Frontalis Muscle Contraction and the Role of Visual Deprivation and Eyelid Proprioception

The Prevalence of Undiagnosed Ptosis Among Candidates for Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Background

Because upper eyelid blepharoplasty has become a popular aesthetic facial surgery, surgeons should be aware that age-related changes in the eyelid are not confined to skin laxity and orbital fat prolapse.

Objectives

This study was designed to assess the prevalence of undiagnosed ptosis among blepharoplasty candidates as one of the causes of unsatisfactory surgical results.

Methods

From December 2018 to December 2022, blepharoplasty candidates were meticulously assessed for their upper eyelid and eyebrow position. Patients who were aware of their ptosis were excluded, and the other patients were classified as mild, moderate, or severe ptotic based on margin reflex distance 1. The eyebrow height was also assessed in the mid-pupillary line to assess the relationship between the severity of ptosis and eyebrow asymmetry.

Results

The authors found that 13.7% of the 2530 blepharoplasty candidates in this study had undiagnosed ptosis. Most of these patients had mild ptosis (85.5%), and they were significantly older than nonptotic patients. The rate of prevalence of ptosis was significantly higher in patients with eyebrow asymmetry (75.3% vs 3.7%); however, the severity of ptosis was not associated with the severity of eyebrow asymmetry.

Conclusions

Ptosis should be cautiously looked for and addressed for treatment in candidates for upper blepharoplasty. In most patients with masked ptosis, the severity of eyelid drooping is mild and could remain undiagnosed until after the surgery and cause unsatisfactory aesthetic results. The presence of eyebrow asymmetry could be a key feature to unmask an undiagnosed ptosis.

Level of Evidence 3

Effect of external eyelid weighting on eyelid and eyebrow position in normal and ptosis patients

PURPOSE

This study aims to characterize the physiologic response of both eyelid and eyebrow position to increasing downward forces simulated by external weights.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, both normal individuals and patients affected by ptosis were tested. External eyelid weights were placed on one upper eyelid with incrementally increasing weight from 0.2 to 2.4 g. The eyelid carrying the weight was randomly selected for normal subjects and patients with bilateral ptosis, whereas for unilateral ptosis, the ptotic eyelid was utilized. Photographs were obtained at baseline and with increasing weight until MRD1 reached 0 on the weighted side or, until 2.4 g was reached. Eyelid and brow position on the weighted and unweighted sides were digitally measured in millimeter. Primary outcome measures were change in the margin to reflex distance (MRD1) and pupil to brow distance (PTB) with weight on the weighted and unweighted sides for normal and ptosis subjects.

RESULTS

The weighted eyelid MRD1 decreased linearly with increasing weight. This was true for normal and ptosis subjects. The unweighted eyelid MRD1 increased linearly with increasing weight. This was also the case for both normal and ptosis subjects. With increasing weight, PTB increased linearly on the weighted side. No significant intergroup differences were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

In normal and ptosis subjects, when external weight on the eyelid is incrementally increased, the weighted eyelid MRD1 decreases, the unweighted eyelid MRD1 increases, and both brows elevate in a linear fashion.

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.

