The role of Whitnall's ligament position in the success of levator resection surgery in congenital ptosis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the role of Whitnall's ligament position in the success of levator resection surgery in congenital ptosis. METHODS: It was an interventional case series on patients with congenital ptosis who underwent levator muscle resection in Farabi Eye Hospital (2020-2022). Patients with incomplete follow-up, a history of trauma, poor Bell's phenomenon, previous ocular and lid surgeries, poor levator function (≤ 4mm), and syndromic ptosis or systemic diseases were excluded. During the surgery, several factors, including the distance between Whitnall's ligament and the upper edge of the tarsus (W-distance), the vertical length of the tarsus (T-length), and the amount of levator muscle resection (LMR), were measured. A successful outcome was defined as the inter-eye difference of margin reflex distance-1 (MRD1) ≤ 1 and post-op MRD1 ≥ 3 OR the inter-eye difference of MRD1 ≤ 0.5 with any value of post-op MRD1 in unilateral cases and Postop-MRD1 > 3 in bilateral cases during the 3-months period. RESULTS: Thirty four eyes of 34 patients were included, and 79.4% of patients achieved successful outcomes. In univariate analysis, Preop-MRD1 and Preop-LF had meaningful negative correlations with the amount of LMR to reach the successful outcome (p < 0.05), which was only meaningful for Preop-LF in multivariable analysis (p < 0.05). Noticeably, W-distance had a significant positive correlation in univariate and multivariable linear regression (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: W-distance can be considered a significant new parameter other than Preop-LF influencing the amount of levator resection needed to achieve success in levator resection surgery.

Surgical outcomes of tarsofrontalis sling surgery using silicon rod versus supramaximal levator resection in unilateral congenital ptosis with poor levator function.

PURPOSE: To compare the surgical outcomes of tarsofrontalis sling surgery using silicon rod versus supramaximal levator resection in patients of unilateral congenital ptosis with poor levator function (≤ 4 mm). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized control study was conducted over a period of 18 months. 44 patients were enrolled in the study group. The study population was randomly divided into two groups (22 in each group). In Group A, congenital ptosis was treated with tarsofrontalis sling surgery using silicon rod and supramaximal levator resection was done in the group B. Follow-up examination was done at postoperative day 1, one week, 1 month, 6 months and 12 months. Surgical outcome measures were change in marginal reflex distance-1 (MRD 1), vertical palpebral fissure height (VPFH) and inter-eyelid difference of margin reflex distance 1 and complications in two groups. RESULTS: The mean age of patients in group A was 7.25 ± 6.10 years ranging from 1-18 years and mean age of patients in group B was 5.64 ± 2.44 years ranging from 3 to 11 years. Good surgical outcome was obtained in 73-77% of both groups. MRD1and VPFH increased significantly after surgery from baseline in both the groups (p value < 0.001). Inter-eyelid MRD 1 difference also improved significantly in both groups following ptosis surgery. CONCLUSION: Both supramaximal levator resection and tarsofrontalis sling surgery are equally effective in cases of unilateral ptosis patients with poor levator function and should be part of the surgical armamentarium for treating congenital ptosis.

Corticosteroid eyedrops induced blepharoptosis and atrophy of levator muscle.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to analyze the incidence, manifestations, and treatment of blepharoptosis caused by long-term use of corticosteroid eyedrops. METHODS: Retrospective case series include 46 patients with a history of using corticosteroid eyedrops unilaterally for at least 2 months. The palpebral fissure, MRD1, and levator function were evaluated. RESULTS: Among 46 patients, the differences of mean MRD1 (p < 0.0005), palpebral fissure height (p < 0.0005), and levator function (p = 0.003) between eyes with and without corticosteroid eyedrops application were significant. Ptosis existed in 40 out of 46 eyes with corticosteroid; the differences of the mean MRD1 (p < 0.0005) and palpebral fissure height (p = 0.001) between eyes with and without ptosis were significant. Nine patients underwent levator aponeurosis repair surgeries. Pathological examinations revealed mainly vascular fibers and few muscle fibers, as well as apoptosis of levator palpebrae muscle and Muller muscle. CONCLUSION: Blepharoptosis is frequently observed after chronic corticosteroid eyedrops use in Chinese population.

The effect of eyebrow stenting on the measurement of levator excursion in normal and ptotic eyelids.

