A review of acquired blepharoptosis: prevalence, diagnosis, and current treatment options

Eye-Opening Effect Achieved by Modified Transconjunctival Lower Blepharoplasty

BACKGROUND

Enophthalmia (abnormally sunken eyeball in the socket) and ptotic upper lid, as well as lower lid symptoms, are commonly observed in patients seeking periorbital rejuvenation.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty (TCLB) modified by adding deframing and decompression maneuvers to the lower orbital fat compartment (LOFC) and its support structures to obtain better results in both the lower and upper lids.

METHODS

Modified TCLB was performed in patients with lower eyelid symptoms. Palpebral fissure height (PFH) (the distance between the upper and lower eyelids in vertical alignment with the center of the pupil) was measured before surgery and 12 months postoperatively from 3-dimensional photographs. These data were compared to validate the postoperative eye-opening effect. The weight of the excised fat from each LOFC was also measured and compared.

RESULTS

Forty patients (36 females and 4 males) who underwent modified TCLB were followed up 12 months postoperatively. Mean [standard deviation] preoperative PFHs were 8.41 [1.15] mm (range, 6.1-10.7 mm) for the right and 8.41 [1.12] mm (range, 5.5-10.4 mm) for the left. Postoperative PFHs were 9.26 [0.95] mm (range, 6.4-11.1 mm) for the right and 9.21 [0.94] mm (range, 6.2-11.1 mm) for the left. The improvement in postoperative eye opening was statistically significant. The total excised LOFC was 0.43 [0.24] g (range, 0-1.2 g) for the right and 0.42 [0.25] g (range, 0-1.5 g) for the left. The largest amount of fat was excised bilaterally from the lateral LOFC, and the difference was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The results after the modified TCLB clearly demonstrate increased eye-opening ability and marked resolution of observable symptoms. The anatomical dynamics of the orbit involved in this procedure are detailed through scientific data.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 (THERAPEUTIC)

Eyelid Malpositions as Complication of Pregnancy

Eyelid malpositions as a complication of pregnancy, in the absence of associated trauma or injury, are rarely encountered. There are limited published reports on this phenomenon or subsequent surgical repair. We present the case of a 38-year-old female who experienced 3 separate episodes of eyelid malpositions, each occurring independently during 3 otherwise uncomplicated pregnancies, which persisted until surgical correction. Histological analysis of the patient's conjunctiva and tarsus revealed degeneration and loss of elastic tissue, crucial for eyelid anatomy. Surgical repair was performed in each instance, resulting in excellent cosmetic, anatomic, and visual outcomes.

Unraveling ptosis: A comprehensive review of clinical manifestations, genetics, and treatment

Ptosis is defined as an abnormally low-lying upper eyelid margin on the primary gaze, generally resulting from a congenital or acquired abnormality of the nerves or muscles that control the eyelid. Ptosis can occur alone or concurrently as an ocular or systemic syndrome, and the prevalence of ptosis varies among different countries and populations. Isolated ptosis typically causes aesthetic problems in patients and can lead to functional ophthalmic problems in severe cases. In individuals with syndromic ptosis, ptosis can be a warning of serious medical problems. There are different approaches to classification, depending on the onset time or the etiology of ptosis, and the clinical characteristics of congenital and acquired ptosis also differ. Pedigree and genetic analysis have demonstrated that hereditary ptosis is clinically heterogeneous, with incomplete concordance and variable expressivity. A number of genetic loci and genes responsible for hereditary isolated and syndromic ptosis have been reported. Optimal surgical timing and proper method are truly critical for avoiding the risk of potentially severe outcomes from ptosis and minimizing surgical complications, which are challenging as the pathogenesis is still indistinct and the anatomy is complex. This review provides a comprehensive review of ptosis, by summarizing the clinical manifestations, classification, diagnosis, genetics, treatment, and prognosis, as well as the bound anatomy of upper eyelid.

Frontalis sling surgery - pediatric versus adult population: characteristics and outcomes

PURPOSE

Frontalis sling surgery is a common method for ptosis correction for both pediatric and adult populations. This study aims to compare the characteristics and outcomes of this surgery in these two populations.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study. Patients who underwent frontalis sling surgery between the years 2009 and 2024, with complete medical chart data, and had at least a one-month follow-up period were included. Age, gender, ptosis type, type of sling, complications, and re-surgery were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 62 patients were included, with 41 patients in the pediatric group and 21 patients in the adult group. The mean age was 4.7 ± 5.0 and 46.04 ± 18.33 years old in the pediatric and adult groups, respectively. The most common etiology of ptosis in the pediatric group was simple congenital (70%), while the most common etiology in the adult group was myogenic ptosis due to a systemic condition (47%) (p < 0.001). Baseline pre-operative MRD1 (marginal reflex distance 1) was lower in the adult group compared to the pediatric ( -0.37 ± 1.21 mm vs. 0.36 ± 0.65 mm respectively (t-test, p = 0.04)). However, the mean change in MRD1 (pre-operative to postoperative) was not significantly different for both groups (t-test, p = 0.5). A higher rate of sling extrusion was observed among the adult group (0% of pediatrics vs. 14% of adults, chi-square, p = 0.013). A higher number of previous sling surgeries were found to be positively correlated (r = 0.672) with overall postoperative complications (Pearson correlation. p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Frontalis sling surgery varies between adult and pediatric patients regarding etiology, preoperative findings, surgical approach, and complications. Adults experienced higher rates of complications such as sling extrusion and dry eye. Moreover, an increased number of previous sling surgeries was associated with a rise in postoperative complications such as suture dehiscence, extrusion, and granuloma formation. Consequently, frontalis sling procedures should be regarded as a last resort for ptosis correction in adults due to the elevated risk of complications.

