Changes in eyelid position after glaucoma filtering surgery

Background While ptosis is a well-known consequence of glaucoma surgery, some isolated case reports point to the possibility of upper eyelid retraction occurring after glaucoma surgery. This study aims to analyze the occurrence of ptosis and eyelid retraction after glaucoma surgery and to evaluate factors contributing to these palpebral fissure changes. Methods Cross-sectional study including 100 eyes of 100 patients that had undergone unilateral glaucoma surgery. Upper eyelid height in the operated eye was measured by digital photography and compared with the fellow, non-operated eye. The main outcome was to determine if ptosis or retraction occurred in the operated eye in comparison with the fellow eye. The secondary outcome was to determine if any variable was associated with ptosis or retraction. A clinically significant difference (either toward ptosis or retraction) was defined as a difference ≥1 mm between both eyes. Results Of 100 eyes included 81 (81%) showed no change in eyelid height (−0.133 mm ± 0.496), 11 (11%) showed ptosis (−1.348 mm ± 0.387) and 8 eyes (8%) showed retraction (1.705 ± 0.634). A statistically significant relation was found between ptosis and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (p = 0.003). A trend toward lower postoperative IOP and higher conjunctival blebs was found in eyes with postoperative eyelid retraction. Conclusions Eyelid retraction was present in 8% of patients and ptosis in 11%. Patients with eyelid retraction showed around a 3 mmHg lower postoperative IOP than eyes without retraction. The presence of pseudoexfoliation may be a risk factor for this complication. A prospective study with a large number of patients would be required to confirm these results.

Treatment of Severe Ptosis by Conjoint Fascial Sheath Suspension

Objective. To explore the role of conjoint fascial sheath (CFS) suspension in the treatment of severe ptosis. Methods. A total of 110 patients with severe ptosis who were admitted to our hospital from May 2018 to December 2020 were included. Fifty-seven patients treated with frontalis suspension were assigned into group A, and the remaining 53 patients treated with CFS suspension were assigned into group B. The curative effect, ocular surface alterations, complications, and satisfaction in the two groups were compared. Results. Patients in group B suffered from severe upper eyelid retraction and lid lag than those in group A, as well as more limited range of motion (ROM) ( P < 0.05 ). The curative effect and patient satisfaction in group B were higher than those in group A ( P < 0.05 ). Postsurgical complications in group B were fewer than those in group A ( P < 0.05 ). Conclusion. CFS suspension is effective in the treatment of severe ptosis.

Understanding Parinaud’s Syndrome

Parinaud’s syndrome involves dysfunction of the structures of the dorsal midbrain. We investigated the pathophysiology related to the signs and symptoms to better understand the symptoms of Parinaud’s syndrome: diplopia, blurred vision, visual field defects, ptosis, squint, and ataxia, and Parinaud’s main signs of upward gaze paralysis, upper eyelid retraction, convergence retraction nystagmus (CRN), and pseudo-Argyll Robertson pupils. In upward gaze palsy, three structures are disrupted: the rostral interstitial nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus (riMLF), interstitial nucleus of Cajal (iNC), and the posterior commissure. In CRN, there is a continuous discharge of the medial rectus muscle because of the lack of inhibition of supranuclear fibers. In Collier’s sign, the posterior commissure and the iNC are mainly involved. In the vicinity of the iNC, there are two essential groups of cells, the M-group cells and central caudal nuclear (CCN) group cells, which are important for vertical gaze, and eyelid control. Overstimulation of the M group of cells and increased firing rate of the CCN group causing eyelid retraction. External compression of the posterior commissure, and pretectal area causes pseudo-Argyll Robertson pupils. Pseudo-Argyll Robertson pupils constrict to accommodation and have a slight response to light (miosis) as opposed to Argyll Robertson pupils were there is no response to a light stimulus. In Parinaud’s syndrome patients conserve a slight response to light because an additional pathway to a pupillary light response that involves attention to a conscious bright/dark stimulus. Diplopia is mainly due to involvement of the trochlear nerve (IVth cranial nerve. Blurry vision is related to accommodation problems, while the visual field defects are a consequence of chronic papilledema that causes optic neuropathy. Ptosis in Parinaud’s syndrome is caused by damage to the oculomotor nerve, mainly the levator palpebrae portion. We did not find a reasonable explanation for squint. Finally, ataxia is caused by compression of the superior cerebellar peduncle.

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.

The Effect of Levator Recession for Upper Eyelid Retraction in Patients with Thyroid-associated Ophthalmopathy

Purpose: We analyzed factors that affect the outcome of levator recession surgery for upper eyelid retraction in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed based on the medical records of 24 patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy who underwent upper eyelid levator recession surgery between February 10, 2010, and September 18, 2018. The margin to reflex distance (MRD), length and area of the upper and lower eyelids were measured and compared with the eyelid analysis software before and after 6 months of surgery on medical records. In addition, factors affecting the difference in MRD1 before and after surgery were examined by multivariate linear regression analysis.Results: Twenty-four patients were included in the study. The MRD1 decreased significantly from 5.12 ± 1.26 mm before surgery to 3.48 ± 1.08 mm at 6 months after surgery (p < 0.001). All upper eyelid measurements, i.e., UEL (p < 0.001), UMA (p < 0.001), UCA (p = 0.004), and ULA (p < 0.001), were significantly decreased after surgery, while none of the lower eyelid measurements showed significant changes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that lower preoperative MRD1 was associated with the success of the surgery (odds ratio, 0.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-1.01).Conclusions: Levator recession surgery is an efficient surgical method that can correct the upper eyelid retraction associated with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.