Surgical Correction of Cicatricial Lower Eyelid Retraction: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Cicatricial lower eyelid retraction is a challenging condition. It involves scarring of the lower eyelid, which causes it to retract and expose the sclera. This can lead to complications such as dry eye syndrome and corneal melting. It can be caused by trauma, burns, or previous eyelid surgery. Detailed assessment and understanding of eyelid anatomy and retraction are critical for successful surgical planning. Dynamic and static examinations of the eyelid including measurements of the lower eyelid margin reflex distance (MRD2) and scleral show are also essential to determine the appropriate treatment approach. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane databases with keywords related to cicatricial lower eyelid retraction. The publication language was limited to English after 2000. A total of 29 articles were included for data extraction and analysis. RESULTS: The main surgical techniques include tarsoconjunctival grafts, spacers, midface lift, and lateral canthal tendon suspension, although no single procedure has been universally recognized as the gold standard. New innovations such as synthetic grafts and xenografts are being explored for their potential in eyelid reconstruction. Severe cases, defined as those with inferior scleral show greater than 2 mm, may require a combination of reconstruction methods. CONCLUSIONS: Correcting cicatricial lower eyelid retraction is a major challenge in oculoplastic reconstruction. The surgical approach should be individualized, considering the pathologies and etiologies of lid retraction. In-depth knowledge and careful surgical planning are essential for best outcomes. There is no gold standard technique, and postoperative outcomes, complications, and management vary depending on the surgical approach used.

Lower eyelid position before and after blepharoptosis repair.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the changes in lower eyelid position after blepharoptosis surgery and the factors that influence the outcome. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 155 eyes of 89 patients who underwent blepharoptosis surgery between June 2019 and October 2022. The margin reflex distance (MRD)-1 and MRD-2 were examined preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively in two groups: one with lower scleral show (LSS) (n = 37) and one without LSS (n = 118). The clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Both the LSS and non-LSS groups showed significant postoperative improvement in MRD-1 scores (p < .01, p < .01, respectively). MRD-2 was significantly reduced in the LSS group, while it remained unchanged in the non-LSS group (p < .01, p = .27, respectively). There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, sex, history of hard contact lens use, preoperative levator function, use of topical steroids, history of endophthalmic surgery, or history of filtration surgery; however, the LSS group significantly used prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) (p = .03). Postoperatively, MRD-2 decreased in 13 eyes (35.1%) and was maintained in 24 eyes (64.9%) in the LSS group and was maintained in all eyes in the non-LSS group. In the LSS group, we also examined the association between postoperative MRD-2 reduction and the use of PGAs and found that more patients with MRD-2 reduction used PGAs (p = .02). CONCLUSION: Lower scleral show in PGAs-associated blepharoptosis is expected to improve after blepharoptosis surgery.

Efficacy of allogenous fascia lata grafts in the management of lower eyelid retraction.

PURPOSE: To report on the use of allogenous fascia lata (FL) grafts in patients with lower eyelid retraction (LER). METHODS: In this retrospective study, a consecutive series of 27 patients (39 eyes) with LER who underwent lower eyelid elevation with FL was included. Examinations including measurement of the palpebral fissure vertical height (PFVH), the inferior scleral show distance, the margin reflex distance 2 (MRD 2), and the evaluation of conjunctival hyperemia were conducted at baseline and after a mean postoperative time of 25.9 ± 25.5 (5.0-81.0, median 13.0, last follow-up) months in all patients. RESULTS: At the last follow-up, a significant reduction of the PFVH (11.3 ± 1.7 versus 12.8 ± 2.1 at baseline, p < 0.001), the inferior scleral show distance (0.7 ± 1.0 mm versus 2.1 ± 1.1 at baseline, p < 0.001), and the MRD 2 (6.4 ± 0.9 versus 7.8 ± 1.3 at baseline, p < 0.001) occurred. The conjunctival hyperemia grading score (McMonnies) was significantly reduced (1.8 ± 0.7) at the last follow-up compared to baseline (2.6 ± 0.6, p < 0.001). No case of ectropion or entropion was observed at the last follow-up visit. CONCLUSION: In this case series, lower eyelid elevation with FL grafts as a spacer led to a significant reduction of the PFVH, MRD 2, inferior scleral show distance, and conjunctival hyperemia. No severe surgery-related complications occurred.