Anophthalmic Socket Syndrome: Prevalence, Impact and Management Strategies

Anophthalmic socket syndrome determines functional deficits and facial deformities, and may lead to poor psychological outcomes. This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the features of the syndrome, based on literature review and authors’ clinical and surgical experience. An electronic database (PubMed,MEDLINE and Google Scholar) search of all articles written in English and non-English language with abstract translated to English on anophthalmic socket syndrome was performed. Data reviewed included demographics, presentations, investigations, management, complications and outcomes. Different types of orbital implants were evaluated; the management of implant exposure was examined; different orbital volume enhancement procedures such as secondary implantation, subperiosteal implants and the use of fillers in anophthalmic patients were described; the problems related to socket contraction were outlined; the treatment options for chronic anophthalmic socket pain and phantom eye syndrome were assessed; the most recent advances in the management of congenital anophthalmia were described. Current clinical evidence does not support a specific orbital implant; late exposure of porous implants may be due to pegging, which currently is seldom used; filler absorption in the orbit appears to be faster than in the dermis, and repeated treatments could be a potential source of inflammation; socket contraction results in significant functional and psychological disability, and management is challenging. Patients affected by anophthalmic socket pain and phantom eye syndrome need specific counseling. It is auspicable to use a standardized protocol to treat children affected by clinical congenital anophthalmia; dermis fat graft is a suitable option in these patients as it helps continued socket expansion. Dermis fat graft can also address the volume deficit in case of explantation of exposed implants and in contracted sockets in both children and adults. Appropriate clinical care is essential, as adequate prosthesis wearing improves the quality of life of anophthalmic patients.

Anatomic Trends and Directions in Periorbital Aesthetic Surgery

The anatomy of the eyelids and periorbital region is delicate. The individual anatomic variations determine each person's eyelid appearance and function. It is essential that every surgeon that evaluates and treats the aesthetic conditions of patients desiring periorbital enhancement understands the association of anatomy and diagnosis. Each periorbital aesthetic diagnosis has an anatomic basis, and knowledge of the applied anatomy allows a targeted treatment plan. This article outlines the layered anatomy with its clinical significance for the eyelids and periorbital region. Specific examples are used to illustrate the applied anatomy. A contemporary treatment plan for each anatomic problem is given.

Ophthalmic Surgeries and Systemic Medical Conditions Associated With the Development of Involutional Ptosis

PURPOSE

To investigate the associations between systemic medical conditions and types of ocular surgery and the development of aponeurotic ptosis.

METHODS

In this case-control observational cohort study, the relative prevalence of involutional ptosis in a large population of adult patients was assessed. Deidentified patient data from a 10-year time period was obtained from the electronic medical records of 5 large academic medical centers. Patients were selected based on ICD9 and ICD10 codes for involutional ptosis. Control patients were age and gender matched and randomly selected from a general adult population. Systemic comorbidities were determined based on ICD9 and ICD10 codes, and prior ocular surgeries based on CPT codes. The influence of systemic comorbidities and ocular surgery was examined utilizing logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The study cohort consisted of 8297 adult patients with involutional blepharoptosis and 13,128 matched controls. The average age was 65 years. The 3 significant risk factors for developing ptosis were ocular surgery, hyperthyroidism, and type II diabetes with odds ratios of 4.2, 2.5, and 1.45, respectively (p < 0.05). Strabismus, cornea, and glaucoma surgeries were more highly associated with developing ptosis (p < 0.05). Strabismus surgery had the greatest odds ratio of 3.37, followed by cornea surgery at 2.31, and glaucoma surgery at 1.56.

CONCLUSIONS

Involutional ptosis is likely a multifactorial process. This study demonstrates that risk factors for the development of ptosis include ocular surgery, specifically strabismus, cornea, and glaucoma surgery, as well as hyperthyroidism and type II diabetes.

Histologic Evaluation of Nonvisual Afferent Sensory Upper Eyelid Proprioception

PURPOSE

Recent research has suggested a possible role for proprioception in ipsilateral frontalis activation in the setting of ptosis; however, there has not been any robust histologic or anatomic evidence to support this theory. To further elucidate proprioceptive structures in the eyelid, this investigation uses validated histologic techniques to explore the presence of proprioceptive structures or afferent neural networks in the Levator Palpebrae Superioris (LPS) and Müller muscle.

METHODS

Müller muscle and LPS samples were evaluated by a laboratory with extensive experience with the histology of extraocular muscle proprioception. Immunofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to analyze the tissue samples.

