Blepharoptosis and corneal epithelial thickness alterations, is there any relation?

BACKGROUND: To compare the epithelial thickness map of ptotic eyes of blepharoptosis patients with contralateral non- ptotic eyes. METHODS: Unilateral blepharoptosis patients were enrolled consecutively. Patients were underwent full ophthalmologic examination and their demographic data such as age and gender and specific ptosis findings e.g. the cause and duration, MRD-1, and levator palpebralis superioris function were registered. Anterior segment imaging for epithelial thickness measurements was done using the Avanti RTVue-XR platform. The corneal epithelial thickness maps of ptotic and non-ptotic eyes were compared. RESULTS: 44 patients with unilateral blepharoptosis were included in the study. 27 (61.4%) of them were female and 17 (38.6%) cases were male. The mean of the patients' ages was 24.40 ± 15.16 years. Ptotic eyes had significantly thinner superior (p = 0.000), superior-temporal (p = 0.000) and superior-nasal (p = 0.005) sectors of the cornea and slightly thicker corneal epithelium (CE) in the inferior-nasal sector. The correlation of difference of superior-inferior CE was evaluated with different parameters including patient's age (p = 0.457), type of blepharoptosis (p = 0.786), duration of blepharoptosis (p = 0.477) and MRD1 (p = 0.248), but no correlation was found. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that lid position in blepharoptosis may have effects on the corneal epithelial thickness map. Because of the lower position of upper eyelid, a thinning effect on superior corneal sectors may happen.

"Blue Scrub Lid Retraction": Changes in Eyelid Position on the Day of Surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that margin-reflex distance 1 (MRD1) on the day of surgery will be higher than the MRD1 measured at the in-clinic consult visit among patients undergoing blepharoptosis repair due to an increased sympathetic drive. METHODS: Patients evaluated for involutional blepharoptosis repair were prospectively enrolled over a 12-month period in this single-center, self-controlled study. Three investigators independently determined MRD1 using cropped photos taken of patients at the in-clinic consult visit and on the day of surgery. A difference in height was tested for by using the 2-tailed Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: Evaluated in this study were 76 eyelids from 38 patients. Over 3-quarters of study participants had a higher MRD1 in the right and OSs on the day of surgery than at their in-clinic consultation visit (p < 0.001). The mean increase in MRD1 for the right eyelid and left eyelid was 1.0 mm (range: 0-3.15 mm) and 1.1 mm (range: 0-2.7 mm), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with involutional blepharoptosis, we conclude that MRD1 is higher on the day of surgery as compared with the in-clinic consult visit. This may be secondary to the stress of surgery and an associated increase in sympathetic drive. In some cases, this change in eyelid position led to resolution of apparent involutional ptosis altogether. Caution should be used when considering deferral of ptosis repair on the basis of exam findings present on the day of surgery.

Levator palpebralis superioris histopathologic findings in congenital ptosis and surgical outcome after its resection: Is there any association?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the histopathologic findings of Levator palpebralis superioris (LPS) muscle biopsy after LPS resection for treatment of congenital ptosis and its possible relation with surgical outcomes.Please confirm if the author names are presented accurately and in the correct sequence (given name, middle name/initial, family name). Author 4 Given name: [Seyed Mohsen] Last name [Rafizadeh]. Author 6 Given name: [Seyed Ali] Last name [Sonbolestan].Also, kindly confirm the details in the metadata are correct.The author names and the sequence are correct. METHODS: Congenital ptosis patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. All of them underwent full ophthalmologic examination included of Margin-reflex distance 1 (MRD-1) and LPS function measurement preoperatively. The patients were followed for 3 months for the postoperative period and after that the measurements were repeated. Histologic parameters including percentages of fat, striated and smooth muscle, and fibrous tissue. The histopathologic findings and their possible correlation with the measurements are analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients with unilateral congenital ptosis were enrolled. 45 patients (67.2%) were males. The mean age of patients was 16.10 ± 11.18 years. The patients' MRD-1 was improved significantly from 0.82 ± 1.26 mm to 3.85 ± 1.25 mm after LPS resection (P = 0.000). The success rate was 80.3%. There were no correlations between MRD change and histopathologic tissue percentages but significant correlation was found between success of surgery and fibrous tissue percentage of resected sample (P = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: The histopathology of the LPS may be useful in prediction of surgical outcome after LPS resection in congenital ptosis patients. The percentage of fibrous tissue play an important role.