Buccal mucosal membrane graft for correction of cicatricial lower eyelid retraction.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the outcomes of a surgical technique using buccal mucosal membrane graft for correction of cicatricial lower eyelid retraction. METHODS: Twelve patients with unilateral cicatricial lower eyelid retraction were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent a four-step surgical technique consisted of release of scars, midface lift, transfer of buccal mucosal membrane to posterior lamella as spacer graft, and canthal tightening. All patients were followed for at least 12 months. RESULTS: Mean preoperative Margin-to-Reflex-Distance 2 (MRD2) was 7.73 ± 1.10 mm, compared to mean postoperative MRD2 of 5.04 ± 0.49 mm (P < 0.0001). The mean improvement in retraction was 2.69 mm. Postoperative scleral show was present in only one case and no major complications were observed. CONCLUSION: The four-step procedure (scar release, midface lift, buccal mucosal graft and canthal tightening) was an effective procedure to correct cicatricial lower eyelid retractions with acceptable outcomes and a low morbidity rate.

Lower eyelid malposition following repair of complex orbitofacial trauma.

PURPOSE: To compare the incidence of lower eyelid malposition following repair of isolated orbital floor fractures with that of complex orbitofacial fractures (defined as multi-wall fractures or prior orbital fracture repairs requiring revision) by oculofacial plastic surgeons via a transconjunctival or swinging eyelid approach. METHODS: Retrospective review of 175 patients who underwent surgical repair of orbital fractures at our institution. The primary outcomes were the occurrence of lower eyelid malposition (ectropion, entropion, and eyelid retraction) and the need for subsequent surgical correction. RESULTS: Of 95 patients with isolated orbital floor fractures, 4 developed eyelid malposition (4.2%), 1 of which required surgical repair (1.1%). Of 80 patients with complex orbitofacial fractures (48 multi-wall fractures, 32 secondary revisions), 10 had pre-operative eyelid malposition and were excluded from further analysis. Fourteen of the remaining 70 patients developed postoperative eyelid malposition (20%), 3 of which required surgical repair (4.3%). The difference in the occurrence of eyelid malposition between groups was statistically significant (p = .001), but the difference in rates of those requiring subsequent repair was not (p = .182). There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of eyelid malposition when considering other surgical factors including lateral canthotomy, conjunctival closure, implant material, or anterior rim screws. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of lower eyelid malposition following orbital fracture repair via a fornix-based approach was significantly higher for the repair of complex orbitofacial fractures than for isolated floor fractures. However, very few patients in either group required surgical repair for eyelid malposition. Surgical factors including implant material did not affect outcomes.

The effects of using spacer grafts on lower-eyelid retraction surgery in patients with facial nerve palsy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of the concomitant use of spacer grafts in lateral tarsal strip surgery in patients with facial nerve palsy-related lower-eyelid retraction. METHODS: Patients who underwent lateral tarsal strip surgery to correct facial nerve palsy-related lower-eyelid retraction were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative decreases in marginal reflex distance-2 values at 1, 2 and 6 months were measured along with the effects of spacer grafts. RESULTS: Forty-five patients (28 males) were included (mean age: 59.56 years). Mean preoperative marginal reflex distance-2 was 6.87 ± 1.34 mm. Twenty patients underwent lateral tarsal strip surgery only (lateral tarsal strip-only); 25 patients underwent lateral tarsal strip surgery using spacer grafts (lateral tarsal strip + graft). Median (interquartile range) follow-up duration was 12.0 (6.0-23.0) months. Retraction was significantly improved and maintained at 1, 2 and 6 months postoperatively in all patients (mean marginal reflex distance-2: 3.78 ± 1.06 mm, 4.30 ± 1.23 mm and 4.72 ± 1.11 mm, respectively). Surgical outcomes were significantly better in the lateral tarsal strip + graft than in the lateral tarsal strip-only group (Δmarginal reflex distance-2: 3.92 vs. 2.05 mm at 1 month, p < 0.001; 3.38 vs. 1.61 mm at 2 months, p = 0.001; 2.88 vs. 1.69 at 6 months, p = 0.042). Subgroup analyses by spacer graft type revealed no significant differences. CONCLUSION: The concomitant use of spacer material in lateral tarsal strip surgery yielded better surgical outcomes than lateral tarsal strip surgery alone. The use of spacer grafts should be considered for correcting severe facial nerve palsy-related lower-eyelid retraction.

Correction of lower eyelid retraction combined with entropion in thyroid eye disease patients of East Asian ancestry.