The Relationship Between Blepharoptosis and Psychosocial Health in the All of Us Research Program

PURPOSE

To investigate the association between blepharoptosis (ptosis) and psychosocial stress levels, depression, and anxiety in a diverse population of American adults.

METHODS

Utilizing data from the National Institutes of Health's All of Us Research Program, we analyzed responses from 104,456 participants who completed psychosocial assessments. Participants with a history of a ptosis diagnosis were 1:3 matched with controls using propensity score calculated based on demographics and comorbidities. Univariate and multivariable regression models were used to evaluate associations.

RESULTS

Among 1,032 participants (mean age: 70.0 years, 33.6% male) with ptosis, the prevalence of depression and anxiety (15.3% vs. 5.2%; p < 0.001) was significantly higher (43.7% vs. 18.2%; p < 0.001) compared to 3,096 matched controls. Multivariable analysis revealed increased odds of depression (OR: 3.25; 95% CI: 2.78-3.80; p < 0.001) and anxiety (OR: 3.13; 95% CI: 2.47-3.96; p < 0.001) among those with ptosis. Female participants with ptosis had greater odds of depression (OR: 3.44 vs. 2.90) and anxiety (OR: 3.13 vs. 3.04) compared with males. In univariate analysis, participants with ptosis had greater scores in the University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (18.53 vs. 18.23; p = 0.03) and Everyday Discrimination Scale (0.62 vs. 0.57; p = 0.02) than controls. However, these associations were not significant in the multivariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, female participants with ptosis had greater Everyday Discrimination Scale scores than matched controls (1.10 vs. 1.02; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Ptosis is significantly associated with higher rates of depression and anxiety, particularly in females. This underscores the need for comprehensive treatment approaches that address both aesthetic and psychological needs.

Eyelid and Brow Rejuvenation: Technical Pearls and Outcomes of Upper Blepharoplasty with or without Ptosis Correction and Brow Lift

BACKGROUND

Eyelid ptosis may present with upper lid dermatochalasis and brow ptosis. When indicated, ptosis correction (PC) is advocated during upper blepharoplasty (UB). In this study, the authors aimed to report their outcomes following UB and PC.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who underwent UB from November of 2018 to March of 2020 was performed. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and revisions were recorded. Cox regression was performed to assess predictors of revision.

RESULTS

Overall, 278 patients with 533 UB were included. The mean patient age was 67.3 years. The mean follow-up was 8.3 months. In 169 cases (31.7%), a brow lift was performed. UB and PC were performed in 109 cases (20.5%), of which 60 (55%) involved Müller muscle conjunctival resection and 49 (45%) were levator repairs. New dry eye symptoms lasting 3 months or longer occurred in 4 cases (0.8%), all of which resolved. The revision rate was 3.8% after UB (residual skin [ n = 11], hypertrophic scar [ n = 4], and Herring law-related ptosis [ n = 1]) versus 9.2% after UB and PC (overcorrection [ n = 4], residual skin [ n = 4], and asymmetry [ n = 2]). Multivariable analysis demonstrated increased revision rates after UB and PC ( P = 0.008). There was no difference in revision rates between different techniques of PC.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study of 278 patients presenting for dermatochalasis, up to 21% of cases required ptosis correction in addition to upper blepharoplasty. Ptosis correction is a safe procedure when combined with upper blepharoplasty, regardless of technique used. The revision rate in our series was 9.2% after the combined procedure, which is greater than the revision rate of upper blepharoplasty only but comparable to that in the literature.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Risk, III.

Neurovascular anatomy of the platysma muscle for blepharoptosis repair: a cadaveric study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to define a new surgical method using a neurotized platysma free flap to provide dynamic reanimation, enhanced functional recovery, and low morbidity for blepharoptosis repair.

METHODS

Ten hemifaces and neck halves of five formalin-fixed cadavers were included in the study. The origin of the neurovascular structures of the pedicle was identified at the submandibular triangle. A 5 × 3 cm platysma flap was dissected. For the recipient side, the main donor vascular structures were observed at the frontal part of the temporal region. The diameters of the donor structures were measured with a digital Vernier caliper. The statistical analysis of the study was performed with Jamovi statistical software version 2.3.36. P < 0.05 was accepted as a statistically significant value.

RESULTS

At the donor region, the pedicle included branches of the cervical branch of the facial nerve and the facial artery in all specimens. However, the venous graft pedicle origin could be either the facial vein or the lingual vein. At the recipient region, the mean diameters of the most anterior nerves, arteries, and veins were 1, 2.03, and 2.37 mm respectively. In a side comparison of pedicle variables, only pedicle artery diameter and lateral palpebral commissure-anterior superior point of auricula distance had statistically significant differences between hemifaces.

CONCLUSION

A 5 × 3 cm size platysma flap located in the submandibular trigone would be a good choice for functional blepharoptosis surgery. The thin structure and the appropriate neurovascular pedicle structure should enable performing a successful flap transfer.

Association between ocular diseases and screen time and sedentary time derived from job-exposure matrices

After developing job-exposure matrices (JEMs) for screen and sedentary time, we aimed to assess the associations between the JEM-derived exposures and various ocular diseases. We collected data from patients hospitalized from 2005 to 2021. JEMs were developed from 41,718 patients with occupational information and screen and sedentary times. The adjusted means of screen and sedentary time were calculated for 143 occupational groups and categorized into three classes based on the tertiles. The associations between ocular diseases and these JEM-derived exposures were examined using multivariable conditional logistic regression for 727,589 patients. The odds ratios of the class with highest screen time were 1.05 (95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.09) for cataract, 1.24 (1.06-1.45) for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), 1.26 (1.06-1.49) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), 1.49 (1.26-1.76) for ptosis, and 0.39 (0.27-0.57) for pterygium. The odds ratios of the class with highest sedentary time were 1.05 (1.01-1.09) for cataract, 1.24 (1.05-1.46) for RRD, 1.68 (1.42-1.99) for ptosis, and 0.60 (0.42-0.84) for pterygium. Both screen and sedentary time were positively associated with cataract, RRD and ptosis. Interestingly, POAG had a positive association with only screen time. Please check and confirm that the authors and their respective affiliations have been correctly identified and amend if necessary."I have confirmed that the content is correct. No amendments are necessary.Please check article title if captured correctly."?>"I have confirmed that the content is correct. No amendments are necessary.