The Effect of Conjunctiva-Müller Muscle Resection on Tear Oxidative Stress Levels in Patients with Blepharoptosis

Objectives: To examine changes in tear oxidative stress levels and tear film functions in patients with blepharoptosis and dermatochalasis following conjunctiva-Müller muscle resection (CMMR) and blepharoplasty surgeries. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 32 healthy controls and 62 patients with blepharoptosis or dermatochalasis. CMMR surgery was performed in 20 eyes and upper blepharoplasty was performed in 42 eyes. Tear oxidative stress markers (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG] and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal [4-HNE]) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and tear film functions were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 and 6 months postoperatively. The same assessments were performed in the control group at the same time points. Results: Preoperative tear 8-OHdG and 4-HNE levels were lower in healthy controls (52.8±13.5 ng/mL and 27.8±6.4 ng/mL, respectively) compared to patients with dermatochalasis (86.1±37.2 ng/mL and 29.8±11.1 ng/mL, respectively) and blepharoptosis (90.4±39.3 ng/mL and 43.1±4.2 ng/mL, respectively) (p<0.001). 8-OHdG levels were increased at 1 month after CMMR, while both markers were decreased 1 month postoperatively in the blepharoplasty group (p=0.034). Schirmer 1 and OSDI scores did not change throughout the visits in both patient groups, but a temporary decrease in tear break-up time (TBUT) was observed after CMMR (p=0.017). Conclusion: Dermatochalasis and blepharoptosis were associated with higher tear oxidative stress levels. CMMR surgery caused a temporary decrease in TBUT scores and an increase in oxidative stress in the first postoperative month.

Electroacupuncture for oculomotor nerve palsy after chemotherapy: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Oculomotor nerve palsy (ONP) is often discovered in the ophthalmology department, manifested as ptosis with the same side, eyeball in the fixed external booth, or accompanied by limited inward, upward, and downward movements. The present case report described the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on a breast cancer patient with ONP after chemotherapy. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 56-year-old breast cancer patient presented with severe ptosis and fixed right eye exotropia. Besides, it is challenging to perform the movement inward, upward, and downward, and with obvious diplopia. DIAGNOSES: The breast cancer patient was diagnosed with ONP, chemotherapy history. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was introduced to acupuncture department to receiving EA treatment. OUTCOMES: After 12 times of EA treatments, the symptom of ptosis was significantly improved, and the right upper eyelid can lift autonomously as same as the left eye. Besides, the patient's right lateral eye could move freely, and the symptoms of double vision disappeared. CONCLUSION: The case suggests that EA may be an effective alternative treatment for ONP.

Eyelid retraction during smiling in a patient with monocular congenital ptosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Blepharoptosis is a common symptom in ophthalmology clinic, but eyelid retraction when smiling in a ptosis eye is a rare manifestation. Here we report a novel manifestation that eyelid retraction during smiling in a patient with monocular congenital ptosis. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 10-year-old girl with isolated and mild unilateral congenital ptosis showed eyelid retraction in ptotsis eye when smiling together with a lid lag on downgaze. She didn't have any systematic and ocular diseases other than myopia and astigmatism.Eyelid retraction during smiling is 5 mm, resulting in a significant difference in the height of bilateral palpebral fissures.As for ptosis, is mild.The margin to reflex distance 1 is 1.0 mm on the right eye(ptosis eye) and 3.0 mm on the left eye. A lid lag of 1.0 mm on downward gaze was noted on the right, she could close her eyes fully while sleeping.The ice pack test, laboratory test for thyroid function, whole-exome sequencing (WES) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) of the orbital and ocular motor nerves showed normal results.Her symptoms alleviated after 6 months, with the retraction of the right upper eyelid when smiling was approximately 3 mm, thus the difference in the palpebral fissure height when smiling was smaller than that at the initial presentation. CONCLUSION: Blepharoptosis may accompanied with abnormal innervation like eyelid retraction, this phenomenon can be alleviated with age.The results of the levator muscle function test should be carefully examined to determine whether it is ptosis in an impaired innervation eyelid.

