Postoperative Changes of Lagophthalmos and Lid Lag following External Levator Resection

ABSTRACT

Among the postoperative complications of ptosis surgery, lagophthalmos and lid lag have been significant and untolerable problems. In this study, progressive change of lagophthalmos and lid lag following external levator resection was examined in 109 eyes of 74 patients from November 1988 through March 1996. Lagophthalmos and lid lag were measured at postoperative 1 month, 3 to 9 months and 12 to 18 months. The relations of lagophthalmos and lid lag according to preoperative MRD, levator function, resection amount of the levator muscle were analyzed. Lagophthalmos measured average 1.11mm and lid lag revealed average 4. 73mm at postoperative 11 to 84 months (mean 22.2 months). At the postoperative 1 year, lagophthalmos and lid lag were significantly decreased and decreasing amount measured 1.17mm and 0.90mm, respectively. Seventy eyes showed lagophthalmos less than 1mm at mean 13 months postoperatively. The postoperative change of lagophthalmos and lid lag had relation to the preoperative levator function.