Digital photography as a novel technique of measuring ocular surface dimensions.

PURPOSE: To introduce a novel technique for measuring ocular surface dimensions using digital photography and computerized image analysis in the context of ptosis repair surgery. METHODS: Digital photographs and patient questionnaires on dry eye symptoms were obtained from 31 patients before and after ptosis repair. Patients were examined preoperatively and at 1 and 6 weeks postoperatively. Adobe Photoshop 7.0 (Adobe Systems Incorporated, 345 Parkl Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110-2704, USA) was used to digitally measure palpebral fissure height, fissure width, and ocular surface area (OSA). Similar digital measurements were obtained on 30 control subjects as well. Digital calculations of OSA for control, preoperative, and postoperative groups were compared with other published techniques. RESULTS: Graphical comparison between our method of measuring OSA and the mathematical estimations proposed by previous studies suggests that our method is more precise in measuring OSA, and that it is also better able to identify individual variations of OSA from general population trends. CONCLUSION: Digital ocular photography combined with computerized image analysis is a fast, easy to use, and reliable method of measuring ocular surface dimensions. In addition to ptosis surgery, this method can be used in other ocular surface studies.

Adrenergic receptors in the ptotic human eyelid: correlation with phenylephrine testing and surgical success in ptosis repair.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between adrenergic receptors in Müller muscle and response to phenylephrine testing in patients undergoing ptosis surgery. This study also compares outcomes of Fasanella and Putterman approaches to posterior ptosis repair. METHODS: Prospective analysis of 71 patients undergoing posterior ptosis surgery. Eyelid height was measured before and after phenylephrine. Müller muscle was examined for alpha-1D, alpha-2C, beta-1, and beta-2 receptors. Specimens were graded on receptor staining intensity. Patients were seen 1 week and 6 weeks following surgery. Surgical outcomes were scored on a scale of 1 (most favorable) to 3 (least favorable). RESULTS: Adrenergic receptors were found in decreasing order: alpha-1D, beta-1, alpha-2C, and beta-2. Receptor grade significantly predicted eyelid height for alpha-2C receptors (p = .03). Mean outcome scores for 36 Putterman (1.10) and 35 Fasanella (1.27) procedures were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Alpha 1D, alpha-2C, and beta-2 receptors are documented within human Müller muscle. Human eyelid elevation response to phenylephrine is inversely related to the amount of alpha-2C receptor staining in Müller muscle. Fasanella and Putterman procedures have equal outcomes, independent of adrenergic receptors.

Periocular anesthesia in aesthetic surgery.

This article focuses on the administration of anesthesia for periocular aesthetic procedures. Special emphasis is given to office-based procedures, most often without any systemic sedation, highlighting the importance of open communication with patients. Finally, attention is given to potential pitfalls including anesthetic systemic toxicity, ocular injuries, and orbicularis myotoxicity.

Massive congenital orbital teratoma.

Orbital teratomas are rare embryonic tumors composed of a wide diversity of tissues derived from the three germinal layers. The presenting features include, a healthy newborn with extreme unilateral proptosis; marked stretching of the eyelids over a tense, fluctuating mass, with elongation of the palpebral fissure; enlargement of the bony orbit (two to three times normal size) with subsequent nasal and malar deformities; and transillumination of all or part of the orbital mass. Commonly the eye is normally developed but often vision is not preserved either due to exposure or secondary optic atrophy. The objective in the management of orbital teratoma is to save the eye to encourage orbitofacial development, maintain cosmesis and retain some vision. We report a case of massive congenital orbital teratoma successfully removed by an eyelid-sparing exenteration technique.

Recurrent facial palsy occurring with metastatic thymic carcinoid and nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy.

A 74-year-old man was diagnosed with thymic carcinoid metastatic to the mediastinum. Two years later, he developed left and then right facial palsy. Four additional episodes of facial palsy developed within 2 years, followed by an occurrence of nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy. While recurrent facial palsy is uncommon, it may occur in the presence of various systemic conditions such as carcinoid, diabetes, infection, and neoplasm. The presence of recurrent facial palsy logically warrants an evaluation for systemic disease.