Dual-plane lift-and-hold technique for brow ptosis in young patients with facial paralysis.

BACKGROUND: Direct browlift is useful but leaves a scar above the brow. We proposed a dual-plane browlift to avoid facial scarring while effectively resolving brow ptosis in young and young adult patients. METHODS: Seven patients with facial palsy underwent dual-plane browlift between July 2018 and June 2022. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 31.9 months. Skin resection at the hairline was combined with subcutaneous dissection down to the inferior margin of the brow to "lift" the brow. Fascia lata strips were fixed to the dermis just inferior to the eyebrow to "hold" the brow, and the strips were suspended upward through the subperiosteal tunnel and fixed to the periosteum. Brow height was compared before and after the procedure and with the contralateral side. RESULTS: The reported complications included slight hematoma at the recipient site, temporary difficulty in closing the eye, and seroma at the fascia donor site. The paralyzed side showed significant differences between the preoperative period and postoperative months (POM) 3, 6, and 12, but differences were not shown in the intervals between POM 3 and 6, 6 and 12, or 3 and 12. The difference in eyebrow height between the paralyzed and nonparalyzed sides was significant preoperatively but not at POM 3, 6, or 12. All scars matured well, and the fascia silhouette was not visible in the forehead region. CONCLUSIONS: Dual-plane browlift enables rigid suspension using the fascia lata and excises flaccid skin without leaving facial scars, yielding excellent cosmetic quality and stable long-term outcomes.

Surgical Management of Overgrowth Syndrome With Bilateral Vision-Threatening Ptosis.

We describe the first case reported in ophthalmological literature of the surgical management of a 17-month-old boy with bilateral vision-threatening ptosis, tarsomegaly, ectropion, and euryblepharon secondary to suspected overgrowth syndrome. We elaborate on the major challenges associated with surgical management including the natural and asymmetric growth of oversized tissue, the high likelihood of scarring and formation of disorganized tissue, and risks of frequent intubation in these patients who may have lesions that compromise critical structures such as the airway. Ultimately, surgical intervention is encouraged primarily if vision or ocular health is threatened and secondarily to achieve good cosmesis.

Blepharoptosis As an Early Manifestation of Neuronal Intranuclear Inclusion Disease.

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) exhibits diverse clinical manifestations. Our patient was a 64-year-old woman with bilateral ptosis as the chief complaint. She had bilateral miosis, and the pupil was only slightly dilated 60 min after 1% phenylephrine administration, suggesting autonomic dysfunction secondary to preganglionic sympathetic impairment. A head-up tilt test revealed asymptomatic orthostatic hypotension. She was diagnosed with NIID based on a skin biopsy and genetic testing. This study suggests that blepharoptosis is an early manifestation of NIID. Furthermore, patients with suspected NIID should be examined carefully for autonomic dysfunction.

A Modified Algorithm-Based Levator Aponeurectomy in Mild to Moderate Congenital Blepharoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Levator aponeurectomy is a common operation for mild to moderate blepharoptosis. The accuracy of ptosis correction relied on intraoperative judgement when patients were under local anesthesia. For patients who must receive the operation under general anesthesia, it would be an issue to determine how much length of levator aponeurosis to shorten. To solve this issue, we collected data from patients who underwent the operation under local anesthesia and concluded an algorithm. METHODS: This single-center, prospective bivariate regression study allocated patients of mild to moderate congenital blepharoptosis who received levator aponeurectomy under local anesthesia. Preoperative MRD1 and levator function, intraoperative amount of levator aponeurotic shortening, and postoperative MRD1 were measured. The follow-up period was right after the operation. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were included in this trial. Two subjects exited because of not receiving allocated operation and data of the other 27 subjects (including 34 eyelids) were analyzed. A scatter diagram was drawn where x axis referred to levator function and y axis referred to the ratio of the amount of shortening of levator aponeurosis over the height of MRD1 correction. Linear regression showed y = - 0.2717*x + 5.026, R2 = 0.8553. CONCLUSION: A modified algorithm to predict the amount of shortening of levator aponeurosis based on levator function and height of ptosis correction was concluded with better accuracy and clinical feasibility. 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 .

