Comparison of non-absorbable silk and absorbable polyglactin sutures for external ptosis repair.

Purpose: The authors compare the outcomes and revision rates for external levator aponeurotic advancement for the treatment of involutional ptosis using non-absorbable silk and absorbable polyglactin sutures.Methods: An IRB-approved retrospective chart review identified 121 patients who underwent external levator advancement for involutional ptosis between 2015 and 2016 by the senior author (JBH).  All patients underwent ptosis repair using either 5-0 polyglactin 910 on a S-14 spatulated needle or 6-0 silk on a G-1 reverse cutting needle for the aponeurotic advancement. Ptosis etiologies other than involutional ptosis were excluded. Patients with >0.5 mm of upper lid height asymmetry post-operatively underwent surgical adjustment. Demographics, clinical findings and revision rates were collected and analyzed from follow-up visits.Results: 116 patients (190 eyelids) met inclusion criteria. Fewer ptosis repairs performed using silk sutures necessitated adjustment when compared to those using polyglactin (1/73 [1.4%] vs. 14/117 [12.0%], p = 0.010). Silk direct connection sutures had no better stability than polyglactin direct connection sutures (p = 0.16), but silk hang-back sutures were significantly superior to polyglactin hang-back sutures (p = 0.035).  Thirteen out of fifteen (86.7%) revisions were advancements to raise the eyelid, while two (13.3%) were recessions.Conclusion: Non-absorbable silk suture may be superior to absorbable polyglactin, necessitating fewer surgical revisions. Silk demonstrated superiority to polyglactin when a hang-back suture was employed. Since the need to place direct or hang-back sutures cannot be made pre-operatively, the authors modified their technique to utilize silk sutures for external aponeurotic ptosis repair.

Medial canthoplasty for the management of exposure keratopathy.

PURPOSE: To report the surgical technique and functional outcomes of the medial canthoplasty for the treatment of exposure keratopathy. PATIENTS/METHODS: An IRB approved, retrospective review of patients who underwent medial canthoplasty for exposure keratopathy was performed. Patient demographics, reported symptoms, and clinical examination findings were collected and analyzed from pre-operative and follow-up visits. RESULTS: The study included 73 consecutive cases in which the medial canthoplasty was performed in patients with exposure keratopathy. The average follow-up period was 7.9 months (median: 4.7 months; range: 1-150 months). Complete or partial improvement in ocular symptoms (dryness; pain/irritation; tearing) was achieved in 95% (69/73). Clinically, 85% (41/48) of patients demonstrated a post-operative reduction in lagophthalmos and 90% (60/67) showed improvement in ocular surface findings. Complications were rare (1/73) and reversal of medial canthoplasty was not required in any case. CONCLUSIONS: The medial canthoplasty appears to be a safe and effective technique to narrow the palpebral fissure, provide lower eyelid support, and improve keratopathy. It is an uncomplicated procedure that may be considered for the treatment of exposure keratopathy caused by facial paralysis and lower eyelid malposition.

Intralesional corticosteroid injections as treatment for non-infectious orbital inflammation.

A retrospective single-center chart review identified 19 patients treated with intralesional corticosteroid injection between 2007 and 2015 for orbital inflammatory disease. Patients were treated in the office, or intraoperatively at the time of orbital exploration and biopsy, with 5-40 mg of triamcinolone acetonide. Average follow up time was 2.44 years. Information recorded included visual acuity and eyelid position measurements, pre-injection treatment, post-injection treatment, complications, and exam findings. Nine of the identified patients received intraoperative injections, 9 in the office setting, and one received an injection in each. Eight patients (42.1%) were on oral corticosteroids prior to the injection. All patients showed initial clinical improvement after 1-2 injections and no more than a 1-2 line difference in visual acuity. Overall, six patients (31.6%) required repeat injections due to recurrence of inflammation, and seven (36.8%) required additional oral corticosteroids beyond the initial taper. Patients pre-treated with oral corticosteroids were more likely to need repeat injections (83.3% vs 16.7% respectively, p = 0.04). Compared to injections performed in the office setting, intraoperative injections were associated with fewer repeat injections (0% vs. 60.0% respectively, p = 0.01) and less need for post-injection oral steroids (0% vs. 58.3% respectively, p < 0.01). There were no systemic or permanent side effects observed from the injections. Two patients (10.5%) had transient post-injection intraocular pressure elevation, which resolved. Intralesional orbital corticosteroid injection is an effective first-line and adjunctive treatment for localized and diffuse non-infectious orbital inflammation.