Introduction: Levator function is classically estimated by measuring upper eyelid excursion (ULE) with digital brow stenting. The purpose of this study is to compare ULE with and without brow stenting in normal and ptotic eyelids. Methods: In this prospective observational study, normal and ptotic eyelids were recruited. Subjects were photographed with and without digital brow stenting in primary position, downgaze, and upgaze. Measurements were conducted on digital photographs. The primary outcome measure was ULE (distance travelled by the eyelid margin between downgaze and upgaze). Normal and ptosis (MRD1 ≤ 2.5 mm or asymmetry ≥ 1 mm) subgroups were defined. Independent one-way ANOVA and independent samples t-tests were performed. This study was powered to detect a 1 mm difference in the primary outcome measure, assuming SD = 1 mm, with alpha = 0.05 and beta-error = 0.95. Results: Twenty-eight normal eyelids of 22 subjects and 28 ptotic eyes of 18 subjects were included. Stenting significantly (p < 0.01) increased ULE in the overall sample (+0.9 mm) and in controls (+1.2 mm), but not (p > 0.05) in ptotic eyelids (+0.5 mm). Post hoc analysis revealed a beta-error of 0.08 in the latter. Conclusion: ULE was significantly higher with brow stenting in normal eyelids (approximately +1.2 mm) but not in ptotic eyelids, possibly due to increased levator tone secondary to increased effort in the coupled frontalis.

Levator resection for congenital ptosis: Does pre-operative levator function or degree of ptosis affect successful outcome?

The aim of this study was to determine whether pre-operative levator function and degree of ptosis affect surgical outcomes in children with congenital ptosis undergoing anterior levator resection under general anaesthesia. Retrospective cohort study. Children with 'simple' congenital ptosis who underwent anterior levator resection under general anaesthesia. Consecutive cases were reviewed with regards to achievement of the desired lid height (surgical success), and the influence of preoperative levator function and degree of ptosis. The amount of pre-operative levator function and degree of ptosis, with corresponding surgical outcomes. Forty-two lids (37 patients) were included in the study: 36 primary and 6 revision cases (which were excluded from analysis due to small sample size). Mean age was 7 years (range 3-17 years), with similar male to female ratio (1.2:1). The overall success rate for primary was 86%. There were small to moderate trends towards greater amount of levator resection for lower levator function (r2 = -0.25, p < 0.05) and higher degree of ptosis (r2 = 0.38, p < 0.05). All successful primary cases (n = 31) had pre-operative levator function of at least 8 mm. Levator resection in children under general anaesthesia continues to be an imprecise science. Degree of ptosis and levator function were poorly correlated to each other; however, there was an expected small to moderate correlation between resection amount and levator function (negative correlation) or degree of ptosis (positive correlation). Patients with levator function of 8mm or more are likely to have a successful outcome.

Levator Plate Upward Lift on Dynamic Sonography and Levator Muscle Strength.

OBJECTIVES: To compare digital palpation with levator plate lift measured by endovaginal and transperineal dynamic sonography. METHODS: Dynamic transperineal and endovaginal sonographic examinations were performed as part of multicompartmental pelvic floor functional assessment. Patients were instructed to perform Kegel contractions while a probe captured a video clip of levator plate movement at rest and during contraction in a 2-dimensional midsagittal posterior view. We measured the distance between the levator plate and the probe on endovaginal sonography as well as the distance between the levator plate and the gothic arch of the pubis on transperineal sonography. The change in diameter (lift) and levator plate lift ratio (lift/rest × 100) were calculated. Pelvic floor muscle strength was assessed by digital palpation and divided into functional and nonfunctional groups according to the Modified Oxford Scale. Mean differences in levator plate upward lift were compared by Modified Oxford Scale scores using Student t tests and analysis of variance. RESULTS: Seventy-four women were available for analysis. The mean age was 55 (SD, 11.9) years. When measured by vaginal dynamic sonography, mean lift and lift/rest ratio values increased with increasing Modified Oxford Scale score (analysis of variance, P= .09 and .04, respectively). When scores were categorized to represent nonfunctional (0-1) and functional (2-5) muscle strength groups, the mean lift (3.2 versus 4.6 mm; P = .03) and lift/rest ratio (13% versus 20%; P = .01) values were significantly higher in women with functional muscle strength. All patients with lift of 30% or greater detected by vaginal sonography had functional muscle strength. CONCLUSIONS: A greater levator plate lift ratio detected by dynamic endovaginal sonography was associated with higher muscle strength as determined by the Modified Oxford Scale. This novel measurement can be incorporated into sonographic evaluation of levator ani function.