Blepharoptosis Consultation with Artificial Intelligence: Aesthetic Surgery Advice and Counseling from Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT).

BACKGROUND: Chat generative pre-trained transformer (ChatGPT) is a publicly available extensive artificial intelligence (AI) language model that leverages deep learning to generate text that mimics human conversations. In this study, the performance of ChatGPT was assessed by offering insightful and precise answers to a series of fictional questions and emulating a preliminary consultation on blepharoplasty. METHODS: ChatGPT was posed with questions derived from a blepharoplasty checklist provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Board-certified plastic surgeons and non-medical staff members evaluated the responses for accuracy, informativeness, and accessibility. RESULTS: Nine questions were used in this study. Regarding informativeness, the average score given by board-certified plastic surgeons was significantly lower than that given by non-medical staff members (2.89 ± 0.72 vs 4.41 ± 0.71; p = 0.042). No statistically significant differences were observed in accuracy (p = 0.56) or accessibility (p = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Our results emphasize the effectiveness of ChatGPT in simulating doctor-patient conversations during blepharoplasty. Non-medical individuals found its responses more informative compared with the surgeons. Although limited in terms of specialized guidance, ChatGPT offers foundational surgical information. Further exploration is warranted to elucidate the broader role of AI in esthetic surgical consultations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: Observational study under respected authorities. 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 .

Performance of ChatGPT in Answering Clinical Questions on the Practical Guideline of Blepharoptosis.

BACKGROUND: ChatGPT is a free artificial intelligence (AI) language model developed and released by OpenAI in late 2022. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of ChatGPT to accurately answer clinical questions (CQs) on the Guideline for the Management of Blepharoptosis published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in 2022. METHODS: CQs in the guideline were used as question sources in both English and Japanese. For each question, ChatGPT provided answers for CQs, evidence quality, recommendation strength, reference match, and answered word counts. We compared the performance of ChatGPT in each component between English and Japanese queries. RESULTS: A total of 11 questions were included in the final analysis, and ChatGPT answered 61.3% of these correctly. ChatGPT demonstrated a higher accuracy rate in English answers for CQs compared to Japanese answers for CQs (76.4% versus 46.4%; p = 0.004) and word counts (123 words versus 35.9 words; p = 0.004). No statistical differences were noted for evidence quality, recommendation strength, and reference match. A total of 697 references were proposed, but only 216 of them (31.0%) existed. CONCLUSIONS: ChatGPT demonstrates potential as an adjunctive tool in the management of blepharoptosis. However, it is crucial to recognize that the existing AI model has distinct limitations, and its primary role should be to complement the expertise of medical professionals. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: Observational study under respected authorities. 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 .

Effect of Tranexamic Acid on Intra- and Postoperative Bleeding in Eyelid Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Masked, Control Trial.

PURPOSE: Pilot studies suggest that waiting 15 minutes after a subcutaneous tranexamic acid injection is associated with decreased intraoperative bleeding and postoperative ecchymosis in eyelid surgery. The outcomes of commencing eyelid surgery immediately after injection without a waiting period remain unexplored. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, multicenter, double-masked, controlled study examined bilateral symmetric upper and/or lower lid blepharoplasty or ptosis repair. Patients received tranexamic acid in 1 eyelid and control in the contralateral eyelid. The surgeon recorded the side with more intraoperative bleeding. Two masked graders evaluated periocular ecchymosis at postoperative day 0 and postoperative week 1 (POW 1) with a 5-point scale. At POW 1, patients reported subjective grading of bruising as increased on 1 side or similar on both sides. Results were analyzed with Wilcoxon signed-rank and sign tests. RESULTS: Of 130 patients, there was less eyelid ecchymosis on the tranexamic side at postoperative day 0 ( p = 0.001) and POW 1 ( p < 0.001). By surgery type, the 69 levator advancement surgeries had significantly less ecchymosis at postoperative day 0 ( p < 0.001) and POW 1 ( p = 0.001), while upper eyelid blepharoplasty, combined upper and lower lid blepharoplasty, and conjunctivomullerectomy trended toward significance. Of 68 patients reporting a POW 1 grading, 69% reported less bruising on the tranexamic side ( p < 0.001). Intraoperative bleeding was not significantly different between sides ( p = 0.930). CONCLUSIONS: Without a postinjection waiting period, subcutaneous tranexamic acid for eyelid surgery significantly decreased postoperative ecchymosis on postoperative day 0 and POW 1 but did not affect intraoperative bleeding. Subcutaneous tranexamic acid was not associated with any complications.