Compliance With Protective Lens Wear in Anophthalmic Patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency of protective lens wear by anophthalmic patients and identify factors that influence compliance. METHODS: An IRB approved descriptive retrospective chart review of patients undergoing surgery with the senior author (PLC) with an anophthalmic orbit and one remaining sighted eye. Results were tabulated and analyzed using age, indication for procedure, duration of visual symptoms, safety glasses wear, number of postoperative visits, and evidence of new trauma to the remaining eye. All patients underwent counseling on the importance of protective lens wear preoperatively and each subsequent visit. RESULTS: Etiologies for loss of the eye in the 132 study patients included trauma (33.3%), blind painful eye (33.3%), congenital disorders (14.4%), adult-onset malignancy (14.4%), and retinoblastoma (4.5%). At the final visit, protective lenses were worn in the following patterns: full-time (55.3%), frequently (11.4%), occasional (6%), and never (28.8%). The regular use of protective eyewear at last visit was more common in patients wearing glasses at presentation (79.7%), than in those who did not (32.9%; p ≤ 0.001). Increased number of office encounters correlated with more frequent use of protective eyewear (p ≤ 0.01). Patient age (p = 0.95), indication for surgery (p = 0.97), and duration of visual loss (p = 0.85) were not predictive of safety glasses wear. Three patients had evidence of subsequent ocular trauma to the remaining eye, with 2 having resultant decrease in acuity; none of these 3 patients wore safety glasses full-time. CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of anopthalmic patients were not wearing protective lenses at presentation. Overall compliance was poor; but repeated education on the importance of safety glasses appears to improve compliance. Educating referring providers and primary care physicians about the importance of early and repeated counseling is vital to increasing compliance.

The Role of Surgeon Technique in Current Practice Patterns for Combined Ptosis and Dermatochalasis.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study is to identify and describe the role of surgical incision preference, insurance reimbursement, and geographical location on the current ptosis repair practice patterns of American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) members. METHODS: A 9-question survey was designed with surveymonkey.com and a participation link was emailed to all active ASOPRS members' email addresses in February 2015. After a reminder email, the survey was closed and the results were analyzed. There are 3 major questions the survey data is to be used answer: 1) Surgical approach preference: The first question established preferred surgical technique (internal vs. external approach) for ptosis repair. This result was/is used to stratify the remaining responses into 2 groups. 2) Functional versus cosmetic surgical indication: Three clinical scenarios were presented for a functional versus cosmetic patient for ptosis repair and blepharoplasty. 3) Location: The responses were analyzed based on location to determine any geographic bias for surgical preference. For this analysis, the US was separated into 4 regions (West, Midwest, North, and South), as defined by the United States Census Bureau; all international respondents were grouped together. RESULTS: Three hundred and ten responses were included and analyzed; 61% preferred the internal surgical approach, there was no statistical significance to geographic location (p = 0.17). Surgeons who prefer the external surgical approach (76.1%) were more likely than internal (62.5%) to include a bundled (nonreimbursed) blepharoplasty at no additional charge in the setting of functional ptosis repair (p = 0.015). Treatment plans differed significantly in both groups between functional and cosmetic patients with visually significant ptosis (Margin Reflex Distance < 1.5) and moderate dermatochalasis; with both the internal and external group electing combined surgery at a higher rate in cosmetic patients (p < 0.01 for functional vs. cosmetic within each group, and internal vs. external repair). There was no statistical difference in the timeframe for adjusting external ptosis for functional or cosmetic patients (p = 0.79). More surgeons use nonabsorbable closure for cosmetic blepharoplasty patients (68.7%) than for functional (54.1%) surgery patients (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Previous studies have documented the immediate effect of Medicare reimbursement changes on the management of concurrent ptosis and dermatochalasis. This study illustrates current practice patterns for ptosis repair and blepharoplasty. The necessity of creating a separate surgical site for surgeons who prefer the internal approach to ptosis surgery to perform a functional blepharoplasty has a significant influence on surgeon's willingness to perform concurrent blepharoplasty as a nonreimbursed bundled procedure.

Proptosis and Anterior Dislocation as a Late Noninflammatory Complication of Failure of Tissue Integration in the Alphasphere Implant.

A 57-year-old healthy female underwent enucleation for choroidal melanoma with primary implantation of a 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate sphere (AlphaSphere, Addition Technology, Des Plaines, IL). Her course was uneventful, with successful prosthetic fitting 6 weeks postoperatively. She returned 2 years later, with anterior displacement of the implant, poor implant movement, and poor prosthetic fit. There was no defect in the conjunctiva, Tenon's layer or evidence of inflammation. Successful orbital implant exchange was performed, replacing the AlphaSphere with an eyebank-scleral wrapped acrylic implant. Intraoperative findings revealed dissolution of the scaffolding aspect of the anterior implant, with loss of extraocular muscle attachments and no fibrovascular ingrowth. This case demonstrates late AlphaSphere failure in an otherwise unremarkable course; further review of similar cases or a larger study is warranted to examine the efficacy of this relatively new implant.