PURPOSE: This study evaluates causes and treatment of lower eyelid retraction with co-existing entropion in Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) patients of East Asian ancestry. METHODS: The medical records for 25 eyelids from 15 TED patients with lower eyelid retraction and entropion who had undergone combined orbital decompression and lower eyelid retraction correction surgery at the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University from January 2017 to December 2018 were prospectively reviewed. We build a numerical model of biomechanics to analyze von Mises stress and displacement at the lower eyelid. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 6 ± 2 months. The difference of mean exophthalmos was 5.16 ± 1.21 mm (t = 21.26, p = 4.479E-17 < 0.05). The difference of mean MRD2 was 1.9 ± 0.14 mm (t = 67.57, p = 6.751E-29 < 0.05). About 2 of 25 eyelids entropion recurred postoperatively; the overall success rate was 92%. The biomechanical analysis results reveal that the eyelid margin is given more stress and caused more displacement in East Asian ancestry under the same force of pressure. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the lower eyelid retraction with coexistent entropion is attributable to the unique anatomical features of patients of East Asians ancestry. We corrected the lower eyelid retraction and entropion during the orbital decompression operation. The results show that this method is safe and effective. It can simultaneously improve the symptoms of TED patients such as exophthalmos, lower eyelid retraction, and entropion, with minimal complications.

The Spectrum of Aesthetic Canthal Suspension.

Aesthetic canthal suspension can be an effective adjunct to lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Understanding the anatomy and function of the lateral canthal tendon is critical for preoperative evaluation and surgical decision making. In this article, the authors discuss the lateral canthal terminology, anatomy, and aging changes. Various canthal suspension procedures, including open and closed canthal suspension, commissure sparing open canthoplasty, and canthopexy, are described. Finally, the preoperative evaluation, postoperative course, and complications of surgery are reviewed.

The Treatment of Post-blepharoplasty Lower Eyelid Retraction.

Numerous solutions for post-blepharoplasty lower eyelid retraction are reviewed. Patients require permanent recruitment of skin and soft tissue to lengthen the lower eyelid and control of the lower eyelid shape. The authors use a hand-carved expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) implant held with microscrews to provide volume and felting material at the orbital rim and to permanently fix vertically lifted cheek soft tissue into the lower eyelid. The eyelid margin is also controlled with a hard palate graft inset into the conjunctival surface below the tarsus. This eyelid reconstruction avoids tension on the lateral canthoplasty, a point of failure in other solutions.

Autologous dermis graft versus conchal cartilage graft for managing lower eyelid retraction: A comparative study.

PURPOSE: Lower eyelid management is challenging. The conchal cartilage is often considered a spacer of choice for treating lower eyelid retraction. However, dermis graft has also recently been shown to be a viable spacer. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of dermis graft to that of conchal cartilage graft in this indication. METHODS: A retrospective comparative study was conducted in patients who underwent lower eyelid lengthening with autologous dermis graft (group 1) or autologous conchal cartilage graft (group 2). The main outcome measure was the reduction in inferior scleral show (ISS) assessed by three independent masked surgeons. Secondary outcome measures was the assessment of lagophthalmos and corneal keratitis. Complications were also recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-five eyelids of 23 patients were included: 11 and 14 eyelids, respectively in group 1 (dermis graft) and group 2 (conchal cartilage graft). Patient mean follow-up was 12.3 (±12.5) and 7.1 (±7.7) months, respectively. No statistical differences in postoperative ISS reduction, lagophthalmos and exposure keratitis was observed (p = 0.540, p = 0.946, p = 0.934, respectively). Three patients experienced a grade I Clavien-Dindo complication in group 1 and one patient experienced a grade II complication in group 2 (p = 0.540). CONCLUSION: Autologous dermis grafts and conchal cartilage grafts provide favorable outcomes without major complications.

A Comparison of Lower Eyelid Retraction in Normal Individuals with Positive versus Negative Orbital Vector.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to compare lower eyelid retraction (LER) in individuals with a positive orbital vector with that of individuals with a negative orbital vector. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 123 normal individuals including 64 men and 59 women aged 20-80 years. After the individuals underwent Hertel exophthalmometry, two side-view and front-view photos were taken using a camera. The orbital vector angle and the extent of scleral show were then measured in millimeter, using the Photoshop software. Eventually, the recorded data were analyzed through statistical software. RESULTS: The findings of this study showed that LER has a significant correlation with orbital vector angle and the extent of proptosis (P < 0.05). The mean value of orbital vector angle in individuals without LER was 9.76°, while this figure was calculated to be - 13.65° in individuals with LER. The mean protrusion value based on Hertel exophthalmometry was 14.08 mm in individuals without LER and 16.27 mm in individuals with LER. The extent of scleral show had a significant correlation with proptosis and orbital vector angle (P = 0.01), with a mean value of - 0.41 mm in individuals without LER and 0.94 mm in participants with LER. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of LER and scleral show is positively correlated with the extent of proptosis and negatively correlated with orbital vector angle.

