Change in Eyelid Position Following Muller's Muscle Conjunctival Resection With a Standard Versus Variable Resection Length

Müller Muscle Conjunctival Resection: A Prospective Multicenter Comparison of Eyelid Height at the Immediate, 1-Week, and 3-Month Postoperative Time Points

PURPOSE

The primary objective was to document change in postoperative marginal reflex distance-1 (MRD1) after Müller muscle conjunctival resection surgery. The secondary objective was to identify predictors of change in postoperative MRD1.

METHODS

A multicenter prospective cohort study was performed on patients consecutively recruited for Müller muscle conjunctival resection. MRD1 was measured immediately after Müller muscle conjunctival resection, at the 1-week postoperative visit, and the ≥3-month postoperative visit. MRD1 at the immediate and 1-week time points were compared with MRD1 ≥3 months using descriptive statistics. Predictors of change in MRD1 were analyzed using multivariate regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 150 patients (226 eyelids) were included. Regarding the immediate to ≥3-month interval, 53.8% of eyelids remained clinically similar (rise or fall ≤0.5 mm), 19.8% rose ≥1 mm, and 26.4% fell ≥1 mm. Regarding the 1-week to ≥3-month interval, 76.5% remained clinically similar, 17.3% rose ≥1 mm, and 6.2% fell ≥1 mm. No variable predicted change in MRD1 over either interval with both clinical and statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate postoperative MRD1 is likely to reflect the late result in only 54% of cases. However, 1-week postoperative MRD1 is similar to the late result in 77% of cases and is highly unlikely (6%) to fall by the final visit. No variable significantly impacts change in postoperative MRD1.

The Utility of Preoperative Phenylephrine Testing in Müller Muscle Conjunctival Resection Surgery for Involutional Ptosis

PURPOSE

Phenylephrine testing prior to Müller muscle conjunctival resection has traditionally been used to predict postoperative outcomes. The purpose of this study is to determine if preoperative phenylephrine testing impacts postoperative changes in eyelid position.

METHODS

In this multicenter cross-sectional cohort study, 270 eyelids of participants with involutional ptosis and levator function >12 mm who underwent Müller muscle conjunctival resection were divided into 2 comparison groups. Participants who had preoperative phenylephrine testing served as the control group and those who did not were the study group. The primary outcome measure was postoperative marginal reflex distance from the upper eyelid margin (marginal reflex distance 1 [MRD1]) at the latest follow-up visit. Secondary outcomes included change in MRD1, reoperation rate, and predictive capacity of preoperative phenylephrine testing.

RESULTS

Of the 270 eyelids that underwent Müller muscle conjunctival resection, 116 eyelids served as controls and 154 were in the study group. Mean age of participants was 62.6 years. Levator function, resection length, preoperative MRD1, change in MRD1, and latest postoperative MRD1 measures when compared in the control and study groups demonstrated no significance (p > 0.05) via 2-tailed t-test. Postoperative MRD1 was correctly predicted within 1 mm for 60.2% of eyelids that underwent preoperative phenylephrine testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative phenylephrine testing does not significantly predict postoperative eyelid elevation following Müller muscle conjunctival resection. Surgeons may thereby reassess the utility of preoperative phenylephrine testing given the lack of influence on surgical outcomes.

Efficacy of Müller's Muscle-conjunctival Resection With or Without Suturing for the Correction of Ptosis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of Müller muscle-conjunctival resection (MMCR) with or without suturing for the correction of ptosis.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed of 30 patients (56 eyelids) undergoing sutureless (sMMCR) (34 eyelids) or conventional MMCR (cMMCR) (22 eyelids). Primary outcome measures were the change in MRD1 and vertical eyelid height (VLH). Secondary outcome measures were the amount of resection of MMCR (rMMCR) and postoperative symmetry of 1 mm or less.

RESULTS

In total, 49 eyelids (87.5%) had involutional ptosis and 7 (12.5%) had contactlens induced ptosis. The age and follow up between the sMMCR and cMMCR groups was, respectively, 65.1 ± 11.0 versus 65.5 ± 11.0 years and 4.0 ± 2.5 versus 6.5 ± 2.1 months. Preoperatively there were no significant differences noted between the sMMCR and cMMCR groups. Postoperatively there was a statistically significant difference in change of MRD1 between the sMMCR and cMMCR groups, 2.74 ± 0.20 mm and 2.02 ± 0.25 mm ( p = 0.026). The difference in change of VLH and rMMCR was not significant between the sMMCR and cMMCR groups, 2.28 ± 0.13 mm and 2.14 ± 0.15 mm ( p = 0.49) and 9.29 ± 2.14 versus 9.46 ± 1.97 mm ( p = 0.83). There were no significant differences in postoperative symmetry.

CONCLUSION

The sMMCR and cMMCR techniques demonstrated equal effectiveness for the correction of ptosis. The rapid sMMCR could become the procedure of choice for the correction of involutional and contact lens induced ptosis.