Resolving conjunctival prolapse following severe blepharoptosis correction: A simple sutureless direct excision technique and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Conjunctival prolapse (CP) is an uncommon but challenging condition following maximal levator resection (MLR) and other extensive periorbital procedures. MLR extending beyond the Whitnall's ligament is frequently performed to address severe blepharoptosis with poor levator function (LF). Patients with CP may encounter symptoms such as ocular discomfort, tearing, vision impairment, persistent conjunctival chemosis, lagophthalmos, or exposure keratopathy. Typically, surgical intervention becomes necessary if conservative measures prove to be ineffective; nevertheless, there is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment approach. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to propose a simple sutureless direct excision method and explore the surgical advancements in CP correction through a systematic review. METHODS: Patients with recurrent CP after MLR who underwent sutureless direct excision of the conjunctiva using loupe magnifiers at a tertiary hospital were included in this study. The clinical evolution and surgical results were recorded. PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were queried following The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. RESULTS: The comprehensive analysis of 1858 articles identified 88 patients from 24 studies, highlighting that blepharoptosis surgery is predominantly associated with CP (36.6%). Surgically treated CP showed a higher resolution rate compared to those managed conservatively (54.8% vs. 45.2%; p = 0.034). No relapse was observed in patients treated with sutureless direct excision of CP in long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: We proposed a simple sutureless direct excision technique that offers a straightforward and efficient approach in treating CP, which is particularly suitable for cases requiring excision lengths >16 mm during MLR. Furthermore, stitch removal can be obviated after surgery.

Surgical Outcomes of Levator Resection in Moderate and Severe Ptosis With a Good Levator Function: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: An abnormally drooping upper eyelid in comparison with the normal position in primary gaze refers to ptosis. Levator resection should be the procedure of choice in patients with moderate to severe ptosis and a good levator function. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we analysed the surgical outcomes after large and maximal levator resection in patients with moderate and severe ptosis with a good levator function and Bell's phenomenon. All patients had a good levator function; therefore, levator resection was the procedure of choice. We performed levator resection of 20 mm and above and the desired post-operative correction was achieved. RESULTS: One patient had microcornea, and hence, he was undercorrected and his post-operative marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD 1) was 3 mm. Two patients who had severe ptosis pre-operatively had a post-operative MRD 1 of 3 mm. Rest of the patients had a post-operative MRD 1 of 4 mm. CONCLUSION: Levator resection of 20 mm or more should be performed in patients with congenital simple ptosis with a good levator function and Bell's phenomenon to achieve a favourable post-operative outcome.

Maximal Levator Resection Beyond Whitnall's Ligament in Severe Simple Congenital Ptosis with Poor Levator Function.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the functional and cosmetic outcomes, as well as factors that influence surgical success of maximal levator resection beyond Whitnall's ligament in patients with poor levator function (LF) and severe simple congenital ptosis. METHODS: This retrospective interventional study included patients with severe simple congenital ptosis and LF of ≤4 mm who had undergone maximal levator resection beyond Whitnall's ligament with a minimum of 12 months follow-up. Postoperative marginal reflex distance-1 (MRD1) was assessed for functional outcomes as excellent, good, fair and poor. Eyelid contour and the difference in MRD1 between eyes were assessed for symmetrical cosmetic outcomes as excellent, good and poor. Demographic data, factors influencing surgical success and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 38 ptotic eyelids in 31 patients were included. Successful surgical outcomes (at least good functional and cosmetic outcomes) were achieved in 26 patients (83.87%) with the mean MRD1 of +3.61 ± 0.27 mm and +3.51 ± 0.17 mm at 1 week and 12 months after surgery, respectively. There were no significant differences in demographic and preoperative data between the successful and unsuccessful surgical outcome groups, mean preoperative ptosis measurements were 4.19 ± 0.20 mm versus 4.72 ± 0.36 mm (p = 0.242) and mean pre-operative LF were 3.16 ± 0.15 mm versus 2.29 ± 0.61 mm (p = 0.561), respectively. The only factor that significantly influenced the surgical success rate was the length of the resected levator muscle. The mean lengths in successful and unsuccessful groups were 18.15 ± 0.44 mm and 14.29 ± 0.94 mm, respectively (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Maximal levator resection beyond Whitnall's ligament is an effective procedure for severe simple congenital ptosis with poor LF. Refinement of surgical techniques and careful assessment of the optimal resected length for the levator muscle grants successful surgical outcomes.