Significant Changes of Corneal Astigmatism After Levator Muscle Surgery for Acquired Blepharoptosis

PURPOSE

To investigate the change of corneal astigmatism after the correction of blepharoptosis.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective cohort study conducted in Taiwan from 2017 to 2021. The medical records of patients with acquired blepharoptosis who had received levator muscle surgeries were collected. The differences in corneal astigmatism between the measurements before and at least 1 month after surgeries were investigated. Subgroup analysis of various severities of blepharoptosis and different types of corneal astigmatism was performed to determine their impacts on the axial changes after blepharoptosis surgeries.

RESULTS

A total of 120 eyes of 68 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean axial change of corneal astigmatism was 17.4° after blepharoptosis surgeries, and 55 eyes (45.8%) had a change of at least 10°. In the subgroup analysis, the eyes with against-the-rule, with-the-rule, and oblique astigmatism had 42.9%, 68.4%, and 91.7% with an axial change of at least 10° after surgeries, respectively. The averaged axial change of corneal astigmatism after surgeries was 22.7° in eyes with severe blepharoptosis (margin to reflex distance 1 < 1 mm), whereas it was 12.0° in eyes with mild-to-moderate blepharoptosis (margin to reflex distance 1 ≥ 1 mm).

CONCLUSIONS

A high proportion of eyes had a crucial axial change in corneal astigmatism after blepharoptosis surgeries, especially in those with oblique astigmatism and severe blepharoptosis. For blepharoptosis patients needing refractive surgeries or astigmatism correction with toric intraocular lens implantation, a surgical correction of blepharoptosis may be considered beforehand.

PtosisDiffusion: a training-free workflow for precisely predicting post-operative appearance in blepharoptosis patients based on diffusion models

Purpose

This study aims to develop a diffusion-based workflow to precisely predict postoperative appearance in blepharoptosis patients.

Methods

We developed PtosisDiffusion, a training-free workflow that combines face mesh with ControlNet for accurate post-operative predictions, and evaluated it using 39 preoperative photos from blepharoptosis patients. The performance of PtosisDiffusion was compared against three other diffusion-based methods: Conditional Diffusion, Repaint, and Dragon Diffusion.

Results

PtosisDiffusion demonstrated superior performance in subjective evaluations, including overall rating, correction, and double eyelid formation. Statistical analyses confirmed that PtosisDiffusion achieved the highest overlap ratio (0.87 ± 0.07) and an MPLPD ratio close to 1 (1.01 ± 0.10). The model also showed robustness in extreme cases, and ablation studies confirmed the necessity of each model component.

Conclusion

PtosisDiffusion generates accurate postoperative appearance predictions for ptosis patients using only preoperative photographs. Among the four models tested, PtosisDiffusion consistently outperformed the others in both subjective and statistical evaluation.

A rare sight: Childhood blepharochalasis presenting as recurrent eyelid swelling: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Blepharochalasis is a rare eyelid condition that usually affects the upper eyelids and is characterized by persistent, painless edema. This article emphasizes how difficult it can be to diagnose blepharochalasis and how crucial it is to take it into account when making a differential diagnosis for recurrent eyelid swelling. Additionally, it highlights the necessity of surgical intervention and the limited effectiveness of medicinal therapy.

CASE PRESENTATION

This case report features a 12-year-old kid who has experienced recurring swelling of the upper eyelid for the previous six years. This was eventually diagnosed as a rare condition called blepharochalasis, and treated with blepharoplasty.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

When nephrotic syndrome was first suspected, systemic involvement was ruled out by careful investigation. Upon physical examination, there was laxity of the eyelids and bilateral ptosis. Renal and liver function tests, among other laboratory testing, came back within normal ranges. The patient was sent to plastic surgery and had blepharoplasty.

CONCLUSION

Blepharochalasis presents with recurrent eyelids swelling and is often misdiagnosed as other pathologies such as nephrotic syndrome. This case highlights the importance of clinical manifestation and management of blepharochalasis.

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 .

Transconjunctival Levator Aponeurosis-Müller Muscle Complex Plication to Correct the Acquired Ptosis Following Double-Eyelid Surgery

One of the most common adverse outcomes of an upper blepharoplasty involving double-eyelid surgery is asymmetric upper eyelids due to unbalanced supratarsal folds or a difference in the palpebral fissure height. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transconjunctival levator aponeurosis-Müller muscle complex plication for correcting acquired ptosis following double-eyelid surgery. This retrospective study evaluated 18 patients who underwent transconjunctival levator aponeurosis-Müller muscle complex plication between June 2016 and June 2019 to correct acquired ptosis. On the basis of the main area of eyelid drooping, ptosis was categorized as central (mid-pupillary), medial (medial limbus), or lateral (lateral limbus). Preoperative and postoperative palpebral fissure heights were measured and compared. Three months postsurgery, the mean difference in palpebral fissure height between bilateral eyes decreased from 0.96 to 0.04 mm in the medial ( P <0.001), from 0.93 to 0.00 mm in central ( P =0.003), and from 1.30 to -0.03 mm in lateral ptosis ( P =0.079). In 13 patients who underwent unilateral correction, the amount of plication was significantly associated with increased palpebral fissure height at the medial limbus ( P =0.043) and mid-pupillary line ( P =0.035). All patients reported a significant improvement in satisfaction. Five patients experienced acute postoperative complications, including chemosis, conjunctival injection, and foreign body sensation, all of which were resolved after a month of observation. No asymmetries or recurrences were observed. Transconjunctival levator aponeurosis-Müller muscle complex plication is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective technique for correcting acquired ptosis following upper eyelid surgery.

