Outcomes for expanded polytetrafluoroethylene strip in frontalis suspension surgery.

PURPOSE: This study evaluates surgical outcomes and complication rates of frontalis suspension with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study reviewed all patients undergoing frontalis suspension surgery using ePTFE as the sling material from January 1 2012 to March 3 2020 by a single surgeon at a single academic center. Two different surgical techniques were evaluated in the placement of the sling material. Demographic, clinical, and operative data were extracted. Outcome data including postoperative lid height, reoperation, and complication rate were extracted for the cohort and compared between the two surgical techniques. Descriptive statistics were utilized. RESULTS: Sixty-four eyes from 49 unique patients were included in this study. Forty-three (67.2%) patients had isolated congenital blepharoptosis; 14 (21.9%) had blepharophimosis, ptosis, and epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES); and 2 (3.1%) had cranial nerve III palsy. Fifty-one (79.7%) patients had no prior blepharoptosis surgery. Lid crease incision and stab incision techniques were utilized for 24 (37.5%) and 40 (62.5%) eyes, respectively. Overall, 21 (32.8%) eyes required reoperation with ePTFE to achieve appropriate eyelid height or contour. Only one patient experienced implant infection, requiring removal of ePTFE sling after a second reoperation. There were no cases of implant exposure or granuloma formation noted during the study period. CONCLUSION: An ePTFE strip soaked in cefazolin prior to utilization in surgery is a viable material for frontalis suspension surgery, with a lower infectious or inflammatory complication rate than previously reported. However, reoperation rate was still relatively high.

Delayed infections following polybutylate-coated polyester (Ethibond) suture frontalis suspension surgery for severe blepharoptosis.

PURPOSE: To describe the incidence and management of delayed infections following frontalis sling suspension with polybutylate-coated polyester suture (Ethibond). METHODS: Retrospective, interventional case series of 177 eyes of 150 patients, who underwent frontalis suspension surgery with Ethibond (Johnson and Johnson, USA), at L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India, between January 2016 and February 2022. Patients were assessed for chronic secondary sling infection, defined as infection/suture granuloma occurring beyond 6 weeks post-surgery. All patients received postoperative oral antibiotics. The clinical profile, microbiological evaluation, antibiotic sensitivity patterns, and management outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Delayed infection following Ethibond sling suspension was noted in 14 eyes of 13 patients (7.9%). Of these, eight cases (61.5%) were females. The average time interval from surgery to presentation was 7.5 months (range: 2.5 months to 2.5 years). Eleven eyes underwent sling removal. Of the three who received initial antibiotic course, two eventually needed sling removal. Microbiological evaluation was available in seven eyes (50%), with Staphylococcus aureus as the most common organism. Of the six positive cultures, five (83.3%) were resistant to fluoroquinolones (FQs). CONCLUSION: Frontalis suspension with Ethibond has an 8% incidence of delayed infections, with Staphylococcus aureus as the most common organism. The authors recommend early sling removal in all patients with infection and recommend consideration of an alternative material in the event of future revision surgery.

Management of Marcus Gunn jaw wink syndrome with tarsofrontalis sling vis a vis levator excision and frontalis sling: a comparative study.

PURPOSE: To compare the results between tarsofrontalis sling (TFS) and levator palpebrae superioris (LPS) excision with TFS in cases of ptosis with Marcus Gunn jaw winking syndrome (MGJWS). METHOD: A retrospective review of records of all patients undergoing either TFS (group A) or LPS excision along with TFS (group B) in cases of ptosis with MGJWS was done over the past 10 years and their results were compared. RESULTS: The study included 73 patients (75 eyes). There were 36 patients (36 eyes) in group A and 37 patients (39 eyes) in group B. There was a significant reduction in the excursion due to MGJWS from 4.7 ± 1.49 to 1.91 ± 1.04 mm in group A (p = .001) and 4.65 ± 1.34 to 1.79 ± 0.98 mm in group B (p < .05). The reduction in excursion due to MGJWS and lagophthalmos were comparable in both groups. The mean follow-up in group A was 5.62 ± 6.94 (Range: 1-24) months and group B was 19.15 ± 29.16 (Range: 1-96) months (p = .01). CONCLUSION: Both TFS and LPS excision with TFS is equally effective in dampening the eyelid excursion in MGJWS. Tarsofrontalis sling is a safe, easy and effective technique for MGJWS with lesser complication.

