Chronic exposure keratopathy complicating surgical correction of ptosis in patients with chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia.

PURPOSE: To report chronic exposure keratopathy related to surgical ptosis correction in patients with chronic, progressive, external ophthalmoplegia.
METHODS: Case reports of three patients with chronic exposure keratopathy following blepharoptosis surgery.
RESULTS: We report three patients with chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia with chronic corneal complications after surgical ptosis repair. All three gave a history of blepharoptosis and extraocular muscle dysfunction. Each presented with chronic corneal ulceration. All had histories suggestive of ophthalmoplegia. Treatment of corneal ulceration necessitated hospitalization and surgical intervention.
CONCLUSION: Patients with chronic, progressive, external ophthalmoplegia have little ability to properly protect the eye from exposure and are at risk for corneal damage. A thorough ophthalmic history and examination before ptosis surgery may prevent the corneal complications resulting from surgical intervention.