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.

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 .

A novel hybrid BonT-A and hyaluronic acid cannula-based technique for eyelid ptosis and periorbital rejuvenation

BACKGROUND

Eyelid ptosis is characterized by an inferior displacement of the upper eyelid when the eye assumes its primary position. Besides its aesthetic implications, ptosis can also adversely affect visual acuity.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the simultaneous administration of IncobotulinumtoxinA (IncoBonTA) and hyaluronic acid effect in eyelid ptosis and ocular rejuvenation.

METHODS

A novel, non-surgical technique for eyelid ptosis management involving IncoBonTA and hyaluronic acid the co-administration within a single syringe, and applied using a cannula.

RESULTS

The dual action of IncoBonTA and hyaluronic acid in conjunction with the exact injection sites approaches improves overall aesthetic outcomes but also optimizes the restoration of eyelid functionality in palpebral ptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The functional balance achieved among the contributory muscles-primarily the orbicularis oculi (OO) and its antagonists, the frontal muscle and levator palpebrae superioris (LPS), yields to both, cosmetic and functional.

Progressively worsening ptosis in a woman: A case report

Key Clinical Message

Filler injections into the upper eyelid may cause levator aponeurosis fibrosis and ptosis. This risk must be considered. When ptosis appears, treatment might be difficult. Understanding the upper eyelid anatomy and procedures is essential to prevent eyelid damage.

Abstract

Ptosis is a prevalent condition in cosmetic surgery that occurs due to malfunction of the levator palpebrae superioris or insufficient Müller muscle action. It is characterized by the upper eyelid edge appearing lower than usual when seen at eye level. Ptosis may be categorized into congenital and acquired forms. The primary cause of congenital ptosis is attributed to abnormalities of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle or the motor nerve innervation that controls it. The condition arises from atypical development and malfunction of the oculomotor system. Acquired ptosis may be classified into many categories including traumatic, neurogenic, myogenic, senile, mechanical, and fake ptosis. Currently, there is little documentation of ptosis resulting from the degeneration of the aponeurosis of the muscle in the upper eyelid. We received a case of ptosis caused by fibrosis of the levator palpebrae superioris aponeurotic membrane. We used the technique of levator palpebrae superioris great advancement. The levator palpebrae superioris-Müller muscle was folded to create a stable composite construction via the levator palpebrae superioris high progress.

Upper Eyelid Ptosis Correction with Levator Advancement Using the Levator Musculoaponeurotic Junction Formula in White Patients

BACKGROUND

Upper eyelid ptosis correction is a challenging procedure. The authors report a novel approach to this procedure that is more accurate and predictable compared with conventional approaches.

METHODS

A preoperative system of assessment has been formulated to more accurately estimate the amount of levator advancement required. The levator advancement was referenced from a constant landmark: the musculoaponeurotic junction of the levator palpebrae superioris. The factors considered include the amount of upper lid elevation required, the degree of compensatory brow elevation present, and eye dominance. The preoperative assessment and surgical technique are presented in a series of detailed operative videos. The levator advancement is performed as planned preoperatively with final adjustment made intraoperatively to achieve correct lid height and symmetry.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven patients (154 eyelids) were analyzed prospectively in this study. The authors found this approach to be reliable and accurate in predicting the required amount of levator advancement. Intraoperatively, the formula correctly predicted the exact required fixation location in 63% of eyelids, and to within ±1 mm in 86% of cases. This may be used for patients with ptosis of varying severity, ranging from mild to severe eyelid ptosis. The revision rate was 4%.

CONCLUSION

This approach is accurate in determining the fixation location needed, enabling levator advancement for ptosis correction to be performed with more precision and predictability.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, IV.

A Systematic Quality Assessment of Online Resources on Eyelid Ptosis Using the Modified Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (mEQIP) Tool

BACKGROUND

Eyelid ptosis is an underestimated pathology deeply affecting patients' quality of life. Internet has increasingly become the major source of information regarding health care, and patients often browse on websites to acquire an initial knowledge on the subject. However, there is lack of data concerning the quality of available information focusing on the eyelid ptosis and its treatment. We systematically evaluated online information quality on eyelid ptosis by using the "Ensuring Quality Information for Patients" (EQIP) scale.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Google, Yahoo and Bing have been searched for the keywords "Eyelid ptosis," "Eyelid ptosis surgery" and "Blepharoptosis." The first 50 hits were included, evaluating the quality of information with the expanded EQIP tool. Websites in English and intended for general non-medical public use were included. Irrelevant documents, videos, pictures, blogs and articles with no access were excluded.

RESULTS

Out of 138 eligible websites, 79 (57,7%) addressed more than 20 EQIP items, with an overall median score of 20,2. Only 2% discussed procedure complication rates. The majority fail to disclose severe complications and quantifying risks, fewer than 18% clarified the potential need for additional treatments. Surgical procedure details were lacking, and there was insufficient information about pre-/postoperative precautions for patients. Currently, online quality information has not improved since COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the urgent requirement for improved patient-oriented websites adhering to international standards for plastic and oculoplastic surgery. Healthcare providers should effectively guide their patients in finding trustworthy and reliable eyelid ptosis correction information.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V

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 .