Survey of ptosis practice patterns among surgeons in Asia Pacific Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (APSOPRS).

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the preferred ptosis practice patterns and variations among oculoplastic surgeons in the Asia-Pacific region. METHODS: A web-based questionnaire was sent to both members and non-members registered under the Asia Pacific Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (APSOPRS)'s email database. The survey included preoperative testing practices, surgical preferences for adult aponeurotic and congenital ptosis, various surgical techniques (anterior and posterior approach ptosis procedures, and frontalis sling procedures) and postoperative practices. RESULTS: A total of 386 survey invitations were sent. There was a response rate of 68.7% from respondents from 20 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. There was variation in the preoperative evaluation and management of ptosis. Anterior approach ptosis surgery (96.6%) and frontalis sling procedures (86.8%) were performed by more surgeons than posterior approach ptosis surgery (47.2%). There was a deviation from the traditional frontalis sling procedures for patients with poor levator function. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey results provide insight into the variation in the assessment and management of ptosis amongst oculoplastic surgeons in the Asia-Pacific region. It also demonstrates some differences between practice patterns in Asia-Pacific and America.

The Recurrence of Ptosis after Correction Surgery Is Associated with Refractive Error.

Background and objectives: Previous studies on ptosis recurrence after correction surgery have tended to focus on postoperative complications, surgical methods and suspension materials, few have mentioned refractive error. This research is to investigate the potential relation between refractive error and recurrence after correction surgery in pediatric patients with simple congenital ptosis. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from patients with simple congenital ptosis who were treated at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center (ZOC) between 2017 and 2020. In total, 111 eyelids of 85 patients without surgery-related complications who underwent frontalis muscle flap suspension (FMFS) for simple congenital ptosis were included. Postoperative changes in eyelid height were assessed. Cycloplegic refraction was assessed before surgery and during the follow-up period (every 3 months after surgery). Recurrence in the postoperative period was defined as a marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD1) of <1 mm. Results: There were 16 recurrence and 69 non-recurrence cases, with no statistically significant differences, in terms of patient age at the time of surgery, patient sex, or preoperative MRD1, between the recurrence and non-recurrence groups. The postoperative cylindrical diopter (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.432, p = 0.005), laterality (adjusted OR = 0.202, p = 0.006), and preoperative MRD1 (adjusted OR = 0.617, p = 0.019) were associated with ptosis recurrence after surgery. Differences between the recurrence and non-recurrence groups in spherical diopter and spherical equivalent (SE) before and after surgery were not statistically significant. In addition, preoperative refractive error and postoperative spherical diopter were not significantly associated with ptosis recurrence after correction surgery. Conclusions: Ptosis recurrence after FMFS in pediatric cases of congenital ptosis is associated with refractive error. Timely refractive correction and amblyopia treatment may help to reduce ptosis recurrence.

The use of frontalis sling in the management of variable ptosis secondary to congenital myasthenic syndrome.

Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS) describes a group of rare inherited disorders caused by impaired neuromuscular transmission at the motor endplate. Common ophthalmic manifestations associated with CMS include ptosis and ophthalmoplegia. A 19-year-old female presented with variable day-to-day ptosis secondary to CMS that was refractory to medical therapy. Bilateral silicone frontalis slings were used to stabilise the upper lid height and reduce fluctuation in severity of ptosis. Blepharoptosis surgery has been performed in patients with chronic myasthenia gravis (MG), but rarely in the setting of CMS. Blepharoptosis surgery in CMS patients with variable ptosis is difficult due to the risk of upsetting the original lid position and developing post-operative exposure keratopathy. Our case demonstrates that the frontalis sling procedure may be considered as an option in the management of variable blepharoptosis secondary to CMS.

