The Effect of Single Suture Inferior Retractor Tightening for Senile Entropion

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a simplified single suture inferior retractor tightening technique in senile entropion. METHODS: Twenty patients (26 eyes) showing no severe horizontal lid laxity underwent an operation for senile entropion between April 2001 and July 2003. After a subciliary incision, the inferior retractor was identified, and repaired by reattaching the superior edge of the inferior retractor to the inferior edge of the lower tarsus using a single 5-0 Prolene suture. RESULTS: The patients were followed up for an average of 2.8 months after surgery. Five patients showed complications: two overcorrections and three recurrences of entropion. The others all showed good cosmetic and functional results. The recurred cases underwent further operation with good results. CONCLUSIONS: The simplified single suture inferior retractor tightening gave good results in patients with senile entropion without severe horizontal lid laxity. Moreover, this procedure has short operation and recovery times. In unilateral cases, more symmetric appearances were obtained compared with combined surgeries.