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Blepharoptosis in an Elderly Asian Population

BACKGROUND

Age-related blepharoptosis, or ptosis, affects vision and appearance. Associations with age, gender, BMI, and diabetes have been explored, but the link to blood lipids remains unclear. The impact on refraction also lacks consensus. This study addresses gaps by investigating ptosis prevalence and factors in a representative Chinese population, aiming for a comprehensive understanding.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals aged 50 and above who were willing to participate in comprehensive systemic check-ups, behavioral questionnaires, and ophthalmic examinations at Yaoxi Community Health Center in Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province.

RESULTS

The prevalence of blepharoptosis among the elderly participants at this health center was 27.16%. Individuals with blepharoptosis tended to be older, male, exhibited slightly higher body mass index, wider waist circumference, engaged in lower exercise frequency, and had a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and with-the-rule astigmatism compared to their counterparts without these conditions. Adjusting for all other confounding variables, older age, being male, higher fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and lower exercise frequency displayed statistically significant relationships with blepharoptosis. After examining the distribution of blepharoptosis degrees within relevant factor subgroups, we noted a higher prevalence of severe ptosis in subgroups associated with older age, male gender, higher FPG, and against-the-rule astigmatism.

CONCLUSION

The notable associations with age, gender, FPG, and exercise level suggest a multifactorial etiology for blepharoptosis. The observed link between with-the-rule astigmatism and blepharoptosis implies a potential contributory role in the refractive aspect of blepharoptosis.

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 .

Growth of muscles and nerves in the upper eyelid: a morphometrical and immunohistochemical study using term human fetuses

BACKGROUND

There is no information about muscle growth in eyelids with infrequent blinking in fetuses.

METHODS

To examine the muscle and nerve morphology, we morphometrically and immunohistochemically examined sagittal sections of unilateral upper eyelids obtained from 21 term fetuses (approximately 30-42 weeks of gestation) and, for the comparison, those from 10 midterm fetuses (12-15 weeks).

RESULTS

The approximation margin of the upper eyelid always corresponded to the entire free margin in midterm fetuses, whereas it was often (18/21) restricted in the posterior part in term fetuses. Thus, in the latter, the thickness at the approximation site to the lower lid often ranged from 0.8 to 1.6 mm and corresponded to 18-56% of the nearly maximum thickness of the lid. In the lower part of the upper eyelid, a layer of the orbicularis oculi muscles often (14/21) provided posterior flexion at 90-120° to extend posteriorly. Nerve fibers running along the mediolateral axis were rich along the approximation surface at term, but they might not be reported in the upper eyelid of adults.

CONCLUSION

Being different from adult morphologies, the term eyelid was much thicker than the approximation surface and it carried a flexed muscle layer and transversely-running nerve. The infrequent blinking in fetuses seemed to provide a specific condition for the muscle-nerve growth. Plastic and pediatric surgeons should pay attention to a fact that infants' upper eyelid was unlikely to be a mini-version of the adult morphology.

Prevalence of common and rare ophthalmic findings in adults attending a medical survey institute

PURPOSE

To examine the ophthalmic data from a large database of people attending a general medical survey institute, and to investigate ophthalmic findings of the eye and its adnexa, including differences in age and sex.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis including medical data of all consecutive individuals whose ophthalmic data and the prevalences of ocular pathologies were extracted from a very large database of subjects examined at a single general medical survey institute.

RESULTS

Data were derived from 184,589 visits of 3676 patients (mean age 52 years, 68% males). The prevalence of the following eye pathologies were extracted. Eyelids: blepharitis (n = 4885, 13.3%), dermatochalasis (n = 4666, 12.7%), ptosis (n = 677, 1.8%), ectropion (n = 73, 0.2%), and xanthelasma (n = 160, 0.4%). Anterior segment: pinguecula (n = 3368, 9.2%), pterygium (n = 852, 2.3%), and cataract or pseudophakia (n = 9381, 27.1%). Cataract type (percentage of all phakic patients): nuclear sclerosis (n = 8908, 24.2%), posterior subcapsular (n = 846, 2.3%), and capsular anterior (n = 781, 2.1%). Pseudophakia was recorded for 697 patients (4.6%), and posterior subcapsular opacification for 229 (0.6%) patients. Optic nerve head (ONH): peripapillary atrophy (n = 4947, 13.5%), tilted disc (n = 3344, 9.1%), temporal slope (n = 410, 1.1%), ONH notch (n = 61, 0.2%), myelinated nerve fiber layer (n = 94, 0.3%), ONH drusen (n = 37, 0.1%), optic pit (n = 3, 0.0%), and ON coloboma (n = 4, 0.0%). Most pathologies were more common in males except for ONH, and most pathologies demonstrated a higher prevalence with increasing age.

CONCLUSIONS

Normal ophthalmic data and the prevalences of ocular pathologies were extracted from a very large database of subjects seen at a single medical survey institute.

