, SD 1.32) immediately post-treatment (p < 0.001), and 4.50 mm (0-10.0, SD 1.52) at most recent follow-up (mean follow-up duration 10.60 months). In total, 136 (58.12%) eyes of 88 patients had MRD1 reduction immediately post-treatment, averaging 1.49 mm (0.5-5.0 mm, SD 0.97). Every 1-mm increase in pre-treatment MRD1 increased the odds of MRD1 reduction by 15.03% (CI 10.52-19.72, p < 0.001) and increased the reduction amount by 0.48 mm (CI 0.39-0.57, p < 0.001). Of 154 eyes of 78 patients with most recent follow-up, 107 (69.48%) eyes had stable or further improved retraction at most recent follow-up compared to immediately post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study found a modest but significant reduction in MRD1 in approximately 60% of eyes, independent of proptosis change, which was sustained by most patients over longer-term follow-up. Higher pre-treatment MRD1 corresponded with greater improvement. These results suggest an overall mild benefit of teprotumumab for upper eyelid retraction.

Lower eyelid retraction repair using autologous auricular scapha cartilage.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of lower eyelid retraction surgery utilizing autologous auricular scapha cartilage (located within the anterior surface groove between the helix and anti-helix) and to present the surgical outcomes in a patient cohort. METHODS: Medical records of 21 patients who underwent lower eyelid retraction surgery with scapha cartilage were retrospectively reviewed. Retractions, present for an extended duration (6 months to 20 years), exhibited 1 mm or more inferior scleral show, attributed to prior lower eyelid blepharoplasty, facial palsy, or as a normal anatomical variation. Surgical interventions included lateral canthotomy, cantholysis, incision of the subtarsal conjunctiva-lower eyelid retractors, lower eyelid retractor lysis, cartilage graft suturing to the defect area without conjunctival cover, and tightening of the lateral canthal corner in all patients. RESULTS: A total of 29 eyelids in 21 patients underwent surgery without intraoperative complications. Over a mean follow-up period of 11 months (range: 6-30 months), lower lid retraction improved in 96.5% of eyelids. Postoperative margin-to-reflex distance measurements (MRD2) significantly decreased compared to preoperative values (p = 0.001; p < 0.01). Average improvements in MRD2-a (midpupil to lower lid) and MRD2-b (lateral limbus to lower lid) were 1.77 ± 0.80 and 2.04 ± 0.81, respectively (p = 0.001; p < 0.01). Four eyelids (4/29) required revision due to canthal corner loosening, with correction necessitating periosteal flaps. All four patients had previously undergone two or more repairs elsewhere. The graft was visible in two lids but did not require further revision. One patient experienced mild helix deformity at the donor site, which did not warrant additional intervention. CONCLUSION: In cases of lower lid retraction associated with middle/posterior lamellar shortening, utilizing an autologous auricular scapha cartilage spacer graft offers notable benefits. These advantages comprise straightforward harvesting with minimal donor site complications, stability without experiencing shrinkage, a softer texture in comparison to posterior cartilage, a concave shape that facilitates proper fitting on the globe, and its autologous nature.

Müllerotomy with anterior graded Müller muscle disinsertion for Graves upper eyelid retraction: validation of surgical outcomes using Bézier curves.