Evaluation of Eyelid Function and Aesthetics.

The eyes and periocular area are the central aesthetic unit of the face. Facial aging is a dynamic process that involves skin, subcutaneous soft tissues, and bony structures. An understanding of what is perceived as youthful and beautiful is critical for success. Knowledge of the functional aspects of the eyelid and periocular area can identify pre-preoperative red flags.

Lower Eyelid Reconstruction with Combined Sliding Tarsal and Rhomboid Skin Flaps.

PURPOSE: To report results in patients undergoing lower eyelid reconstruction following Mohs surgery using a combination of surgical techniques, the rhomboid skin flap and a sliding tarsal flap. METHODS: An IRB approved, retrospective case series of patients undergoing surgery between April 2007 and October 2014. Outcomes include establishment of a functional eyelid, quality of postoperative eyelid margin contour, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: During the study period, sliding tarsal flaps were used to repair marginal lower eyelid defects in 32 patients. Coexisting anterior lamellar defects were repaired with a modified rhomboid skin flap in 24 patients, a full thickness skin graft in 4 patients, and combined skin graft and rhomboid flaps in 4 patients. The average width of the marginal defects was 11.3 mm (range: 7-19 mm). Reconstruction resulted in a functional lower eyelid in all patients, the majority having an excellent cosmetic result (n = 20). Minimal contour abnormalities were present in 9 patients, while 3 patients developed a noticeable notch following surgery. Patients repaired with a rhomboid flap were more likely to have isolated postoperative misdirected lashes (5/24) than those repaired using a skin graft with or without a flap (0/8). CONCLUSION: Combined sliding tarsal and modified rhomboid skin flaps are an effective method of repairing superficial defects of the lower eyelid margin. This tissue-preserving technique maintains the ability to perform subsequent upper eyelid tarsoconjunctival flaps and lateral canthal procedures should a future need arise. Isolated misdirected lashes and minor contour abnormalities are the most common complications of the procedure.

Automated Ptosis Measurements From Facial Photographs.

IMPORTANCE: Measurements of the margin reflex distances 1 and 2 are crucial for the surgical planning of ptosis repair and blepharoplasty. Facial photographs annotated with automated measurements of eyelid position could provide objective, accurate, and reproducible documentation of these features. OBJECTIVES: To describe a software algorithm for determining the margin reflex distances 1 and 2 from facial photographs and to evaluate its agreement with manual measurements of the margin reflex distances 1 and 2. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Observational study at a single-surgeon oculoplastic private practice among 55 eyes of 28 adult volunteers. The study dates were July 30, 2014, to September 12, 2014. The dates of our analysis were October 12, 2014, to June 18, 2015. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Agreement between manual and automated measurements of the margin reflex distances 1 and 2. RESULTS: Among 55 eyes of 28 participants, automated margin reflex distance 1 measurements were strongly correlated with manual measurements (r = 0.97; 95% CI, r = 0.95 to r = 0.98; P < .001). The bias of automated margin reflex distance 1 measurements was 0.03 mm (95% CI, -0.06 to 0.12 mm), with 95% confidence limits of -0.66 and 0.71 mm. Automated margin reflex distance 2 measurements were strongly correlated with manual measurements (r = 0.96; 95% CI, r = 0.93 to r = 0.98; P < .001). The bias of automated margin reflex distance 2 measurements was 0.13 mm (95% CI, 0.03-0.22 mm), with 95% confidence limits of -0.54 and 0.80 mm. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Automated ptosis measurements produced by our software algorithm compare favorably with manually performed clinical measurements. An automated, photography-based system could provide an archival and highly reproducible means for obtaining the margin reflex distances 1 and 2 and other facial morphometric data.

Safety, efficacy, and quality of life following sutureless vitrectomy for symptomatic vitreous floaters.