A new technique to prevent conjunctival prolapse in Asian patients for correcting severe blepharoptosis

BACKGROUND

In Asian patients with severe ptosis,the use of conjoint fascia sheath (CFS) suspension or levator aponeurosis fascia complex shortening surgery can correct the ptosis. During these surgery, a significant amount of levator aponeurosis fascia shortening is performed, which often leads to serious complications such as conjunctival prolapse.This study compares two surgical approaches for correcting severe blepharoptosis:Conjoint fascial sheath (CFS) + levator aponeurosis and muller's muscle complex (LM complex) suspension and conjoint fascial sheath (CFS) + LM complex+conjunctival suspension.The postoperative efficacy and the incidence of complications such as conjunctival prolapse are investigated for both procedures.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed 70 patients (77eyes) with severe blepharoptosis from January 2019 to December 2021. The patients were divided into the experimental group (34 cases, 38 eyes) and the control group (36 cases, 39 eyes). The experimental group was treated with CFS+LM complex + conjunctival suspension, and the control group was treated with CFS+LM complex suspension.The curative effect of blepharoptosis, the incidence of complications such as conjunctival prolapse and patient satisfaction were compared between the two different surgical methods.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the correction effective rate between the experimental group (84.21%) and the control group (82.05%) (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the total incidence of complications between the experimental group (23.68%) and the control group (38.46%) (P > 0.05), but in the complication of conjunctival prolapse, the incidence of conjunctival prolapse in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). In the survey of patient satisfaction rate, the satisfaction rate of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group,which was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to CFS+LM complex suspension surgery, the CFS+LM complex + conjunctival suspension has a definite effect in preventing postoperative conjunctival prolapse .The procedure has a high feasibility, good corrective effect, and improves patient satisfaction after surgery.

The Prevalence and Severity of Acquired Blepharoptosis in US Eye Care Clinic Patients and Their Receptivity to Treatment

Purpose

To assess the presence and severity of acquired blepharoptosis (ptosis) among patients visiting an eye care clinic and the receptivity of eligible patients to pharmacologic treatment with oxymetazoline 0.1% ophthalmic solution.

Patients and Methods

Patients aged 50 years or older who had a scheduled clinic appointment for any reason (eg, dry eye, cataract surgery consultation) were asked to respond to written questions about lid position and select whether their upper lid position most closely matched one of 4 images shown to them corresponding to no, mild, moderate, or severe ptosis. Patients selecting any of the mild, moderate, or severe ptosis were offered treatment with oxymetazoline 0.1% ophthalmic solution, barring any medical contraindications. The outcome measures were the proportion of patients with each self-reported lid position level (none to severe ptosis), the proportion of patients with asymmetric ptosis, and the proportion of patients willing to accept the treatment.

Results

Data for 188 eyes of 94 patients were analyzed. Overall, 73.4% of patients had ptosis in at least one eye, and 25.5% had an asymmetric upper eyelid presentation. The proportions of patients with self-reported mild, moderate, or severe ptosis in at least one eye were 41.5%, 25.5%, and 6.4%, respectively. Among those patients eligible for treatment, 19.7% were willing to accept the treatment.

Conclusion

Based on patients' self-assessment of lid position, this study suggests a higher prevalence of ptosis than reported previously. Evaluation of the eyelids should be a standard part of the comprehensive eye examination.

Neuromodulator Assessment and Treatment for the Upper Face: An Update

Neuromodulator treatment of the upper face has been extensively studied and serves as an excellent tool to enhance facial appearance, non-verbal communication, and social functioning. Optimal outcomes are best achieved when health care providers take an individualized approach, based on knowledge of structural and functional anatomy, thorough facial assessment, and customized injection techniques and patterns.

A Focus on Myasthenic Ptosis: The Interface of Medical and Surgical Treatment

Ocular ptosis, or drooping of the upper eyelid, has diverse etiologies, including neurologic and non-neurologic causes. Aponeurotic ptosis is a common cause in the elderly and traumatic or mechanical causes can affect any age, mimicking a neurologic cause. The neurologic causes are diverse but especially arise peripherally from pathologies affecting the nerve, neuromuscular junction, and muscles. The choice of treatment depends on the particular cause, but surgical intervention can also be an option in appropriately selected neurological patients whose ptosis remains embarrassing despite the best medical treatment. Myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder targeting the neuromuscular junction, is a significant cause of ocular ptosis. The treatment is mainly by symptomatic and immunosuppressive medications, but surgical interventions, such as blepharoplasty, may be considered in some cases of socially embarrassing ptosis.

Integrative Assessment for Optimizing Aesthetic Outcomes When Treating Glabellar Lines With Botulinum Toxin Type A: An Appreciation of the Role of the Frontalis

Despite the perception that treatment of glabellar lines with botulinum toxin A is straightforward, the reality is that the glabellar region contains a number of interrelated muscles. To avoid adverse outcomes, practitioners need to appreciate how treatment of 1 facial muscle group influences the relative dominance of others. In particular, practitioners need to understand the independent role of the frontalis in eyebrow outcomes and the potential for negative outcomes if the lower frontalis is unintentionally weakened by botulinum toxin A treatment. In addition, practitioners must recognize how inter-individual variation in the depth, shape, and muscle fiber orientation among the upper facial muscles can affect outcomes. For optimal results, treatment of the glabellar complex requires a systematic and individualized approach based on anatomical principles of opposing muscle actions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. This review provides the anatomical justification for the importance of an integrated assessment of the upper facial muscles and eyebrow position prior to glabellar treatment. In addition, a systematic and broad evaluation system is provided that can be employed by practitioners to more comprehensively assess the glabellar region in order to optimize outcomes and avoid negatively impacting resting brow position and dynamic brow movement.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5

Intellectual Property in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: The Importance and Process of Obtaining Intellectual Property Rights

Understanding the purpose and process of obtaining intellectual property rights (IPR) is fundamental to health care innovation. Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons are natural innovators; however, knowledge deficit in this space may hinder the ability to move ideas from the "bench to bedside." Here we provide an overview of IPR, outlining the steps necessary to obtain intellectual property protection in an academic setting while highlighting recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals pertaining to facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Application of Surgery Combined With Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Correction of Mild to Moderate Blepharoptosis

OBJECTIVES

To explore the effect of surgery combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the correction of mild to moderate blepharoptosis.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 36 patients with bilateral mild to moderate blepharoptosis from January 2021 to January 2023, which were corrected by surgery combined with local multi-point injection of PRP. The postoperative effect was observed, and the incidence of postoperative complications and patient satisfaction were calculated.