PURPOSE: To assess with Bézier curves the outcomes of Müllerotomy with anterior graded Müller muscle disinsertion for the treatment of Graves upper eyelid retraction (UER). METHODS: Eighty-six eyelids of 52 inactive GO patients operated from November 2018 to June 2021 were included in this study. All measurements were performed on Bézier curves adjusted to the upper lid contour with a previously validated algorithm. Lid contour was classified regarding grade of superposition (GS) as excellent (GS > 90%), good (GS 85-90%) or poor (< 85%). Surgical success was defined as complete or partial if postoperative grade of asymmetry was < 10% with an excellent or good lid contour, respectively. RESULTS: The mean age was 51 ± 10.4 years with a range from 31 to 78 years and a mean follow-up of 14.4 ± 7.4 months. There was a significant improvement of median GS (p < 0.0001) from preoperative (74.3%; 10.7 IQR) to postoperative values (91.7%; 6.3 IQR). A normalization of postoperative contour peak (- 0.69; 1.27 SD) and MPLD90 (4.2 mm; 0.8 SD) was noticed (p < 0.0001). Postoperative lid contour was excellent in 62 (72%), good in 16 (19%) and poor in 8 eyelids (9%). Surgical success was achieved in 42 patients (81%), from which 34 (81%) were complete. Reintervention was required in 14 eyelids (16%). CONCLUSIONS: Measuring surgical outcomes with Bézier curves allows an automated, complete and objective assessment, giving more consistency to our data compared to previous reports. Müllerotomy with graded Müller muscle disinsertion is a safe and effective procedure for Graves UER, offering predictable results.

Anatomical Basis for the Lower Eyelid Rejuvenation.

BACKGROUND: The tear trough, hollow concavity of the lower eyelid, is one of the recognizable signs of facial aging. Anatomical description is essential in improving tear through deformity for facial rejuvenation. METHODS: Fifty cadaver were microdissected. Fat pad types, fat herniation and the fibrous support system of lower lid were investigated. The areas of the fat compartments were compared using photogrammetry method and ImageJ software. RESULTS: Lower lids develop palpebral bags as a result of herniation of orbital fat against a weak orbital septum in all cases (%100). The attachment of the arcus marginalis at the orbital edge is a large contributor to the middle-aged appearance of the midface in all cases (100%). The most common type is Type 1 (36%). In this type, three distinct fat pads were diverged by arcuate expansion at lateral, fascia of the inferior oblique muscle at medial, as central, medial and lateral. Type 2 specimens (20%) were observed with two fat pads. Double convexity contour is in Type 3 cases (%44). It is determined that the medial fat pads are located in larger areas. Also, herniation is particularly evident in the medial and mediocentral fat pads. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the lower lid morphology enables surgeons to apply safe and effective procedures. The inferior oblique muscle and arcuate expansion structures should be supported and not be damaged during surgical interventions. Surgeons should focus mainly on the anatomical data obtained, and in this sense, surgeons apply them during aesthetic and reconstructive procedures of the lower eyelids. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Influence of orbital decompression on upper eyelid retraction in Graves' orbitopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Graves'-associated upper eyelid retraction (GAUER) is the commonest manifestation of orbitopathy in adults. Surgical management typically follows a 3-step staged approach commencing with orbital decompression. The rationale behind this is that certain surgical interventions can influence the parameters and outcomes of subsequent procedures. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effects of orbital decompression on GAUER in adult patients with Graves' orbitopathy. All original English, non-pediatric studies meeting the study inclusion criteria from the last 20 years were included. The characteristics of margin reflex distance 1 (MRD-1) pre- and post-orbital decompression of 688 orbits were collected, and a meta-analysis of 472 orbits was performed. The average reduction in MRD-1 across 688 orbits was found to be 0.40 mm. Meta-analysis of 6 applicable articles demonstrated that orbital decompression decreases MRD-1 by an average of 0.35 mm (n = 472, p = .007, 95% CI = [0.08, 0.63]). This study demonstrates that although statistically significant, orbital decompression does not appear to have a clinically significant effect on GAUER. This has implications for clinical practice, namely the likely requirement of eyelid surgery following or in combination with orbital decompression, and the importance of counselling patients on this preoperatively.

