Results of External Levator Aponeurosis Surgery in Blepharoptosis

Abstract

Aim: To assess the results of external levator aponeurosis surgery performed for blepharoptosis correction in our clinic. Method: Results of external levator aponeurosis surgery applied for blepharoptosis in 19 eyes of 16 patients (9 males and 7 females) between January 1995 and July 1999 in Ondokuz Mayts University Ophthalmology department were researched retrospectively. The average age of the patients was 15-year (5,5-25 years). Five of the cases had mild, 6 had moderate, and 8 had severe ptosis. All the patients had congenital but one had aponeurotic ptosis. Follow up period for the patients was 4 month (1-11 month). Preoperative upper lid excursion was 5 to 15 mm (average 9 mm). The mean amount of aponeurosis resection was 14 mm (10-17 mm). Results: In all cases successful results were achieved except two in whichthe results were also satisfactory. The preoperative upper lid excursion amount of these two patients were found to be 5 mm. Complications like hypo or hyper correction and lid contour deformity were not encountered in any cases. Fine punctate epithelial keratitis in early postoperative period was present in one case only. In all the cases symmetrical upper lid creases were achieved Conclusion: External levator aponeurosis surgery is safe, and harmless technique in suitable cases. It is respectful to neighboring tissues and reversible when needed. The results are predictable especially in cases with good levator function and the risk of facing complications is low in postoperative period.