RESULTS

Postoperative follow-up was 3 months to 2 years. Thirty-five cases of blepharoptosis were well corrected; 1 case (2.8%) had insufficient correction and was corrected by reoperation. There were no obvious complications such as incomplete closure, conjunctival prolapse, and exposed keratitis in 36 patients. All patients were satisfied.

CONCLUSION

Surgery combined with PRP is effective in the correction of mild to moderate blepharoptosis with few complications and high satisfaction. As far as we know, this is the first time to apply PRP in the correction of blepharoptosis, which may provide a new idea for the clinical treatment of blepharoptosis and is worth popularizing.

Unilateral acquired blepharoptosis due to orbital metastatic disease as an initial presentation of an overlooked breast carcinoma - A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Orbital metastasis from breast cancer may be infrequently noted after the management of the primary lesion. It is rare in such cases to present with unilateral mechanical blepharoptosis without ophthalmoplegia.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case of unilateral acquired blepharoptosis of the left upper eyelid without ophthalmoplegia or exophthalmos three years after the onset of a suspicious breast mass. The patient did not disclose a history of breast cancer nor any positive family history to the ophthalmologist and anesthesiologist. The radiology images revealed an ill-defined enhanced lesion at the superior medial aspect of the left orbit. The orbital biopsy of the lesion showed poorly differentiated carcinoma as per the initial histopathology report. Vigilant history-taking enabled us to get information about a previous breast lesion and to correlate this with specific histopathological findings.

DISCUSSION

Management of orbital lesions might be challenging, and the approach should include detailed history and assessment. Biopsy and radio imaging are further needed to aid in providing the proper diagnosis. The clinicopathological correlation in our case has led to the final diagnosis of orbital metastatic breast cancer.

CONCLUSION

Ophthalmologists should be aware of variable ocular presentations of malignancy and adopt a team approach to obtain a carefully detailed history from patients presenting with orbital diseases and communicate adequately with the ocular pathologists who are handling the biopsy. Long-term follow-up and enhancement of patients' awareness of possible late orbital metastasis are recommended in all patients with breast masses.

TFOS Lifestyle: Impact of elective medications and procedures on the ocular surface

The word "elective" refers to medications and procedures undertaken by choice or with a lower grade of prioritization. Patients usually use elective medications or undergo elective procedures to treat pathologic conditions or for cosmetic enhancement, impacting their lifestyle positively and, thus, improving their quality of life. However, those interventions can affect the homeostasis of the tear film and ocular surface. Consequently, they generate signs and symptoms that could impair the patient's quality of life. This report describes the impact of elective topical and systemic medications and procedures on the ocular surface and the underlying mechanisms. Moreover, elective procedures performed for ocular diseases, cosmetic enhancement, and non-ophthalmic interventions, such as radiotherapy and bariatric surgery, are discussed. The report also evaluates significant anatomical and biological consequences of non-urgent interventions to the ocular surface, such as neuropathic and neurotrophic keratopathies. Besides that, it provides an overview of the prophylaxis and management of pathological conditions resulting from the studied interventions and suggests areas for future research. The report also contains a systematic review investigating the quality of life among people who have undergone small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Overall, SMILE refractive surgery seems to cause more vision disturbances than LASIK in the first month post-surgery, but less dry eye symptoms in long-term follow up.

Eyelid Blink Characteristics in Patients with Ptosis Assessed Using Cellphone Camera before and after Levator Resection

Purpose: To compare the eyelid blink characteristics of patients with ptosis assessed using a cellphone camera before and after levator resection.Methods: In this prospective study, pictures and videos of eyelid blinking were obtained from 40 eyes (20 patients with ptosis) at a margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1) of 3.0 mm or less before and 1 month after levator resection. MRD1, palpebral fissure height (PFH), levator function, inter-blink interval, and blink duration, rate, and velocity were measured. The patients were also divided into those aged < 70 or ≥ 70.Results: MRD1, PFH, and blink velocity increased, and blink duration decreased, after levator resection. In the ptosis group aged less than 70 years, the levator function and blink velocity increased preoperatively, while MRD1, PFH, levator function, and blink velocity increased postoperatively. The blink velocity showed a positive correlation with MRD1 and PFH.Conclusions: Although no significant changes were observed in levator function postoperatively, the blink velocity increased significantly. Blink velocity may be useful for the evaluation of ptosis and as an indirect measure of levator function.

Evaluation and Management of Blepharoptosis

Drooping of the upper eyelid margin, aka blepharoptosis or "ptosis", is common. Whether the ptosis is severe or mild, congenital or acquired, aponeurotic or neuropathic or myopathic, proper management always begins with a detailed history and evaluation of the patient. The information gathered will direct the surgeon in choosing the technique most likely to give the best result. This article will briefly review common causes of ptosis, the evaluation of the ptosis patient as well as the two most common types of surgical intervention.

Facial Asymmetry: A Narrative Review of the Most Common Neurological Causes

Symmetry of the face is one of the most important features for the perception of attractiveness. Asymmetry of the face means that the right and left sides of the face are not identical. Subclinical facial asymmetry is very common in the general population. Most people have some slight facial asymmetry, and this is the normal biological situation in humans. Abnormalities from soft tissue, dental, and skeletal elements lead to facial asymmetry. Asymmetry has many causal factors, and its aetiology includes both congenital and acquired conditions. Neurological facial asymmetry is scarcely addressed in the dental literature. In this narrative review, we focus on the most common neurological causes of facial asymmetry. From a neurological point of view, facial asymmetry can result from disturbances of the cranial nerves, developmental disorders, or myopathies. In the broad range of differential diagnostics of facial asymmetry, neurological abnormalities should be taken into consideration. The treatment must be related to the underlying cause. Complete knowledge of the aetiological factors and the character of the asymmetry plays a crucial role in formulating a treatment plan.