Postoperative Visual Outcome: Sling procedure with prolene sutures in children with simple congenital ptosis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the visual outcome after sling procedure using prolene sutures in children with simple congenital ptosis. METHODS: A descriptive case series study was performed in the Department of Ophthalmology of Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre, for a duration of six months in which 20 patients aged 3-10 years were selected with either unilateral or bilateral congenital ptosis. They were thoroughly examined and visual acuity and degree of ptosis were measured pre-operatively. Frontalis sling surgery was performed using prolene sutures on all patients after which their visual acuity and degree of ptosis were measured once again after three months post-operatively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. For qualitative variables, frequency and percentages were calculated. Mean and Standard deviation was commutated for the quantitative variable. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 8.15±1.75. 11 (55%) male and 9 (45%) female participants were included in the study. Visual acuity improved in all the patients with all the patients attaining a visual acuity of 6/6 (n=12, 60%), 6/9 (n=7, 35%), and 6/12 (n=1, 5%). The degree of ptosis post-operatively was not found in any patient either. CONCLUSION: Sling procedure helped in eliminating ptosis and improved visual acuity in patients with simple congenital ptosis.

Polytetrafluoroethylene frontalis suspension in blepharospasm with eyelid apraxia: an effective and well-tolerated adjunct to botulinum toxin therapy.

Purpose: To report the efficacy of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) frontalis suspension for blepharospasm with eyelid apraxia and postoperative botulinum toxin requirements. Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients with blepharospasm and eyelid apraxia who underwent frontalis suspension. The primary outcome was a surgical success, defined by surgeon- and patient-reported success in postoperative eyelid opening. Comparative statistical analyses of botulinum toxin dosage and treatment intervals were performed amongst patients before and after frontalis suspension ptosis repair. Results: Five patients (10 eyelids) met the study criteria, of which 40% were female. Mean age was 63.2 years. All patients had successful surgical outcomes based on physician-reported and patient reported satisfaction with the postoperative eyelid opening. Average follow-up was 14 months. Preoperative botulinum toxin treatments averaged 80.4 units (range 32-110, SD 33.2) to the periocular region over an average of 9.6-week intervals. Postoperative botulinum toxin treatments averaged 61.4 units (range 24-110, SD 34.7) to the periocular region over an overage of 9.8-week intervals. No patients experienced postoperative exposure keratopathy, extrusion of the sling, or postoperative infection. Conclusions: Frontalis suspension using PTFE suture in the setting of blepharospasm with eyelid apraxia was found to be a safe and effective procedure. Frontalis suspension in this population is not a substitute for botulinum toxin treatment but may allow for reduced treatment dosage. Frontalis suspension appears to increase patient functionality with improved eyelid opening in patients with blepharospasm with eyelid apraxia.

Double Rectangle Fascia Lata Frontalis Sling: A Rationale Approach for Ptosis.

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcomes of a modified technique of double rectangle pattern for correction of severe ptosis. Methods This is a retrospective study over a period of 8 years including patients who underwent correction of ptosis by double rectangle using autologous fascia lata sling. Surgical outcomes were assessed postoperatively by distance from the corneal light reflex to the upper eyelid margin (MRD1) and levator function. Results Twenty-six eyelids were operated in 20 patients. There were 9 males and 11 females, with age ranging from 4 to 35 years. Preoperatively, all patients had poor MRD1 and poor levator function. Postoperative MRD1 was good in 13 patients (17 eyelids), fair in 5 (7eyelids), and poor in 2 patients (2 eyelids). Postoperative levator function was excellent in 12 patients (15 eyelids), good in 6 (9 eyelids), and fair in 2 patients (2 eyelids). At a mean follow-up of 12 months, adequate correction was achieved in 24 eyelids, and 2 eyelids had undercorrection. Conclusion Frontalis sling with a double rectangle is simple and more efficient, as it provides a straight line of pull to the eyelid for correction of severe ptosis.

Factors related to amblyopia in congenital ptosis after frontalis sling surgery.