Factors that influence the postoperative upper eyelid position following surgery for involutional blepharoptosis.

External levator advancement is commonly performed for involutional blepharoptosis repair; however, it is difficult to predict the postoperative upper eyelid position (UEP) accurately in blepharoptosis surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence postoperative UEP following surgery for involutional blepharoptosis. We retrospectively studied 40 Japanese women (80 eyelids) who underwent bilateral external levator advancement surgery. We used digital analysis software to measure the UEP and the eyebrow position from straight-gaze view photographs. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between postoperative UEP and related factors, including age, levator function, amount of levator advancement, anatomical fixed position, and preoperative and intraoperative UEP. We also compared UEP changes in mild, moderate, and severe ptosis groups. Levator function affected both preoperative and postoperative UEP. The amount of levator advancement and the anatomical fixation position on the aponeurosis did not affect the postoperative UEP. However, both preoperative (r = 0.49) and intraoperative (r = 0.55) UEPs affected the postoperative UEP. In cases of severe ptosis, there was significant re-drooping after surgery, while in cases with mild ptosis, the intraoperative eyelid position was maintained or slightly elevated. In involutional blepharoptosis, the degree of preoperative and intraoperative UEP contributed to the postoperative eyelid position. These data suggested that the levator muscle function is a major contributing factor in the pathogenesis of involutional blepharoptosis.

Evolution of the «frontal flap advancement¼ in congenital ptosis.

The treatment of congenital ptosis with poor levator activity is often based upon the union of the superior eyelid to the frontalis muscle by using different materials as potential grafts. Nevertheless, theses grafts may lead some complications. In order to avoid them, a new technic has been described using an advancement flap of the frontalis muscle, that is tided to the upper tarsus, eliminating the need of a graft. Although, it is not yet a standard procedure, reason why many variants has been recently described with the objective of improve the aesthetical and functional results. The goal of this systematic review is to conscientiously evaluate these variants with the propose of determine which one gives the best results in terms of safety, functional and aesthetical outcomes. From the review of the published procedures, we conclude that the best technique in terms of functional and aesthetical results is: sub-orbicularis dissection via lid crease incision reaching the orbital margin, followed by blunt dissection of the frontalis muscle and creation of a "U" shaped flap (that might be associated to a levator advancement in severe cases), finally, the frontalis flap is stitched to the upper end of the tarsus taking care to maintain a symmetrical contour when compared to the contralateral eye. The final eyelid margin height should be 1.5 mm above the sclero-corneal limbus.

Maximal levator resection versus Gore-Tex® sling for congenital blepharoptosis with poor levator function.

BACKGROUND: Treating congenital blepharoptosis is often mandatory to clear the visual access and avoid amblyopia; however, when the levator function is poor, achieving a satisfactory long-term outcome is challenging. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of maximal levator resection (MLR) with those of frontalis suspension (FS) using Gore-Tex ®, in the treatment of congenital blepharoptosis with poor levator function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 102 eyelids of 66 patients of mean age 4.3 ± 1.6 standard deviation (SD) years, randomly divided into two groups (51 eyes each). Group A: FS using Gore-Tex ®, Group B: MLR. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated at 1, 6 and 12 months. Patients' ophthalmic examination including margin-reflex distance (MRD1) before and after surgery and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: At the end of the follow-up, the mean MRD1 increased from 0.3 ± 0.7 SD mm in Group A, 0.4 ± 0.8 SD mm in Group B preoperatively, to 2.7 ± 0.5 SD mm and 2.9 ± 0.7 SD mm, respectively (P < 0.001 in both groups). Results of Group B were significantly higher than Group A (P = 0.047). Success was achieved in 77 eyelids (75.4%), distributed as follows: 36 eyelids (70.6%) in Group A, and 41 eyelids (80.1%) in Group B. The total recurrence rate was 6.9% (seven eyes), while other complications were recorded in 23 eyes (22.5%). CONCLUSION: MLR, compared to FS with Gore-Tex® sling, can be a more efficient surgical option to correct congenital blepharoptosis with poor levator excursion. Prominent postoperative lagophthalmos warrants close ocular surface observation in early follow-up weeks.