Ophthalmic features of Lamb-Shaffer syndrome: a case series.

Lamb-Shaffer syndrome (LSS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder, genetically diagnosed in fewer than 100 individuals worldwide. We present a case series of 6 pediatric patients with LSS and describe its ophthalmic manifestations. Strabismus was present in 5 patients, with exotropia being most common. All subjects had significant refractive errors; 5 had astigmatism of at least 2 D. All patients had optic nerve abnormalities, including pallor (4), hypoplasia (2), and anomalous appearance (1), with retinal nerve fiber layer thinning demonstrated in a single subject. Other ophthalmic disorders detected were ptosis (1), nasolacrimal duct obstruction (1), and nystagmus (2).

Oculomasticatory rhythmic movements, insomnia and stroke-like episodes in a patient with POLG mutation.

The POLG mutation, a leading cause of mitochondrial diseases, exhibits a wide-ranging age of onset and a complex clinical presentation. We encountered an atypical clinical profile in an elderly man with a POLG mutation, characterised by a stroke-like episode, chronic insomnia and transient oculomasticatory rhythmic movement. History revealed chronic constipation since his 50s and progressive bilateral ophthalmoplegia since his early 60s. Subsequently, he had experienced acute encephalopathy and later developed chronic insomnia. The present neurological examination showed bilateral complete ophthalmoplegia, ptosis, and rhythmic ocular and jaw movements. Imaging indicated findings suggestive of a stroke-like episode and eventual genetic analysis revealed a homozygous missense mutation in the POLG gene. This case expands the clinical spectrum of POLG mutations in individuals over 60 years, showcasing the rare combination of a stroke-like episode, chronic insomnia and oculomasticatory rhythmic movement.

Quantitative analysis of the eyelid curvature in patients with blepharoptosis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of two novel eyelid curvature measurements to distinguish between normal eyes and different severities of blepharoptosis. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional analysis of upper eyelid curvature was performed for different severities of patients with unilateral blepharoptosis (congenital and aponeurotic) and normal controls. Mean upper lid contour index (ULCI) and area circularity index (ACI) were calculated for each group by dividing the intercanthal distance by upper eyelid margin length (ULCI) and dividing the interpalpebral area by the area of a circle enclosing the eye (ACI). The ratio of each index for the study and fellow normal eye of each patient was also calculated and compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 106 eyes including 30 eyes in the control group and 25, 27, and 24 eyes in the mild, moderate, and severe ptosis groups were enrolled in the study. ULCI and ACI showed a statistically significant difference between the groups (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). The inter-eye ratio (ULCI-ratio and ACI-ratio) of indices was also significantly different between groups (p = 0.002, p < 0.001). Pairwise comparisons revealed that ACI and ACI-ratio were significantly different between all pairs of study groups. CONCLUSION: The results of our study showed that ACI based on area measurements may distinguish blepharoptosis patients from normal controls and from each other. Including the data from the fellow normal eyes in the form of ratio indices may improve the differentiating power. These results can be useful in designing the optimal eyelid curvature measurements.