Prevalence of Masked versus Unmasked Blepharoptosis in Subjects Seeking for Blepharoplasty and or Eyebrow Lift

PURPOSE

To report the prevalence of unmasked versus masked in subjects seeking for eyelid and eyebrow rejuvenation.

METHODS

This retrospective study included subjects (>18 years) who were seeking for blepharoplasty and/or eyebrow lift procedures in the year 2020. They were either having No ptosis, Unmasked or Exposed ptosis (complaining of simultaneous droopy eyelid, which was confirmed on examination), or Masked or Hidden ptosis (not complaining of simultaneous droopy eyelid, but its presence was revealed on the examination). Margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1) and levator function (LF) were recorded. Associated ptosis was defined as MRD1 of ≤3 mm and regarded as mild (3 and 2.5 mm), moderate (2 and 1.5 mm), and severe (≤1 mm).

RESULTS

Included were 1401 subjects with a mean age of 47.2 years. The prevalence of masked and unmasked ptosis was 31% (90% unilateral) and 15.6% (59% bilateral), respectively. A significantly younger mean age (45.6 vs. 59.7 years), higher MRD1 (2.6 vs. 1.9 mm), and better LF (13.3 vs. 11.3 mm) were observed in the masked vs. unmasked ptosis group. More than 80% of the subjects with masked ptosis presented with indirect signs. A majority of both groups (68.8% of masked and 63.5% of unmasked ptosis) were mild to moderate.

CONCLUSION

Almost half of the subjects seeking for eyelid and eyebrow rejuvenation had either masked (2/3) or unmasked (1/3) associated ptosis. Masked ptosis was mostly unilateral and presenting with indirect signs of ptosis.

Topical Review: An Update of Diagnostic and Management Algorithms for Acquired Blepharoptosis

SIGNIFICANCE

Acquired ptosis is a condition of the upper eyelid that has negative cosmetic and functional effects but is likely underdiagnosed and undertreated. Given the evolving understanding of the condition and expanding therapeutic options, this review reappraised published evidence and clinical experience regarding diagnosis and treatment of acquired ptosis.The authors met over two structured virtual working sessions to review current evidence and develop timely recommendations for acquired ptosis identification, differential diagnosis, characterization, and treatment selection. Diagnostic algorithms, plus management and referral guidelines, are presented. Eyelid evaluation and, when needed, ptosis diagnostic workup are essential in the comprehensive eye examination. Acquired ptosis can be efficiently identified via patient questionnaire, history, and photograph review combined with assessment of eyelid position and symmetry using established methods. When ptosis is present, it is essential to evaluate onset, symptoms, pupil diameter, and extraocular muscle function to identify or rule out serious underlying conditions. If signs of serious underlying etiology are present, immediate referral/follow-up testing is required. After ruling out serious underlying causes, masquerade conditions, and pseudoptosis, pharmacologic or surgical treatment should be selected based on the clinical evidence. Effectively managing acquired ptosis requires practice-wide commitment to thorough eyelid evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and adoption of new treatment modalities. Aided by evolving pharmacologic therapeutic options, shifting from a "detect and refer" to a "diagnose and manage" approach can support identification and treatment of more patients with acquired ptosis, particularly mild-to-moderate cases.

Safety of Once-Daily Oxymetazoline HCl Ophthalmic Solution, 0.1% in Patients with Acquired Blepharoptosis: Results from Four Randomized, Double-Masked Clinical Trials

Purpose

An oxymetazoline 0.1% ophthalmic solution was recently approved for treatment of acquired blepharoptosis in adults. This study's objective was to evaluate the safety profile of oxymetazoline 0.1% when administered once daily for 14-84 days.

Patients and Methods

Pooled analysis examined safety outcomes from four randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trials conducted at 6, 16, 27, and 35 sites, respectively, in the United States. In total, 568 participants with acquired blepharoptosis were evaluated. Median age was 66 years and 74.8% of participants were female. Overall, 375 participants self-administered oxymetazoline 0.1% to both eyes once/day and 193 self-administered placebo (vehicle) daily. Treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) rates, severity, and causality were evaluated in the overall population and within participant subgroups defined based on age, race, and ethnicity. Vital signs and ophthalmic findings were evaluated at predefined study visits. Patient-reported treatment tolerability was recorded at study end.

Results

TEAE incidence was similar among participants using oxymetazoline 0.1% (31.2%) or vehicle (30.6%). Nearly all TEAEs were mild-to-moderate, and most were not suspected of being treatment related. Serious TEAEs occurred in four participants receiving oxymetazoline 0.1% and one participant receiving vehicle. Nine and two participants in the oxymetazoline 0.1% and vehicle groups, respectively, discontinued due to a TEAE. Ocular TEAEs occurring in ≥2% of participants receiving oxymetazoline 0.1% were punctate keratitis, conjunctival hyperemia, dry eye, blurred vision, instillation site pain, and corneal vital dye staining, with none occurring in >3.5% of participants. TEAE rates were similar across subgroups based on age, race, and ethnicity. No clinically significant mean changes in vital signs or ophthalmologic findings occurred, and >98% of participants rated oxymetazoline 0.1% as causing no/mild discomfort.

Conclusion

Once-daily oxymetazoline 0.1% was safe and well tolerated in participants with acquired blepharoptosis when used for 14-84 days. Safety did not appear to differ based on age, race, or ethnicity.