Postoperative levator function change in patients with unilateral myogenic versus aponeurotic blepharoptosis.

PURPOSE: To compare the change in levator function (LF) after levator resection in patients with unilateral myogenic (MP) and aponeurotic ptosis (AP). METHODS: In a prospective study, patients of >5 years old were included from June 2015 to April 2017. Other types of ptosis, associated strabismus and previous eyelid surgery were excluded. Eyelid examination and photography were performed before and at least 6 months after surgery. Success was defined as Margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1) of within 0.5 mm of the unoperated side. All procedures (levator resection) were performed by or under supervision of one surgeon. RESULTS: There were 58 patients in the MP (mean age: 19.2 years) and 20 in the AP (mean age: 49.5) group with median follow up of 10 months. LF was significantly improved from 5.8 to 7.3 mm in the MP and from 11.8 to 13.6 mm in the AP group. LF improvement was not observed in 17.2% of MP and 25% of AP group (P = 0.5). Mean preoperative LF was significantly (Odd ratio = 1.8) higher in patients with than without LF improvement in the MP group. It was significantly reverse in the AP group (Odd ratio = 0.38). A significantly positive (r = 0.30) and negative (r = -0.72) correlations were observed between preoperative LF and LF improvement in the MP and AP groups, respectively. Success was observed in 90% of AP and 84.5% of MP group. In order of frequency, undercorrection, overcorrection, and contour abnormality were the reasons for failure. No variable significantly affected the success rate in either group. CONCLUSION: Majority of MP and AP showed postoperative LF improvement. While higher preoperative LF was significantly correlated with LF improvement in the MP, it was reverse in the AP group. Success rate was not significantly different between the groups and no factor significantly affected the success in either group.

Surgical treatment of unilateral severe simple congenital ptosis.

Unilateral congenital ptosis with poor levator function of ≤4 mm continues to be a difficult challenge for the oculoplastic surgeon. Surgical correction can be accomplished with unilateral frontalis suspension, maximal levator resection, or bilateral frontalis suspension with or without levator muscle excision of the normal eyelid. Bilateral frontalis suspension was proposed by Beard and Callahan to overcome the challenge of postoperative asymmetry, allowing symmetrical lagophthalmos on downgaze, postoperatively. However, most surgeons and patients prefer unilateral correction on the abnormal eyelid either with a frontalis suspension or maximal levator resection. Frontalis suspension may be performed through the various surgical techniques using different autogenous or exogenous materials. Autogenous fascia lata is considered the material of choice with low recurrence rates but carries the drawbacks of the difficulty of harvesting and postoperative morbidity from the second surgical site. Recent reports have suggested that maximal levator resection provides improved cosmesis, a more natural contour, and avoids brow scars. Although both treatments have shown to have similar success rates, there is much debate about what the most favorable method for treating severe unilateral ptosis. We review the literature on the various surgical treatments for unilateral severe congenital ptosis, including the rationale, advantages and disadvantages of each technique.

Comparison between eyelid indices of ptotic eye and normal fellow eye in patients with unilateral congenital ptosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between levator muscle function (LMF) and other eyelid parameters in the normal and affected eyes of patients with unilateral congenital ptosis. METHODS: This study includes subjects with unilateral congenital upper lid ptosis who were referred for operation over a 2-year period. Patients with other eyelid abnormalities and previous eyelid surgery were excluded. Eyelid parameters including LMF, lid fissure height (LFH) and margin reflex distance (MRD) were measured in both eyes and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 77 patients with mean age of 26.4 ± 16.4 years were enrolled in the study. Mean LMF was 8.3 ± 4.6 mm in the ptotic and 13.1 ± 3.6 mm in the normal fellow eyes. Each millimeter of difference in LMF was associated with 0.30 mm of difference in LFH (95% CI: 0.25-0.35, P < 0.001) and 0.11 mm of difference in MRD of the ptotic eyes (95% CI: 0.08-0.12, P < 0.001) in the same direction. In addition, each millimeter of difference in LMF of ptotic eyes was associated with 0.48 mm of difference (95% CI: 0.33-0.62, P < 0.001) in LMF of non-ptotic eyes in the same direction. CONCLUSION: A direct correlation was observed between LMF, and LFH and MRD in ptotic eyes which confirms the role of levator muscle dysfunction in the development of congenital ptosis and its severity. Furthermore, a direct correlation was also present between LMF of ptotic and non-ptotic eyes suggesting possible bilateral involvement in apparently unilateral congenital ptosis.

