Nonophthalmic symptoms secondary to ocular torticollis from severe blepharoptosis: an underappreciated but treatable condition

Treatment of Congenital Ptosis in Infants With Associated Amblyopia Using a Frontalis Muscle Flap Eyelid Reanimation Technique

PURPOSE

To determine the efficacy of a frontalis muscle flap eyelid reanimation technique for correction of severe congenital ptosis and associated amblyopia in infants.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective chart review of patients 12 months of age or younger with unilateral or bilateral congenital ptosis and associated amblyopia or deemed at high risk for amblyopia due to visual deprivation. Following ptosis repair via a frontalis muscle flap technique, primary outcomes of postoperative eyelid position and amblyopia reversal were assessed.

RESULTS

Seventeen eyes of 12 participants were included for study. Seven of these patients had simple congenital ptosis, and the remainder had ptosis as part of a syndrome. Nine were diagnosed with amblyopia preoperatively, and the remaining 3 were too young for acuity testing but had occlusion of the visual axis by the ptotic eyelid in primary gaze. Postoperatively, the mean margin-to-reflex distance 1 was 2.4 mm (range: 0.0-4.0), and 9 patients (75%) demonstrated no evidence of amblyopia. Only 2 patients had eyelid asymmetry greater than 2 mm, which in both cases was due to lack of frontalis activation by the patient secondary to ongoing visual impairment. The most common complication was lagophthalmos in 6 eyes (35.3%), with no significant associated surface keratopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

The frontalis muscle flap technique may offer a new and effective approach to treating infants with severe congenital ptosis causing poor eyelid excursion and associated amblyopia while avoiding use of an implant.

Recent Advances in Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery: Part 1-Eyelid

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to provide an update of the current literature in ophthalmic and facial plastic surgery, specifically related to disorders of the eyelid.

DESIGN

This was a review of published literature from January 2012 to June 2013 METHODS: The authors conducted a PubMed literature search of English-language articles published between January 2012 and June 2013 using the following search terms: eyelid, congenital, acquired, infection, inflammation, trauma, tumor, ptosis, entropion, ectropion, lagophthalmos, botulinum toxin, fillers, blepharoplasty, and miscellaneous topics related to the disorders of the eyelid. The authors included original articles, review articles, and case reports with relevant new information that is of potential clinical use to a comprehensive ophthalmologist as well as to the subspecialist.

RESULTS

Current literature on the disorders of the eyelid is replete with useful clinical information of relevance to a practicing ophthalmologist. Major advances have been reported in understanding of the surgical anatomy and its applications, ptosis, entropion, ectropion, lagophthalmos, infection, inflammation, trauma, and tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

There seems to be tremendous excitement in revisiting the anatomy and pathology and modifying the management protocols and surgical procedures to achieve optimal results, as the subspecialty continues to advance at a brisk pace.