Efficacy of porcine acellular dermal matrix in the management of lower eyelid retraction: case series and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of Permacol™, a decellularized porcine dermal-derived membrane, as a spacer in the management of lower eyelid retraction. The efficacy of sizing and insertion was investigated, as well as complications. The literature was also reviewed to compare this material with other porcine-derived grafts in use for the management of lower eyelid retraction. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series observing all patients who received lower eyelid Permacol implants by the two senior authors (AAM, TGH) for the management of lower eyelid retraction. Patient demographics, indications for surgery, graft size, degree of postoperative lid advancement, and complications were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients (16 eyelids) received Permacol implants for correction of lower eyelid retraction during the study period of 18 months (January 2015 to July 2017). Ten procedures were related to thyroid eye disease, 3 for reconstruction, 2 postcosmetic lower lid blepharoplasty, and one acquired anophthalmic socket. The average preoperative inferior scleral show (ISS) was 1.74 mm, and the average postoperative ISS was 0.82 mm. There was a mean lower eyelid elevation of 0.91 mm (p < 0.005, Wilcoxon signed rank test) and mean ratio of graft height:preoperative ISS was 3.8:1 over a median of 8 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Permacol is a safe and effective alternative to autologous tissues for use as a spacer in patients with lower eyelid retraction of varying etiologies. It does undergo some resorption with time, however this can be predicted and incorporated into surgical planning; we recommend an implant height:ISS ratio of 4:1.

Influence of surgical approach for decompression on lower eyelid position in thyroid eye disease.

Purpose: Orbital decompression for thyroid eye disease (TED) has been noted to improve lower lid retraction by 0.5-1 mm. We hypothesize that orbital decompression via transconjunctival approach may lead to increased reduction in marginal reflex distance 2 (MRD2) as it involves division of the lower lid retractors. The purpose of this study is to evaluate relative changes in lower lid position for patients undergoing lateral and transconjunctival orbital decompression, respectively.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, all TED patients managed with lateral or transconjunctival orbital decompression for a 3-year period were screened for inclusion. Photographs taken in the primary position preoperatively and three months postoperatively were utilized to evaluate the MRD2 from each patient. Measurements were made utilizing NIH ImageJ software standardized to a corneal diameter. Hertel measurements of proptosis were obtained pre and postoperatively. The primary outcome measure was MRD2 in operative eyes.Results: A total of 131 (86 patients) operative eyes were included in the sample. Mean change MRD2 was not significantly different between the surgical groups (p = 0.07). In multivariate modeling, mean change in MRD2 was significantly associated with change in exophthalmometry, independent of surgical approach.Conclusions: The association between decrease in Hertel measurement and decrease in MRD2 is consistent with the existing literature on the topic. It appears that transconjunctival division of the lower eyelid retractors provides no additional benefit in reducing lower lid retraction relative to change in proptosis.

Management of Postblepharoplasty Lower Eyelid Retraction.

Postblepharoplasty lower eyelid retraction is challenging and multifactorial and may occur after transcutaneous lower eyelid surgery. Surgical correction is difficult and unpredictable. Patient psyche is often negatively affected. This combination of events can limit patient satisfaction, so significant preoperative counseling to educate patients and modulate expectations is critical. The combination of midface lifting, implantation of a posterior lamellar spacer graft, and canthal suspension (standard surgery) has led to variable degrees of functional and aesthetic improvement. This article reviews the typical presentation, outlines the steps of standard surgery, and touches on other modalities of treatment that may improve patient satisfaction.