Accuracy of Repetitive Ocular Vestibular-Evoked Myogenic Potentials to Diagnose Myasthenia Gravis in Patients With Ptosis or Diplopia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We developed repetitive ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (roVEMP) as an electrophysiologic test that allows us to elicit the characteristic decrement of extraocular muscles in patients with ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG). Case-control studies demonstrated that roVEMP reliably differentiates patients with OMG from healthy controls. We now aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of roVEMP for OMG diagnosis in patients with ptosis and/or diplopia. METHODS: In this blinded prospective diagnostic accuracy trial, we compared roVEMP in 89 consecutive patients presenting with ptosis and/or diplopia suspicious of OMG with a multimodal diagnostic approach, including clinical examination, antibodies, edrophonium testing, repetitive nerve stimulation of accessory and facial nerves, and single-fiber EMG (SFEMG). We calculated the roVEMP decrement as the ratio between the mean of the first 2 responses compared with the mean of the sixth-ninth responses in the train and used cutoff of >9% (unilateral decrement) in a 30 Hz stimulation paradigm. RESULTS: Following a complete diagnostic work-up, 39 patients (44%) were diagnosed with ocular MG, while 50 patients (56%) had various other neuro-ophthalmologic conditions, but not MG (non-MG). roVEMP yielded 88.2% sensitivity, 30.2% specificity, 50% positive predictive value (PPV), and 76.5% negative predictive value (NPV). For comparison, SFEMG resulted in 75% sensitivity, 56% specificity, 55.1% PPV, and 75.7% NPV. All other diagnostic tests (except for the ice pack test) also yielded significantly higher positive results in patients with MG compared with non-MG. DISCUSSION: The study revealed a high sensitivity of 88.2% for roVEMP in OMG, but specificity and PPV were too low to allow for the OMG diagnosis as a single test. Thus, differentiating ocular MG from other neuro-ophthalmologic conditions remains challenging, and the highest diagnostic accuracy is still obtained by a multimodal approach. In this study, roVEMP can complement the diagnostic armamentarium for the diagnosis of MG. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class I evidence that in patients with diplopia and ptosis, roVEMP alone does not accurately distinguish MG from non-MG disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03049956.

Juvenile ocular myasthenia gravis: a report of two cases.

We report 2 cases of pediatric ocular myasthenia gravis. The first case was a 7-year-old girl who presented with bilateral ophthalmoplegia and ptosis that correlated with the onset of upper respiratory symptoms. Neuroimaging and acetylcholine receptor antibody testing were unremarkable. The ice pack test was positive. Symptoms greatly improved with pyridostigmine, with full resolution of ophthalmoplegia achieved by 8-month follow-up. The second case was a 4-year-old girl who presented emergently with ptosis and bilateral ophthalmoplegia. Acetylcholine receptor antibodies testing was positive. The patient was started on pyridostigmine and intravenous immunoglobulin and is scheduled to follow-up with pediatric ophthalmology in the outpatient setting.

Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of transcutaneous versus transconjunctival excision of Wolfring gland ductal cysts.

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinicopathological characteristics and surgical outcomes of patients with Wolfring gland ductal cysts (WGDCs). METHODS: A retrospective, consecutive, interventional comparative case series was performed over a period of 7 years. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics, pathological findings and outcomes of surgically excised cysts were collected. A comparison between the transconjunctival and transcutaneous approaches was also assessed. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients (48 eyelids) were included in the final analysis. The most common presenting symptom was painless eyelid swelling (81.3%). The median symptom duration was 11.5 months (IQR, 18.25). The upper eyelid was involved in 31 (64.6%) patients, 29/31 of whom had cysts in a medial or centromedial location. Forty-five (93.8%) cysts were bluish gray and transilluminable with clear contents on lid eversion and a median largest dimension of 22 mm (IQR, 8). A transverse conjunctival fibrotic band was observed along the proximal tarsal border in the cyst area in all patients. Signs of chronic trachoma were noted in 38 (79.2%) patients. Preoperative significant ptosis was present in 28/31 (90.3%) of the upper eyelid cysts. Thirty cysts (62.5%) were excised through the skin, and 18 cysts (37.5%) were excised transconjunctivally. Intraoperative cyst rupture, the need for conjunctival grafting and postoperative residual upper lid ptosis were significantly greater in the transconjunctival group (p = 0.009, p < 0.001, and p = 0.016, respectively). CONCLUSION: The present study highlights the clinicopathological characteristics of a relatively large series of surgically excised WGDCs. Transcutaneous excision of WGDCs has proven to be an effective treatment with fewer adverse sequelae than the transconjunctival approach.