Prevalence and Predictors of Hering's Response in Müller's Muscle-conjunctival Resection

PURPOSE

Determine the prevalence and predictors of Hering's response following Muller's muscle-conjunctival resection (MMCR).

METHODS

Seventy-five consecutive patients undergoing unilateral MMCR were recruited in this prospective, multicenter, cohort study. Margin-reflex distance-1 (MRD1) of both eyelids was recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. One hundred forty-three variables were investigated as potential predictors of a late postoperative (≥3 months) Hering's response using regression analyses. Main outcome measures were Hering's response (≥0.5 mm descent of the unoperated eyelid from baseline), and a clinically relevant Hering's response (descent of the unoperated from baseline to a MRD1 ≤ 2.0 mm, or descent from baseline such that the MRD1 of the unoperated eyelid became >1 mm lower than the operated eyelid).

RESULTS

Twenty-four (32.0%) patients had a late postoperative Hering's response, but only 6 (8.0%) responses were clinically relevant. A Hering's response at the immediate (OR 16.24, p = 0.02) and 1-week postoperative (OR 8.94, p = 0.04) timepoints predicted a late postoperative response. However, the presence (OR 7.84, p = 0.07) and amplitude (OR 8.13, p = 0.06) of a preoperative phenylephrine Hering's response did not predict a late postoperative response. Of the 10 patients with a clinically relevant phenylephrine Hering's response, only 1 demonstrated a clinically relevant response late postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Unilateral MMCR induces a clinically relevant Hering's response in 8% of patients. A preoperative phenylephrine Hering's response does not predict a late postoperative Hering's response. Therefore, when unilateral phenylephrine testing unmasks contralateral blepharoptosis, only the side with blepharoptosis at baseline should be operated.

Müller Muscle Conjunctival Resection: A Multicentered Prospective Analysis of Surgical Success

PURPOSE

This is a multicenter prospective cohort study investigating Müller muscle conjunctival resection success rates based on marginal reflex distance-1 (MRD1) and symmetry criteria. A secondary objective was to identify predictors of success.

METHODS

One hundred fifty-two patients with unilateral or bilateral blepharoptosis (229 eyelids) undergoing Müller muscle conjunctival resection were consecutively recruited from 2015 to 2020 at the Université de Montréal and University of California San Francisco. Ptosis was defined as MRD1 ≤ 2.0 mm or MRD1 > 1 mm lower than the contralateral eyelid. Patients were selected for Müller muscle conjunctival resection surgery if they demonstrated significant eyelid elevation following phenylephrine 2.5% testing. MRD1 success (operated eyelid achieving MRD1 ≥ 2.5 mm) and symmetry success (patient achieving an intereyelid MRD1 difference ≤ 1 mm) were evaluated for the patient cohort. Predictors of MRD1 and symmetry success were analyzed using multivariate regression analysis.

RESULTS

MRD1 success was achieved in 72.1% (n = 165) of 229 operated eyelids. Symmetry success was achieved in 75.7% (n = 115) of 152 patients. MRD1 before phenylephrine testing was the only statistically significant predictor of MRD1 success (odds ratio [OR] 2.69, p = 0.001). Symmetry following phenylephrine testing was the only variable associated with increased odds of symmetry success (OR 2.71, p = 0.024), and unilateral surgery (OR 0.21, p = 0.004), the only variable associated with reduced odds of symmetry success.

CONCLUSIONS

Müller muscle conjunctival resection effectively achieves postoperative MRD1 and symmetry success. MRD1 before phenylephrine testing is the strongest determinant of MRD1 success. Neither a large rise in MRD1 with phenylephrine nor increasing tissue resection length adequately counterbalance the effect of a low MRD1 before phenylephrine. Unilateral surgery and the absence of symmetry following phenylephrine predict greater odds of symmetry failure.

Optimizing Management of Asymmetric Ptosis: A Comparison of Three Posterior Approach Resection Algorithms

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of 3 resection algorithms in the management of patients with asymmetric ptosis.

METHODS

Patients undergoing bilateral Muller's muscle-conjunctival resection (MMCR) were identified. Standardized preoperative clinical photographs were examined and margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1) was measured using ImageJ. Patients presenting with ≥1 mm of asymmetry in MRD1 were included. Three groups were identified: variable (4:1 ratio, with the lower side receiving a greater resection), fixed (7 mm resection bilaterally), and tarsectomy (7 mm bilaterally + 1 mm of tarsus resected on the lower preoperative side). Postoperative MRD1 was measured from photographs obtained 3 months after surgery. The primary outcome was postoperative asymmetry.

RESULTS

A total of 95 patients with a mean age of 71.0 ± 11.0 years were included. There was no significant difference in age ( p = 0.277) or length of follow-up ( p = 0.782) between the groups. Although the fixed tarsectomy group had significantly greater preoperative asymmetry ( p = 0.001), there was no significant difference in postoperative asymmetry ( p = 0.166). On multivariate analysis, preoperative asymmetry was the only significant predictor of postoperative asymmetry ( p < 0.001). Specifically, the surgical group was not a predictor of the primary outcome ( p = 0.723).