Intra-eyebrow frontalis suspension using inverted Y-shaped short autogenous fascia lata for blepharoptosis with poor levator function.

Frontalis suspension using autogenous fascia lata is a common procedure for blepharoptosis with poor levator function. However, donor-site morbidity associated with fascia lata harvest cannot be ignored. In conventional procedures, the required length of the fascia lata is usually >5-12 cm with a lateral thigh skin incision of approximately 5 cm or more. The present study introduces a new frontalis suspension procedure in which the required size (length and width) of the fascia lata and length of lateral thigh incision is much smaller. The harvested fascia lata is tailored to an inverted Y shape and the separated caudal legs are fixed to the tarsus while the cephalic end is grafted inside the eyebrow through a suborbital septum tunnel. In the present study, 11 patients who underwent the new procedure with a minimum of 6 months of follow-up were evaluated. The average length and width of the harvested fascia lata in unilateral ptosis cases were 2.85 and 0.89 cm, respectively. The average length of the lateral thigh incision was 1.25 cm. The margin reflex distance improved in all cases at 6 months postoperatively. The cosmetic result was graded as good to excellent in most of the patients. Trichiasis, widened donor scar, and eyebrow notch were noted as complications. The present method is a good alternative for the treatment of blepharoptosis with poor levator function. It potentially reduces donor-site morbidity as compared with conventional frontalis muscle suspension procedures using autogenous fascia lata.

The use of polypropylene suture as a frontalis suspension material in all age groups of ptosis patients.

PURPOSE/AIM: To evaluate the use of 2-0 polypropylene suture for frontal suspension in ptosis patients with poor levator function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 20 eyelids of 16 patients (5 female, 11 male) with 4 mm or less levator function. The operation was considered successful when the difference between the two upper lids was ≤ 1 mm, and the upper lid covered the upper limbus by <3 mm. RESULTS: Median patient age was 22.94 years (2 to 59). Mean follow-up time was 18.06 months (12-29). A successful result was obtained in 14 patients (87.5%). Ptosis recurrence was observed in two patients (12.5%). Lagophthalmos with punctate epithelial keratitis and subsequent spontaneous recovery occurred during the first postoperative week in six patients (37.5%). Two patients with hypocorrection underwent revision surgery in the first postoperative week. Granuloma and material exposition at the forehead incision site observed in one patient at the postoperative fifth month were repaired by excision of the granuloma and suture reposition. CONCLUSIONS: Polypropylene suture as a frontalis suspension material in ptosis patients with poor levator function maintained satisfactory results at follow-up. This material allows easy and repeatable eyelid height adjustment and does not obviate future eyelid procedures.

Outcomes of levator resection at tertiary eye care center in Iran: a 10-year experience.

PURPOSE: To assess outcomes of levator resection for the surgical correction of congenital and acquired upper lid ptosis in patients with fair to good levator function and evaluation of the relationship between demographic data and success of this operation. METHODS: In a retrospective study, medical records of patients with blepharoptosis who had undergone levator resection over a 10-year period and were followed for at least 3 months were reviewed. RESULTS: Overall, 136 patients including 60 (44.1%) male and 76 (55.9%) female subjects with a mean age of 20 ± 13.8 years (range, 2 to 80 years) were evaluated, of whom 120 cases (88.2%) had congenital ptosis and the rest had acquired ptosis. The overall success rate after the first operation was 78.7%. The most common complication after the first operation was undercorrection in 26 cases (19.1%), which was more prevalent among young patients (p = 0.06). Lid fissure and margin reflex distance (MRD(1)) also increased after levator resection (p < 0.001). Age, sex, type of ptosis, amblyopia, levator function, MRD(1), lid fissure and spherical equivalent were not predictive of surgical outcomes of levator resection. CONCLUSIONS: Levator resection has a high rate of success and few complications in the surgical treatment of congenital and acquired upper lid ptosis with fair to good levator function. Reoperation can be effective in most cases in which levator resection has been performed.