The Injection for the Lower Eyelid Retraction: A Mechanical Analysis of the Lifting Effect of the Hyaluronic Acid.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that the injection of the hyaluronic acid (HA) into the lower lid area could improve lower eyelid retraction. However, the published studies offered few insights into the mechanism of this treatment. When the underlying mechanism is not clear, many surgeons will not trust the method enough to apply it in their clinical practice. The purpose of this article was to propose a possible explanation for the underlying mechanism of the treatment and further verify the method by a series of cases. METHODS: The authors performed a mechanical analysis on the physical impact of HA on the lower eyelid. In the clinical cases, we injected the fillers under the orbicularis muscle to correct lower lid retraction. The results were evaluated by the standardized marginal reflex distance 2 (MRD2) immediately and 9 months later. RESULTS: From October 2013 to October 2015, the injections were carried out in 27 cases (14 post-blepharoplasty and 13 involuntary). In 26 cases (96.3%), the retraction was completely corrected and did not recur through the last follow-up. The average improvement of the standardized MRD2 was 0.84 mm immediately after the injection and 1.19 mm 9 months later. Complications were not reported. CONCLUSION: Lower eyelid retraction could be treated by the injection of HA under the orbicularis muscle. The filler in this situation acted as a lifter because the filler changed the balance of force of the lower lid, forcing it to shift upward to gain the new balance. The 'lifter' mechanism could be applicable to other facial injections that generate elevating effects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Lower Eyelid Contour in Graves Orbitopathy.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to analyze quantitively the lower lid contour of patients with Graves orbitopathy.Methods: Bézier curves were manually adjusted to the ciliated and nasal (or lacrimal) portions of the lower lid contour of 41 patients with Graves orbitopathy and 43 normal subjects using National Institute of Health (NIH) ImageJ software. Considering the main coordinates of the Bézier functions, the Matlab software was employed to express the lid contours with 1000 points. The first order numerical derivative of the curves was calculated in order to compare the curvature of the whole lid contour of patients and controls. The same comparison was made for the temporal and nasal contour segments. Other parameters measured included the location of the lowest point on the contours (contour peak); the position of the lateral and medial canthi, as well as the angle formed by the lower lacrimal punctum and the vertex of the inner canthus.Results: The curvature of the temporal portion of the lid contours of patients and controls correlated with both the height of the lateral canthus and the magnitude of the MRD2. Graves retraction affects the medial and lateral portion of the lid. Both segments were more curved in patients than in controls. The lower punctum was significantly lowered, increasing the angle between the lower punctum and the medial canthus.Conclusions: The increased lateral curvature of the lower lid seen in patients with Graves disease is a natural geometric effect of the increment of MRD2. The nasal portion of the lid is also significantly lowered by retraction.

Causes and Surgical Outcomes of Lower Eyelid Retraction.

PURPOSE: To investigate the causes of lower eyelid retraction and evaluate the outcomes of various surgical procedures. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective medical record review of patients who underwent lower eyelid retraction surgery performed by a single surgeon at Kim's Eye Hospital between 2006 and 2013. We investigated the causes of lower eyelid retraction, clinical history, characteristics, treatment, and surgical outcomes. Preoperative and postoperative margin reflex distance 2 and inferior scleral show were measured for each eyelid. Success was defined as a positive eyelid elevation and a decrease in inferior scleral show. RESULTS: A total of 19 lower eyelids were treated in 14 patients with lower eyelid retraction. For cosmetic reasons, surgical correction for congenital lower eyelid retraction was performed on seven eyelids (36.8%). Ten eyelids (52.6%) exhibited secondary lower eyelid retraction after surgery. One eyelid (5.3%) was affected by facial palsy and one eyelid (5.3%) exhibited exophthalmos of an unknown origin. We adopted a selective approach based on lower eyelid retraction severity. Spacer grafting via a subconjunctival approach was the most commonly performed surgical technique (13 eyelids, 68.4%). The lateral tarsal strip procedure was used to horizontally tighten three eyelids (15.8%). At the time of the procedure, one of these eyelids (5.3%) also received an adjuvant suborbicularis oculi fat lift. Autogenous dermis fat grafting was performed on two lower eyelids (10.5%), whose retraction was caused by fat and soft tissue loss. Cosmetic outcomes were satisfactory in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: To achieve satisfactory surgical outcomes, surgeons should adopt an approach based on the severity of lower eyelid retraction. Mild lower eyelid retraction can be corrected without grafts. When retraction is severe and exceeds 2 mm, spacer grafts that push the lower eyelid margin upwards and support it from below are required.

Reconstructive subperiosteal midface lift: A three nonvisible incision approach.