Hyaluronic acid gel injection for dysthyroid upper eyelid retraction in Asian patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injection in the management of upper eyelid retraction (UER) in thyroid eye disease (TED). METHODS: Retrospective interventional series of all patients with TED who had undergone HA injection, from February 2011 to April 2013 by a single surgeon (Y-DK) in a tertiary medical institution. Outcome measures: Mean margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1) pre- and post-filler. RESULTS: There was a total of 13 patients and 17 eyes included in the study. The injection dosage for 15 eyes was 0.5 ml, one patient had 0.35cc on the right eye and 0.65cc on the left eye. Mean MRD1 at presentation was 6.21 mm. There was a mean decrease in MRD1 of 2.01 mm (p < .001) at 1 month post filler, 2.06 mm (p < .001) at 6 months post filler and 2.61 mm (p < .001) at 1 year post filler. There was no correlation between pre-filler MRD1 and change in MRD1 at various time points post-filler, nor any correlation between pre-filler upper scleral show (USS) and change in USS post-filler. There was also no correlation found between clinical activity score (CAS) and change in MRD1, as well as duration of thyroid eye disease (TED) and change in MRD1. Complications included mild upper lid lumpiness on downgaze (n = 4, 23.5%) which improved but persisted with time. There were no untoward intravascular or vision-threatening complications. CONCLUSION: Transconjunctival HA injection is an effective treatment option for TED-related UER in both active and inactive TED patients in an East Asian population, with a potentially long-lasting effect.

Efficacy of allogenous fascia lata grafts in the management of lower eyelid retraction.

PURPOSE: To report on the use of allogenous fascia lata (FL) grafts in patients with lower eyelid retraction (LER). METHODS: In this retrospective study, a consecutive series of 27 patients (39 eyes) with LER who underwent lower eyelid elevation with FL was included. Examinations including measurement of the palpebral fissure vertical height (PFVH), the inferior scleral show distance, the margin reflex distance 2 (MRD 2), and the evaluation of conjunctival hyperemia were conducted at baseline and after a mean postoperative time of 25.9 ± 25.5 (5.0-81.0, median 13.0, last follow-up) months in all patients. RESULTS: At the last follow-up, a significant reduction of the PFVH (11.3 ± 1.7 versus 12.8 ± 2.1 at baseline, p < 0.001), the inferior scleral show distance (0.7 ± 1.0 mm versus 2.1 ± 1.1 at baseline, p < 0.001), and the MRD 2 (6.4 ± 0.9 versus 7.8 ± 1.3 at baseline, p < 0.001) occurred. The conjunctival hyperemia grading score (McMonnies) was significantly reduced (1.8 ± 0.7) at the last follow-up compared to baseline (2.6 ± 0.6, p < 0.001). No case of ectropion or entropion was observed at the last follow-up visit. CONCLUSION: In this case series, lower eyelid elevation with FL grafts as a spacer led to a significant reduction of the PFVH, MRD 2, inferior scleral show distance, and conjunctival hyperemia. No severe surgery-related complications occurred.

Nonsurgical treatment for upper eyelid retraction in patients with inactive Graves' orbitopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of incobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin®) in treating upper eyelid retraction in patients with Graves orbitopathy (GO) initially scheduled for surgery via two different application sites. METHODS: This is a comparative, prospective study, conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, EUGOGO site (EUropean Group On Graves' Orbitopathy) in Croatia from January 2020 till January of 2021 in accordance with national health headquarter recommendations. All patients were classified as inactive with marked eyelid retraction and randomly divided into groups according to application sites. Group A underwent transconjunctival application (18 eyes) and group B transcutaneous application (20 eyes) of incobotulinumtoxinA. The primary end point of this study was lowering the eyelid, to alleviate anterior eye segment symptoms and achieve acceptable aesthetic appearance until surgery becomes available. RESULTS: There were no nonresponders and we found no statistically significant difference in the degree of lowering the eyelid between the two application sites. Following rules for avoiding spread of SARS-CoV-19, none of the patients included in this study were infected. Moreover, participants reported diminishing of anterior eye segment irritation and improved aesthetics. CONCLUSION: Treatment of inactive GO patients with incobotulinumtoxinA for upper eyelid retraction is efficient and safe and can be used as an adjuvant treatment while patients wait for surgery, by alleviating symptoms and improving the level of aesthetic satisfaction without causing a threat to anterior eye segment and visual function. The study showed that effect of treatment was the same, whether we applied the toxin transconjunctivaly or transcutaneously.

