Histopathologic Properties of Eyelid Skin and Conjunctiva in Patients with Dermatochalasis

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate histopathologic properties of eyelid skin and conjunctiva and the association between clinical manifestation and histopathologic findings. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on the histologic findings of the upper eyelid skin and conjunctiva performed from November 2009 to February 2010 in 27 patients for upper eyelid blepharoplasty procedures. Histopathologic studies were performed for specimens collected from the upper eyelid skin and inferotemporal bulbar conjunctiva. Preoperative photographs of the upper eyelid and conjunctiva were taken to grade clinical severity of dermatochalasis and conjunctivochalasis. RESULTS: Decrease of collagen density and elastic degeneration in the eyelid skin and conjunctiva were significantly associated with aging (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, p < 0.001). Clinical severity of dermatochalasis was correlated with a decrease of collagen density and elastic degeneration in the eyelid skin, and clinical severity of conjunctivochalasis was associated with a decrease of collagen density, elastic degeneration and lymphangiectasia in conjunctiva (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Change of collagen fiber and elastic fiber in the eyelid skin and conjunctiva was observed with aging. Relaxation of the eyelid skin and conjunctiva was correlated with histologic findings.