Mo-Sae Kim1, Ho-Seok Sa, Jin-Young Lee. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, , Seoul, Korea.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: To describe a new surgical technique in patients with lower eyelid epiblepharon using an epicanthal weakening procedure with lash rotating sutures. METHODS: Charts of patients with epiblepharon who underwent surgical correction using an epicanthal weakening procedure with lash rotating sutures were reviewed retrospectively. The preoperative severity of corneal erosion was graded and compared with the postoperative keratopathy. Postoperative surgical outcomes, complications and subjective satisfaction were also evaluated. RESULTS: 202 eyes of 101 patients were evaluated in this study. The preoperative cilia-corneal touch was corrected and keratopathy was improved, especially towards the medial aspect of the lower lid. There were four eyes (2.0%) of recurrent cilia-corneal touch, but none required reoperation. Cosmetic outcomes were considered to be 'very satisfied' in 95 patients, 'satisfied' in 6 patients, and no patients indicated 'neutral' or 'dissatisfied' results. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with epiblepharon with an epicanthal fold, surgical correction using an epicanthal weakening procedure with lash rotating sutures is a simple and effective method for correction, particularly when evaluating the medial portion of the lower eyelid. This method also produces a favourable cosmetic outcome with minimal scar formation.
BACKGROUND: To describe a new surgical technique in patients with lower eyelid epiblepharon using an epicanthal weakening procedure with lash rotating sutures. METHODS: Charts of patients with epiblepharon who underwent surgical correction using an epicanthal weakening procedure with lash rotating sutures were reviewed retrospectively. The preoperative severity of corneal erosion was graded and compared with the postoperative keratopathy. Postoperative surgical outcomes, complications and subjective satisfaction were also evaluated. RESULTS: 202 eyes of 101 patients were evaluated in this study. The preoperative cilia-corneal touch was corrected and keratopathy was improved, especially towards the medial aspect of the lower lid. There were four eyes (2.0%) of recurrent cilia-corneal touch, but none required reoperation. Cosmetic outcomes were considered to be 'very satisfied' in 95 patients, 'satisfied' in 6 patients, and no patients indicated 'neutral' or 'dissatisfied' results. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with epiblepharon with an epicanthal fold, surgical correction using an epicanthal weakening procedure with lash rotating sutures is a simple and effective method for correction, particularly when evaluating the medial portion of the lower eyelid. This method also produces a favourable cosmetic outcome with minimal scar formation.