BACKGROUND: Lower lid retraction is a frequent complication of inferior rectus recession, especially of larger amounts. METHODS: With an incision through the palpebral conjunctiva, the lower lid retractors were lysed at the same anesthesia as inferior rectus recessions in a total of 20 patients (24 eyes). Included are 10 patients (12 eyes) described earlier and presented here with extended follow-up. Inferior rectus recessions ranged from 2 to 10 mm (mean, 4.2 mm). RESULTS: No patient had clinically apparent lid retraction or subjective complaints of lid deformity. Results were stable for 1 to 89 months (mean, 24.8 months) of follow-up. Three patients developed symblepharon, but surgical repair was required in only 1 case. CONCLUSION: Lower lid retractor lysis is a simple, safe, and effective procedure to prevent the lower lid retraction associated with inferior rectus recession.
BACKGROUND: Lower lid retraction is a frequent complication of inferior rectus recession, especially of larger amounts. METHODS: With an incision through the palpebral conjunctiva, the lower lid retractors were lysed at the same anesthesia as inferior rectus recessions in a total of 20 patients (24 eyes). Included are 10 patients (12 eyes) described earlier and presented here with extended follow-up. Inferior rectus recessions ranged from 2 to 10 mm (mean, 4.2 mm). RESULTS: No patient had clinically apparent lid retraction or subjective complaints of lid deformity. Results were stable for 1 to 89 months (mean, 24.8 months) of follow-up. Three patients developed symblepharon, but surgical repair was required in only 1 case. CONCLUSION: Lower lid retractor lysis is a simple, safe, and effective procedure to prevent the lower lid retraction associated with inferior rectus recession.