RESULTS

Thirty-four Müller muscle samples and 10 LPS samples were analyzed. Golgi tendon bodies and muscle spindles were not identified in the Müller muscle and LPS samples. This result is expected in the Müller muscle given that these structures are not typically present in smooth muscle, but noteworthy in the skeletal muscle of the LPS. Previously undescribed synaptophysin-positive free nerve terminals within the intermuscular connective tissue of the Müller muscle were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The nerve terminals identified are anatomically consistent with free nerve endings present in the extraocular muscles that have been implicated in proprioception. These findings advance our current knowledge of the ultrastructure of Müller muscle and the LPS and suggest a possible mechanism for proprioception in the upper eyelid that may have a role in ipsilateral brow elevation in the setting of ptosis.The authors describe proprioception in the upper eyelid: A histologic analysis.

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.

New insight into the physiologic function of Müller's muscle

PURPOSE

Müller's muscle is a sympathetically innervated smooth muscle which serves as an accessory upper eyelid retractor. Its physiologic function and purpose have not yet been clearly defined. We hypothesize that sympathetic innervation to Müller's muscle serves to adjust the upper eyelid's position to variations in pupil size in response to changes in light intensity.

METHODS

This is a single center cross-sectional study. Healthy volunteers were asked to fixate on a distant non-accommodative target, and a video scan of the anterior segment was performed for each subject's right eye using the Heidelberg Spectralis® optical coherence tomography scanner in infrared mode. The video was taken both in photopic and scotopic conditions, recording the resultant transition of the pupil and eyelids. The pupil diameter (PD), upper eyelid margin-to-reflex distance (MRD1), lower eyelid margin-to-reflex distance (MRD2), and vertical palpebral fissure height (PFH) were measured.

RESULTS

Thirty-three healthy volunteers (19 women, 57.6%) with a median age of 40 years (range 30-58) were included. The mean PD under photopic conditions increased significantly under scotopic conditions, from 3483 ± 521 μm to 6135 ± 703 μm, respectively (P < 0.0001). An increase in MRD1 was observed following transition from light to dark, with a mean change of 348 ± 311 μm (P < 0.0001). There was no significant change in MRD2.

CONCLUSIONS

Upper eyelid retraction occurs after transition from photopic to scotopic conditions. This movement suggests the existence of an "eyelid-light reflex" involving Müller's muscle that adjusts the position of the eyelids as the pupil dilates under scotopic conditions.

Brow height asymmetry before and after eyelid ptosis surgery

BACKGROUND

In the setting of upper eyelid ptosis, asymmetric eyebrow position may be observed and may contribute to overall facial asymmetry. In this study, the authors aim to elucidate the prevalence and predictors of brow height asymmetry in the setting of ptosis and to determine the effect of eyelid surgery on brow height asymmetry to guide preoperative evaluation and informed consent.

METHODS

In this cohort study, patients undergoing posterior approach ptosis surgery, unilateral or bilateral, with or without blepharoplasty, were included. Exclusion criteria included heterotropia, history of brow surgery, and history of previous ptosis surgery. Clinically significant eyelid asymmetry was defined as a difference greater than or equal to 1 mm between right and left margin reflex distance 1 (MRD₁) values. Brow asymmetry was defined as difference in pupil-to-brow (PTB) distance of greater than or equal to 3.5 mm.

RESULTS

The sample included 228 patients. Preoperative brow asymmetry was found in 17.1% of the sample. Notably, half of the patients with preoperative brow asymmetry were found to have postoperative brow asymmetry. Logistic regression indicated that preoperative brow asymmetry was a predictor of postoperative brow asymmetry (odds ratio = 17.03, p < 0.01). In subgroup analysis of those with preoperative brow asymmetry, postoperative eyelid asymmetry was a predictor of postoperative brow asymmetry (odds ratio = 5.58, p < 0.01). No variables in the current investigation were found to predict brow symmetry in those with preoperative brow asymmetry.

CONCLUSION

Understanding the limitations of ptosis surgery in altering brow symmetry helps manage patient expectations, prepare informed consent, and guide surgical and postsurgical planning.