BACKGROUND: Amblyopia is a main concern in children undergoing frontalis sling surgery for repairing congenital ptosis. This study aimed to evaluate factors related to amblyopia in children undergoing frontalis sling surgery. METHODS: IRB-approved retrospective review of children under the age of 12 who received frontalis sling surgery. Preoperative demographic data, strabismus, margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1), lid fissure height, sling type, refraction errors, surgical outcome and amblyopia were evaluated. RESULTS: This study included 48 eyelid procedures performed in 38 patients. Median age was 4.0 years. Etiology was congenital ptosis in 42 eyes (87.5%) and blepharophimosis in 6 eyes (12.5%). Mersilene mesh was the sling material used in 36 eyes (75%), silicone in 6 eyes (12.5%), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in 6 eyes (12.5%). Mean duration of follow-up was 27.8 ± 25.0 months (range, 3 to 128 months). Amblyopia was observed in 17 eyes (35.4%) at the final follow-up. Factors significantly associated with final amblyopia included blepharophimosis (p = 0.017), preoperative MRD1 ≤ - 1.0 mm (p = 0.038), preoperative lid fissure ≤4.5 mm (p = 0.035), preoperative anisometropia (spherical equivalent) (p = 0.011), and postoperative astigmatism (p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Study results suggest that blepharophimosis, preoperative MRD1 ≤ - 1.0 mm, preoperative lid fissure ≤4.5 mm, preoperative anisometropia (spherical equivalent), and postoperative astigmatism are associated with amblyopia after frontalis sling surgery in patients with congenital ptosis.

Is Hering's law as important in congenital blepharoptosis as in acquired ptosis?

BACKGROUND: Although Hering's law has significant importance in the planning and outcomes of eyelid surgery, it has not been applied in all cases of ptosis. OBJECTIVES: The authors evaluate whether cases of unilateral congenital ptosis require surgery on the contralateral eyelid, in keeping with Hering's law. METHODS: The records of 35 consecutive patients with unilateral congenital ptosis who had surgical repair between 2007 and 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent either levator resection or frontalis sling surgery. Preoperative and postoperative clinical documents and photographs were evaluated for each case, including preoperative Hering's dependence and postoperative measurements of the change in position of the nonoperated eyelid. RESULTS: There were 19 women and 16 men, and the average patient age was 9.7 ± 10 years. The mean preoperative levator function and marginal reflex distance were 6.7 ± 4.7 mm and 0.3 ± 0.47 mm, respectively. There were significant differences in age, preoperative levator function, and marginal reflex distance between patients who underwent levator resection and those who had frontalis sling surgery. In all patients, the preoperative Hering's dependence of eyelid position did not show any decrease, and the position of the contralateral eyelid postoperatively did not differ from the baseline position. CONCLUSIONS: This research shows that Hering's law does not apply to cases of congenital ptosis. This is likely due to the fibrotic levator palpebrae muscle and its special innervations. Thus, it is not necessary to perform levator resection or a frontalis sling operation on the unaffected eyelid.

Marcus Gunn Jaw-Winking Phenomenon and Monocular Elevation Deficiency in Association With Congenital Ptosis.

Marcus Gunn jaw winking (MGJW) is an uncommon entity and is associated with congenital ptosis. It is a neurogenic congenital ptosis, which is also called the Marcus Gunn phenomenon, trigeminal-oculomotor synkinesis, or pterygoid-levator synkinesis. Congenital ptosis can be associated with MGJW syndrome, blepharophimosis syndrome, and monocular elevation deficiency (MED). MED is a condition where there is a unilateral congenital abnormality in the elevation of the eye in abduction and adduction. The MGJW phenomenon, congenital ptosis, and double-elevator palsy may be associated with and represent a congenital misdirection syndrome. Together, it can be challenging, and surgery is recommended in severe cases, depending on the degree of ptosis and jaw winking. We hereby want to bring to light one such case of a 14-year-old female with congenital ptosis, MGJW, and double-elevator palsy and want to highlight how both MGJW and double-elevator palsy are both parts of the same disease spectrum and how such cases can be treated.

Frontalis Sling Using a Silicone Rod for Ptosis in Third Nerve Palsy: Cosmesis versus Safety.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of the frontalis sling operation using a silicone rod for the correction of ptosis in patients with third nerve palsy with a focus on corneal safety. METHODS: Patients with third nerve palsy who underwent the frontalis sling operation using a silicone rod between 2008 and 2019 were included in this study. The medical records of all patients were reviewed, and their clinical characteristics and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. In this retrospective, interventional case series, the main outcome measures were eyelid contour, eyelid height by margin reflex distance, and corneal status. RESULTS: Twenty-four eyes of 18 patients (12 male and six female patients) were included. The mean age at the time of surgery was 35.1 years (range, 5-64 years). Twelve patients underwent a unilateral ptosis operation, and six patients received a bilateral ptosis operation. The mean follow-up period was 32.1 months (range, 2-87 months). Most patients (21 of 24 eyes, 88%) showed poor Bell's phenomenon on preoperative examination. Satisfactory eyelid height and eyelid contour were achieved in almost all patients (mean postoperative margin reflex distance, +1.2 mm) postoperatively. Although corneal erosions were detected for several months in eight of 24 eyes after surgery, these findings were well controlled medically with artificial tear eye drops and ointments. CONCLUSIONS: Frontalis sling surgery using a silicone rod can safely and effectively correct ptosis without severe corneal complications in patients with third nerve palsy. Our study outlines a new method to define the postoperative safety outcome by specifically focusing on categorized corneal status.