Anxiety and pain perception using a speculum-free eyelid retraction technique for intravitreal injection.

PURPOSE: This study compared pain and anxiety levels in individuals receiving intravitreal injections (IVIs) using a speculum-free injection technique, the lid splinting eyelid retraction technique, or using a speculum. METHODS: This was a prospective study of individuals receiving IVI at a single tertiary care medical center who responded to a questionnaire and visual analog scale (VAS) between December 2019 and January 2020. In one group, a speculum was used prior to injection, whereas in the other group, a speculum-free injection technique was used. RESULTS: A total of 108 individuals were included in this study: 54 received IVI with the speculum-free lid splinting eyelid retraction technique and 54 received IVI with a speculum. A correlation between pain and anxiety was demonstrated in the control group (p-value < 0.01); however, in the speculum-free group, this correlation was lower and not significant. When comparing pain and anxiety between the study groups, lower median pain (Mood's: Z = 5.378, p-value < 0.001) and lower anxiety (Mood's: Z = 2.108, p-value = 0.035) scores were demonstrated in the speculum-free group than in the control group. The distribution of pain scores was significantly different between the study groups (Kolmogorov-Smirnov: D = 0.518, p-value < 0.001), and trending differences in anxiety between the groups were observed (Kolmogorov-Smirnov: D = 0.259, p-value = 0.053). CONCLUSION: The lid splinting eyelid retraction technique, a speculum-free technique, was associated with less anxiety and pain in patients than the use of a speculum. As IVI often involves repeated treatment, identifying modifiable factors that may relieve anxiety and pain is of utmost importance.

Buccal mucosal membrane graft for correction of cicatricial lower eyelid retraction.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the outcomes of a surgical technique using buccal mucosal membrane graft for correction of cicatricial lower eyelid retraction. METHODS: Twelve patients with unilateral cicatricial lower eyelid retraction were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent a four-step surgical technique consisted of release of scars, midface lift, transfer of buccal mucosal membrane to posterior lamella as spacer graft, and canthal tightening. All patients were followed for at least 12 months. RESULTS: Mean preoperative Margin-to-Reflex-Distance 2 (MRD2) was 7.73 ± 1.10 mm, compared to mean postoperative MRD2 of 5.04 ± 0.49 mm (P < 0.0001). The mean improvement in retraction was 2.69 mm. Postoperative scleral show was present in only one case and no major complications were observed. CONCLUSION: The four-step procedure (scar release, midface lift, buccal mucosal graft and canthal tightening) was an effective procedure to correct cicatricial lower eyelid retractions with acceptable outcomes and a low morbidity rate.

Upper Eyelid Retraction in Graves' Ophthalmopathy: Our Surgical Experience on 153 Cases of Full-Thickness Anterior Blepharotomy with Mullerectomy.