This article describes our surgical technique for subperiosteal midface elevation in patients with paralytic lower eyelid malposition or cicatricial inferior eyelid retraction. Nineteen patients with paralytic lower eyelid malposition and 15 patients with cicatricial inferior eyelid retraction underwent a subperiosteal midface lift (n = 34). The procedure was performed under local anesthesia through three nonvisible incisions. A transconjunctival incision allows preseptal dissection to the orbital rim, followed by a subperiosteal dissection of the midface. An oral incision is useful to achieve complete subperiosteal dissection and to perform the distal periostomy, which allows complete release of the midface soft tissues. A temporal incision provides access to the temporal fascia for fixation of the elevated tissues and gives the surgeon the possibility of removing redundant skin from the scalp instead of the lower eyelid. Additional posterior lamellar grafting was performed in 24 patients. There was a statistically significant reduction in the distance from the pupil centre to the lower eyelid (margin reflex distance, MRD2) 1 month after surgery (preoperative MRD2 9.62 ± 4.52 mm, postoperative MRD2 5.28 ± 2.62 mm). The ectropion and lower eyelid retraction was resolved in all patients, except for one recurrence. Midfacial elevation is a safe and effective surgical technique in the treatment of static lower eyelid malposition after chronic facial nerve palsy or posttraumatic or iatrogenic lower eyelid retraction.

Histological and clinical evaluation of the hard palate mucous membrane graft for treatment of lower eyelid retraction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the histological appearances of the epithelial cells and the clinical effect of the hard palate mucous membrane (HPM) graft for the treatment of lower eyelid retraction (LER). METHODS: This was a follow-up study involving 15 patients, with a total of 16 eyes operated. Five patients had LER as a result of Graves' ophthalmopathy and/or inferior rectus recession, six patients because of wearing an eye prosthesis, two patients because of previous tumour excision, one patient because of proptosis due to sphenoid wing meningioma and one patient because of previous lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Three imprint biopsies were taken from each patient, one from the tarsal conjunctiva in the healthy eye, one from the graft in the operated eye and one from unoperated hard palate. The inferior scleral show was measured on pre- and postoperative photographs and related to the horizontal corneal diameter. RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 21.2 [range 4.5-87.9] months. Imprints from the graft and the hard palate showed equally large epithelial cells; imprints from conjunctiva showed small epithelial cells. The mean (±SD) scleral show was 0.12 ± 0.09 cornea diameter before surgery and 0.0003 ± 0.08 cornea diameter at invited follow-up (p < 0.001, paired t-test). Corrected for direction of gaze, the mean improvement in scleral show was 0.12 ± 0.08 cornea diameter. Thirteen of 14 patients were satisfied with the final result. CONCLUSION: A HPM graft for LER maintains its native epithelial morphology and gives a lasting improvement in most patients.

Causes and Surgical Outcomes of Lower Eyelid Retraction

PURPOSE: To investigate the causes of lower eyelid retraction and evaluate the outcomes of various surgical procedures. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective medical record review of patients who underwent lower eyelid retraction surgery performed by a single surgeon at Kim's Eye Hospital between 2006 and 2013. We investigated the causes of lower eyelid retraction, clinical history, characteristics, treatment, and surgical outcomes. Preoperative and postoperative margin reflex distance 2 and inferior scleral show were measured for each eyelid. Success was defined as a positive eyelid elevation and a decrease in inferior scleral show. RESULTS: A total of 19 lower eyelids were treated in 14 patients with lower eyelid retraction. For cosmetic reasons, surgical correction for congenital lower eyelid retraction was performed on seven eyelids (36.8%). Ten eyelids (52.6%) exhibited secondary lower eyelid retraction after surgery. One eyelid (5.3%) was affected by facial palsy and one eyelid (5.3%) exhibited exophthalmos of an unknown origin. We adopted a selective approach based on lower eyelid retraction severity. Spacer grafting via a subconjunctival approach was the most commonly performed surgical technique (13 eyelids, 68.4%). The lateral tarsal strip procedure was used to horizontally tighten three eyelids (15.8%). At the time of the procedure, one of these eyelids (5.3%) also received an adjuvant suborbicularis oculi fat lift. Autogenous dermis fat grafting was performed on two lower eyelids (10.5%), whose retraction was caused by fat and soft tissue loss. Cosmetic outcomes were satisfactory in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: To achieve satisfactory surgical outcomes, surgeons should adopt an approach based on the severity of lower eyelid retraction. Mild lower eyelid retraction can be corrected without grafts. When retraction is severe and exceeds 2 mm, spacer grafts that push the lower eyelid margin upwards and support it from below are required.