Severe unilateral congenital ptosis with poor levator function: tarsoconjunctival mullerectomy plus levator resection vs frontalis sling procedure.

AIM: To compare frontalis sling and tarsoconjunctival mullerectomy plus levator resection (TCMLR) in subjects with severe unilateral congenital ptosis with poor levator function (LF). METHODS: A prospective non-randomized non-blinded single center clinical trial. Fifty patients with severe unilateral congenital ptosis with poor LF were recruited. The frontalis sling and TCMLR were performed and the functional, cosmetic outcomes, complications, and success rate were evaluated at 1, 3, and 6mo postoperatively. The t-test, Chi-square, Fishers exact, and nonparametric Mann-Whitney tests were used by SPSS software. RESULTS: Frontalis sling and TCMLR procedures were performed on 26 and 24 patients respectively. The mean age was 10.97±10.67y. LF was significantly better in the TCMLR group at months 1, 3, and 6 (P=0.002). Lagophthalmos was more common in the TCMLR group (no significant difference). At month 3, mild punctate epithelial erosions were observed more in the frontalis sling group (P=0.002). Significant complete success rate of 1st and 6th month for the frontalis sling vs TCMLR groups were 50% vs 20.8% (P=0.02), and 38.4% vs 50% (P=0.03) respectively. CONCLUSION: Complete success rate of TCMLR is higher in long-term follow-up in contrast with the frontalis sling in the short-term. Transient complications are more detected in mid-term follow-ups in both groups.

Ptosis Correction: Our Modification and Experience.

Background Congenital ptosis not only results in an asymmetric facial appearance but can lead to permanent visual disturbances if not addressed at an appropriate time. Crawford used fascia lata for suspension of the eyelid to frontalis muscle, which remains a standard procedure for congenital ptosis correction to date, with an acceptable recurrence rate due to graft slippage. There are many modifications in this technique to reduce this complication; hence, in this study, we share our experience of a modification to improve the outcomes. Methodology This retrospective study was conducted at a private tertiary care hospital in Karachi for 10 years. In total, 26 patients fulfilled our inclusion criteria. All patients underwent a modified Crawford's procedure under general anesthesia. Results In this study, the male-to-female ratio was 1:1.5. In total, 17 (65%) patients had unilateral ptosis. The mean age of presentation was 7 ± 3 years. All of our patients had poor levator function (<5 mm excursion) with a mean of 3 mm and mean grade of ptosis of 4 ± 1.6 mm. The mean preoperative marginal reflex distance (MRD) was +1.8 ± 0.6 mm. In this study, the patients had a mean postoperative MRD of 4.2 ± 0.7 mm at the four-week follow-up. Conclusions Although Crawford's procedure gives promising results for ptosis correction, suturing the fascial sling to the tarsal plate ensures good anchorage and prevents relapse.

Effect of congenital ptosis correction on corneal topography- A prospective study.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in corneal topography, cycloplegic refraction, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after ptosis correction surgery in patients with congenital ptosis. Methods: Our study represents a prospective observational study conducted on 27 eyes of 21 patients with congenital ptosis. All patients underwent complete ophthalmological evaluation, cycloplegic refraction, and baseline Orbscan prior to ptosis surgery. At 6 months postoperative review, the cycloplegic refraction and Orbscan were repeated to evaluate the changes in these parameters. The main outcome measures in our study were Steepest K, Inferior-Superior Asymmetry (I-S Asymmetry), cycloplegic refraction and BCVA. Results: A significant decrease in Steepest K postoperatively (P < 0.001) was noted. Superior K and Inferior K also decreased, but the decrease in Inferior K was statistically significant (P = 0.044). However, change in I-S Asymmetry was not significant. Variation in BCVA, and cycloplegic sphere and cylinder was minimal. Sim K astigmatism, Surface Regularity Index, I-S Asymmetry and Central Corneal Thickness did not show significant variation. Conclusion: Ptotic eyelid constantly presses on the cornea causing significant changes in corneal contour and surface remodeling. This pressure when relieved, results in significant flattening and regression of anterior corneal surface to its near normal anatomy. This further resulted in improvement of corneal surface irregularity and symmetry.