BACKGROUND: We present our experience on 153 cases of full-thickness anterior blepharotomy with mullerectomy (FTABM) in the treatment of upper eyelid retraction (UER) related to Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). METHODS: We included all the patients who underwent a graded FTABM between 1st January 2015 and 30th June 2020 for UER GO-related. The analysis included: pre-/post-operative conjunctival symptoms, epiphora, GO-Quality of Life Questionnaire (QoL), lagophthalmos, marginal reflex distance (MRD-1) index, eyelid symmetry within 1mm. The statistical analysis was designed to detect postoperative improvement in objective and subjective clinical features. Outcomes were analysed through Chi-squared test for dichotomous variables and through Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables. RESULTS: Of the 111 patients, 42 underwent a bilateral procedure, while 69 a monolateral. Conjunctival symptoms were reported in 32% of cases before surgery and in 12.4% after FTABM (p < 0.001). Epiphora was complained by 29.6% of patients preoperatively and in 12.4% postoperatively (p < 0.001). Preoperative lagophthalmos was found in 12.4% (mean value of 0.34 ± 0.76 mm) of eyelids, and in 2.6% (mean value 0.05 ± 0.19 mm) eyelids (p = not significant) postoperatively. Pre-operative GO-QoL was 24.9 ± 4.4 mm; while post-operative GO-QoL was 35.3 ± 5.5 mm (p < 0.001). The MRD-1 varied from 10.12 ± 2.1 mm preoperatively, to 4.3 ± 0.6 mm (p < 0.001) after surgery. Asymmetric palpebral fissure was noted in 94 (84.7%) patients before surgery and in 7 (6.3%) after the procedure (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: FTABM is an effective procedure to treat UER GO-related. The technique manages to prevent complications of UER and determine good aesthetics. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 . Level IV, therapeutic study.

Lower eyelid malposition following repair of complex orbitofacial trauma.

PURPOSE: To compare the incidence of lower eyelid malposition following repair of isolated orbital floor fractures with that of complex orbitofacial fractures (defined as multi-wall fractures or prior orbital fracture repairs requiring revision) by oculofacial plastic surgeons via a transconjunctival or swinging eyelid approach. METHODS: Retrospective review of 175 patients who underwent surgical repair of orbital fractures at our institution. The primary outcomes were the occurrence of lower eyelid malposition (ectropion, entropion, and eyelid retraction) and the need for subsequent surgical correction. RESULTS: Of 95 patients with isolated orbital floor fractures, 4 developed eyelid malposition (4.2%), 1 of which required surgical repair (1.1%). Of 80 patients with complex orbitofacial fractures (48 multi-wall fractures, 32 secondary revisions), 10 had pre-operative eyelid malposition and were excluded from further analysis. Fourteen of the remaining 70 patients developed postoperative eyelid malposition (20%), 3 of which required surgical repair (4.3%). The difference in the occurrence of eyelid malposition between groups was statistically significant (p = .001), but the difference in rates of those requiring subsequent repair was not (p = .182). There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of eyelid malposition when considering other surgical factors including lateral canthotomy, conjunctival closure, implant material, or anterior rim screws. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of lower eyelid malposition following orbital fracture repair via a fornix-based approach was significantly higher for the repair of complex orbitofacial fractures than for isolated floor fractures. However, very few patients in either group required surgical repair for eyelid malposition. Surgical factors including implant material did not affect outcomes.

Single-stage Orbital Decompression, Strabismus and Eyelid Surgery in Moderate to Severe Thyroid Associated Orbitopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of orbital decompression, strabismus and/or eyelid surgery in patients with moderate to severe thyroid-associated orbitopathy, when combined approach is preferred. METHODS: Retrospective, comparative, non-randomized review of 45 patients operated on from 2015 to 2018. Simultaneous decompression, eyelid and/or strabismus surgery was performed in 34 eyes of 20 subjects (group 1). Patients with multi-step procedures were used as control groups: group 2 included patients with staged decompression and eyelid retraction surgery (15 cases, 19 eyes); group 3 included patients with staged decompression and vertical strabismus surgery (10 cases, 13 eyes). Mean follow-up was 2.9 ± 1.8 years. Mann Whitney two-tailed test was used for paired data, and Fisher's exact test for categorical data; p <.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Changes in margin reflex distance were not significantly different among patients of subgroup 1A (11 patients, one-step decompression/eyelid surgery) and group 2 (p >.05). Improvement in postoperative diplopia were not significantly different among patients of subgroup 1B (9 cases, one-step decompression/strabismus/eyelid surgery) and group 3 (p >.05). One patient of group 1 had recurrent dysthyroid optic neuropathy that recovered with steroid treatment. No other complications occurred in the one-step surgery group. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous orbital decompression, strabismus and/or eyelid surgery resolved dysthyroid optic neuropathy, decreased proptosis, improved diplopia and eyelid position with a range comparable to that of a multi-step technique. If confirmed in prospective controlled studies, a one-stage approach might be advised to reduce the costs and time needed for rehabilitation in selected patients.