CONCLUSIONS

Resection amount and technique did not predict postoperative outcomes in cases of asymmetric ptosis. This may support the hypothesis that changes in eyelid position and symmetry following MMCR is due to a dynamic system, rather than as a result of purely mechanical forces.

Blepharoptosis Repair: External Versus Posterior Approach Surgery: Why I Select One over the Other

Ptosis surgery is performed via an anterior/external or posterior/internal approach, primarily defined by the eyelid elevator muscle surgically addressed: the levator complex anteriorly or Muller muscle posteriorly. Posterior ptosis surgery via Muller muscle conjunctival resection is an excellent first choice for cases of mild to moderate ptosis with good levator function, as it is predictable, provides a reliable cosmetic outcome, requires no patient cooperation during surgery, portends a lower rate of reoperation, and rarely leads to lagophthalmos and/or eyelid retraction postoperatively. External levator resection is preferred in patients with severe ocular surface/cicatricial conjunctival disease, shortened fornices, and lesser levator function.

Efficacy and predictability of Muller's muscle-conjunctival resection with different tarsectomy lengths for unilateral blepharoptosis treatment

BACKGROUND

To investigate the efficacy and predictability of Muller's muscle-conjunctival resection (MMCR) with different lengths of tarsectomy for the treatment of unilateral mild-to-moderate blepharoptosis.

METHODS

A retrospective study of patients who underwent MMCR with tarsectomy for unilateral mild-to-moderate blepharoptosis between January 2016 and December 2019 was performed. Individuals with adequate photographic documentation and good levator function were included. Data on age, gender, surgical designs, pre-operative and post-operative marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD1) and tarsal platform show (TPS), and complications were retrieved.

RESULTS

Sixty patients underwent 8-mm MMCR with 1- or 2-mm tarsectomy; 53 patients (88.3%) showed postoperative symmetry of MRD1 within 1 mm. The average postoperative improvement in MRD1 was 2.15 ± 0.8 mm. Thirty-two patients received 8-mm MMCR with 1-mm tarsectomy (group 1), and 28 patients underwent 8-mm MMCR with 2-mm tarsectomy (group 2). In group 1, postoperative symmetry rate was 90.6%, and the mean elevation of MRD1 was 1.66 ± 0.6 mm. In group 2, postoperative symmetry rate was 85.7%, and the mean elevation of MRD1 was 2.72 ± 0.6 mm. Both groups showed postoperative symmetry of TPS and significant improvement in eyelid position (p < 0.0001). No postoperative complication was noted, and no secondary surgery was needed.

CONCLUSIONS

MMCR with tarsectomy was proven to be a safe, rapid, and effective method for patients with mild-to-moderate ptosis. Predictability and symmetry of the outcome were statistically confirmed. We further suggest a 2.1-mm expected MRD1 elevation as a cut point for choosing between 1- or 2-mm tarsectomy.

Effect of topical Phenylephrine on the upper eyelid crease position

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of Phenylephrine test on the upper eyelid crease position.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study follows a prospective and analytical design and included patients with unilateral acquired involutional ptosis recruited between January 2015 and January 2018. In the Phenylephrine test, 1 drop of Phenylephrine 10% was instilled on the inferior fornix of the ptotic eye and the eyelid crease position was evaluated 10 min after.

RESULTS

A total of 60 patients were included in the final sample. The mean Margin-to-reflex distance 1 (MRD1) of the ptotic eye was 2.1 ± 1.0 and 3.8 ± 0.6 mm before and 10 min after the instillation of Phenylephrine, respectively. The difference between the means was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Ninety-five per cent of the eyes had a positive Phenylephrine test result. Of this, 100% showed a decrease in the height of eyelid crease after the drop. There was a statistically significant decrease in the height of eyelid crease from 10.3 ± 2.5 to 7.8 ± 2.0 mm (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Phenylephrine test not only affects the eyelid position but also the eyelid crease height. We show a significative decrease in eyelid crease height to a symmetrical level with the contralateral lid in all patients that had a positive Phenylephrine test result. This effect is probably due to a posterior lamella shortening secondary to Müller's muscle contraction and suggests that the eyelid crease is not only determined by the projections of levator aponeurosis, but also by the entire force vector of the upper eyelid retractors.

Improvements in Muller’s Muscle Resection Through the Use of Tenotomy Scissors and Dissolvable Suture

Muller’s muscle resection is a straightforward and effective surgical treatment for acquired blepharoptosis. The authors describe a novel modification of this procedure that reduces risk of corneal complications using dissolvable suture and tenotomy scissors in place of scalpel excision. In all, 122 consecutive adult patients with mild to moderate acquired eyelid ptosis treated with this modified technique were identified through chart review. In this cohort, all patients were satisfied with the result, none required reoperation, and none sustained postoperative complications. This technique modification maintains procedural efficacy and efficiency while improving patient comfort and decreasing the risk of inadvertently cutting a suture and inducing a corneal abrasion or incision dehiscence.