PURPOSE: To determine the safety, efficacy, and quality of life improvement following sutureless 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for symptomatic floaters. METHODS: Patients with symptomatic vitreous floaters who underwent sutureless vitrectomy between January 2008 and January 2011 were included. Data were collected regarding baseline preoperative characteristics, postoperative outcomes, complications, and a nine-item quality-of-life survey completed by each patient. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-eight eyes (143 patients) underwent sutureless 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for symptomatic vitreous floaters. Mean Snellen visual acuity was 20/40 preoperatively and improved to 20/25 postoperatively (P < 0.0001). Iatrogenic retinal breaks occurred in 12 of 168 eyes (7.1%). Intraoperative posterior vitreous detachment induction was not found to increase the risk of retinal breaks (P = 1.000). Postoperative complications occurred in three eyes, of which one had transient cystoid macular edema and two had transient vitreous hemorrhage. Approximately 88.8% of patients completed a quality-of-life survey, which revealed that 96% were "satisfied" with the results of the operation, and 94% rated the experience as a "complete success." CONCLUSION: Sutureless 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for symptomatic vitreous floaters improved visual acuity, resulted in a high patient satisfaction quality-of-life survey, and had a low rate of postoperative complications. Sutureless pars plana vitrectomy should be considered as a viable means of managing patients with symptomatic vitreous floaters.

Comparison of hemorrhagic complications of warfarin and clopidogrel bisulfate in 25-gauge vitrectomy versus a control group.

PURPOSE: To estimate the risk of hemorrhagic complications associated with 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) when warfarin (Coumadin; Bristol-Myers Squibb, New York, NY) or clopidogrel (Plavix; Bristol-Myers Squibb) are continued throughout the surgical period, as compared with a control group. DESIGN: A single-center, retrospective, cohort study of 289 consecutive patients receiving either warfarin therapy or clopidogrel therapy or neither of those therapies who underwent 25-gauge PPV. PARTICIPANTS: Included were 61 patients (64 eyes; 64 PPV procedures) in the warfarin group and 118 (125 eyes; 136 PPV procedures) in the clopidogrel group. Warfarin patients were subdivided into 4 groups by international normalized ratio (INR). A control group included 110 patients (110 eyes; 110 PPV procedures) who were not receiving warfarin or clopidogrel. METHODS: Retrospective chart review for which the criteria included: 25-gauge PPV, minimum age of 19 years, warfarin or clopidogrel use, and, if taking warfarin, an INR obtained within 5 days of surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of intraoperative and postoperative hemorrhagic complications. RESULTS: The most common indications for anticoagulation therapy included: atrial fibrillation (38%), valvular heart disease (17%), and thromboembolic disease (16%). The most common indications for antiplatelet therapy included: cardiac stent (49%), coronary artery bypass grafting (24%), and history of transient ischemic attack (16%). No patient experienced anesthesia-related hemorrhagic complications resulting from peribulbar or retrobulbar block. Transient vitreous hemorrhage occurred in 1 (1.6%) of 64 PPV procedures in the warfarin group (P = 0.6531), 5 (3.7%) of 136 PPV procedures in the clopidogrel group (P = 1.0), and 4 (3.6%) of 110 PPV procedures in the control group. No choroidal or retrobulbar hemorrhages occurred in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of 25-gauge PPV hemorrhagic complications in patients who underwent systemic anticoagulation or who were receiving platelet inhibitor therapy is extremely low. Given the risks associated with stopping these therapies, the authors recommend that patients continue their current therapeutic regimen without cessation.

Incidence of hemorrhagic complications after intravitreal bevacizumab (avastin) or ranibizumab (lucentis) injections on systemically anticoagulated patients.

PURPOSE: To assess the risk of hemorrhagic complications when performing intravitreal injections on systemically anticoagulated patients. METHODS: A single-center retrospective case series of 520 consecutive patients (675 eyes) receiving 3,106 antivascular endothelial growth factor injections. Patients on the systemic anticoagulants Coumadin (warfarin sodium) or Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate) were identified, as well as patients on aspirin. Demographic parameters were recorded, as well as relevant anticoagulant medications, preoperative/postoperative best-corrected visual acuities and intraocular pressures, previous ocular surgery, relative ocular diagnoses, and injection complications. RESULTS: Of all patients, 104 were on Coumadin (134 eyes; 548 injections), 90 were on Plavix (123 eyes; 523 injections), 7 were on both Coumadin and Plavix (8 eyes; 33 injections), and 319 were not anticoagulated (400 eyes; 2002 injections). Also, 1,254 injections were on patients taking aspirin. There were no hemorrhagic complications (choroidal hemorrhage, vitreous hemorrhage, or increased submacular hemorrhage) noted in the Plavix (P = 1.0000; 95% confidence interval = 0.0000-0.0088), Coumadin (P = 1.0000; 95% confidence interval = 0.0000-0.0084), or aspirin (P = 1.0000; 95% confidence interval = 0.0000-0.0037) groups. CONCLUSION: The risk of hemorrhagic complications in systemically anticoagulated patients receiving intravitreal injections is extremely low. Because of the demonstrated thromboembolic risk of stopping anticoagulant therapy, we recommend that patients continue their current regiment without cessation.