Lower eyelid entropion in thyroid eye disease.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical features, ultrasound biomicroscopic features, and management outcome in patients presenting with thyroid eye disease (TED) and lower eyelid entropion. METHODS: Retrospective interventional case review of patients with TED presenting with lower eyelid entropion over a 12-year period. RESULTS: Five patients (eight eyes) of a total of 1211 presented with lower eyelid entropion as one of the presenting signs of TED (0.41%). The average age was 28.8 years (18-39 years), and three patients were males. Three had systemic hyperthyroidism, and two were euthyroid. Four (80%) had bilateral TED, three had inactive disease, and two were active. The average Hertel exophthalmometry reading was 24.6 mm. All patients had upper lid retraction. Four (80%) had concomitant lower eyelid retraction. Entropion was medial in five and complete in three eyes. Symptomatic corneal epitheliopathy was noted in four eyes. UBM was performed in four eyes which showed a thickened middle lamella. In four eyes (three patients), the entropion was managed conservatively as the patient was not contemplating surgery for proptosis. In the remaining four eyes (two patients) orbital decompression was performed and the lower eyelid retractor release corrected the symptomatic entropion. The average follow-up was 11.6 months (range 1-30). CONCLUSION: Lower eyelid entropion is a rare presenting sign in TED. The mechanism is multifactorial and could be caused by the thickened and fibrosed lower lid retractors, as demonstrated by UBM. Young age and globe projection may play a role. Decompression approaches that involve lower lid retractor release correct the entropion.

An algorithm for Botulinum toxin A injection for upper eyelid retraction associated with thyroid eye disease: long-term results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and complications of transconjunctival Botulinum toxin A injections performed according to an algorithm, for the management of upper eyelid retraction associated with thyroid eye disease. METHODS: Seventy one eyes of 60 patients at the inactive stage, who had undergone Botulinum toxin A injection were reviewed retrospectively. Botulinum toxin A was injected transconjunctivally, just above the superior tarsal border of the upper eyelid in doses between 2-15 units according to an algorithm, depending on the amount of retraction. Margin-reflex distances were measured according to the photographs taken under standard conditions before and after the injections at the tenth day, then the second month and the fourth month. Additional Botulinum toxin A injections were performed in patients who had an undercorrection on the tenth day. Complications such as diplopia and ptosis were recorded. RESULTS: The study included 38 females, 22 males with a mean age of 43.3 ± 13.1. Normal margin-reflex distances (3-4 mm) were reached in the 58 of 71 eyes (81.7%). Additional injections were needed in eight eyes (11.2%) for residual retraction on the tenth day. Ptosis was the major complication in four eyes for 1-3 weeks after injection. Upper eyelid retraction recurred after 5.1 ± 0.9 months in all patients. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of upper eyelid retraction due to thyroid eye disease, transconjunctival injection of Botulinum toxin A is an effective, safe, transient, and repeatable method with few complications in patients. The algorithm used in this study resulted in high success rate in long-term follow-up.