An Inflammatory Reaction to Stored Fascia Lata 37 Years Postimplantation.

We report a rare case of a suspected inflammatory reaction to stored fascia lata 37 years post-placement. Clinical, imaging, histopathological, and immunohistochemical findings are presented, with a literature review on reactions to stored fascia lata. A 39-year-old woman had upper eyelid congenital ptosis repaired successfully at 2 years with bilateral frontalis suspension procedures using stored fascia lata. Thirty-seven years later, the patient presented with swelling of her eyelids and forehead, which was tender to the touch, in the same pattern as the fascia lata slings placed earlier. Histopathological examination disclosed a non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammatory infiltrate with numerous asteroid bodies. Initially, it was responsive to oral prednisone, but with recurrent inflammation, long-term methotrexate was required to control the inflammation. To our knowledge, this type of delayed inflammatory reaction has not been previously reported. It raises a concern about the use of allogeneic donor tissue and accepted sterilization techniques that may not be 100% effective in deactivating all components of the donor graft, including potential infectious pathogens, leading to a subsequent latent reaction.

Surgical management of ptosis in chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia.

PURPOSE: To determine possible complications and efficacy of ptosis surgery in a series of chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO) patients with healthy tear film. METHOD: It is a prospective interventional study on 24 eyes from 12 patients with the diagnosis of CPEO and ptosis. Pre-operatively, tear breakup test (TBUT) and Schirmer test were performed to assess lacrimal function unit. Levator resection was performed for 16 eyes with levator function (LF) more than 4 mm, while eight eyes from four patients with poorer LF underwent frontalis silicone sling surgery. Main outcome measures included change in marginal-to-reflex distance (MRD1) and incidence of post-operative exposure keratopathy. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 45 ± 15 years. The mean of TBUT and Schirmer test were 12 ± 1.98 s and 15 ± 2.76 mm, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 34 months. Four eyes encountered mild to moderate exposure keratopathy. All cases were managed medically, with no need for surgical revision. The mean pre-operative MRD1, LF, and chin-up angle were -0.54 ± 1.03 mm, 4.21 ± 1.41 mm, and 21.6 ± 6.01 degrees, respectively. The mean post-operative MRD1, LF, and chin-up angle were 2.42 ± 0.60, 4.46 ± 1.53 mm, and 3.3 ± 1.01 degrees, respectively. At 1-year follow-up visit, improvement in MRD1 and chin-up posture was statistically significant (p-value < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Normal TBUT and Schirmer test results, prophylactic lubricating therapy, and close follow-up can be as important as Bell's phenomenon and palpebral fissure height in predicting post-operative complications.

[Treatment of congenital ptosis in a low-income country: polypropylene frontalis sling at the African Institute of Tropical Ophthalmology]. / Traitement du ptosis congénital dans un pays à faible revenu : suspension du releveur au muscle frontal par le polypropylène à l'Institut d'Ophtalmologie tropicale de l'Afrique (IOTA).

INTRODUCTION: Treatment of congenital ptosis is exclusively surgical; the frontalis sling method is most appropriate when the ptosis is severe, with no upper eyelid levator function. This surgery typically utilizes various materials (autologous fascia lata, silicone, nylon, or polypropylene bands, etc.). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective descriptive study of 22 children under 16 years of age, treated for congenital ptosis by frontalis suspension of the levator muscle of the upper eyelid using the polypropylene technique, between January 1, 2014 and June 30, 2017 at the African Institute of Tropical Ophthalmology teaching hospital. RESULTS: In our study, the surgical result (prior to correction of recurrences) was satisfactory in 81.82 % of cases, with a recurrence rate of 13.64 %. The mean follow-up was 14 months, ranging from 4 to 25 months. DISCUSSION: The use of polypropylene provides encouraging results in ptosis surgery, while also offering the advantage of being low cost and more available. Its use in developing countries deserves special attention.