Efficacy of porcine acellular dermal matrix in the management of lower eyelid retraction: case series and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of Permacol™, a decellularized porcine dermal-derived membrane, as a spacer in the management of lower eyelid retraction. The efficacy of sizing and insertion was investigated, as well as complications. The literature was also reviewed to compare this material with other porcine-derived grafts in use for the management of lower eyelid retraction. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series observing all patients who received lower eyelid Permacol implants by the two senior authors (AAM, TGH) for the management of lower eyelid retraction. Patient demographics, indications for surgery, graft size, degree of postoperative lid advancement, and complications were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients (16 eyelids) received Permacol implants for correction of lower eyelid retraction during the study period of 18 months (January 2015 to July 2017). Ten procedures were related to thyroid eye disease, 3 for reconstruction, 2 postcosmetic lower lid blepharoplasty, and one acquired anophthalmic socket. The average preoperative inferior scleral show (ISS) was 1.74 mm, and the average postoperative ISS was 0.82 mm. There was a mean lower eyelid elevation of 0.91 mm (p < 0.005, Wilcoxon signed rank test) and mean ratio of graft height:preoperative ISS was 3.8:1 over a median of 8 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Permacol is a safe and effective alternative to autologous tissues for use as a spacer in patients with lower eyelid retraction of varying etiologies. It does undergo some resorption with time, however this can be predicted and incorporated into surgical planning; we recommend an implant height:ISS ratio of 4:1.

Influence of surgical approach for decompression on lower eyelid position in thyroid eye disease.

Purpose: Orbital decompression for thyroid eye disease (TED) has been noted to improve lower lid retraction by 0.5-1 mm. We hypothesize that orbital decompression via transconjunctival approach may lead to increased reduction in marginal reflex distance 2 (MRD2) as it involves division of the lower lid retractors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate relative changes in lower lid position for patients undergoing lateral and transconjunctival orbital decompression, respectively.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all TED patients managed with lateral or transconjunctival orbital decompression for a 3-year period were screened for inclusion. Photographs taken in the primary position preoperatively and three months postoperatively were utilized to evaluate the MRD2 from each patient. Measurements were made utilizing NIH ImageJ software standardized to a corneal diameter. Hertel measurements of proptosis were obtained pre and postoperatively. The primary outcome measure was MRD2 in operative eyes.Results: A total of 131 (86 patients) operative eyes were included in the sample. Mean change MRD2 was not significantly different between the surgical groups (p = 0.07). In multivariate modeling, mean change in MRD2 was significantly associated with change in exophthalmometry, independent of surgical approach.Conclusions: The association between decrease in Hertel measurement and decrease in MRD2 is consistent with the existing literature on the topic. It appears that transconjunctival division of the lower eyelid retractors provides no additional benefit in reducing lower lid retraction relative to change in proptosis.

Contralateral Mueller's muscle-conjunctiva resection: a therapeutic option in thyroid eye disease patients with unilateral eyelid retraction.

Purpose: To evaluate pre- and post-operative marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD1) when conducting Mueller's muscle-conjunctiva resection (MMCR) on the normal eyelid of thyroid eye disease (TED) patients with unilateral eyelid retraction.Methods: This was a retrospective non-comparative case series. Medical records of TED patients with unilateral eyelid retraction, who underwent a contralateral MMCR from November 2015 to September 2017, were reviewed. Standard photographs of pre-operative, post-phenylephrine test and post-operative were measured for eyelid positions including MRD1, MRD2 and inter-palpebral fissure width. MMCR was indicated on the contralateral eyelid only in patients who had a cosmetically acceptable result from phenylephrine test and were willing to receive the operation on the normal eye.Results: Twelve TED patients who underwent MMCR on the normal eyelid were included in the study. Mean pre-operative MRD1 of retracted and normal eyelid were 5.7 mm (SD = 0.86) and 3.5 mm (SD = 0.65), respectively. Mean post-operative MRD1 of retracted and normal eyelid were 4.4 mm (SD = 0.76) and 4.1 mm (SD = 0.46), respectively. The asymmetry of MRD1 between eyes was significantly decreased from 2.1 mm (inter-quartile range (IQR) = 1.5-2.9 mm) pre-operatively to 0.3 mm (IQR = 0.1-0.7 mm) post-operatively (p = .002). None of these patients needed further eyelid correction surgery and there was no complication.Conclusions: In TED patients with unilateral eyelid retraction, using phenylephrine test on their normal eyes should be initiated. If eyelid position was satisfactorily equalized, performing MMCR on the normal eyelid is considered an effective alternative treatment with a predictable outcome.