Anterior levator resection in congenital genuine blepharoptosis. A follow-up of 55 operated eyelids.

Fifty-five eyelids operated on for congenital blepharoptosis over a 10-year period were followed up, with a mean observation time of seven years. Ptosis was on the right side in 12 patients, the left side in 20, and bilateral in 12. Ptosis was regarded as being slight in 32 eyelids, moderate in 10 and severe in 14. The operative procedure was resection of the levator muscle and its aponeurosis through an anterior approach. Fifty-five percent of the patients with slight ptosis were improved, with the eyelid having a normal position. All the patients with moderate ptosis were improved--half to a normal eyelid position, and half with a residual slight ptosis. All but one patient with severe ptosis were improved, and half of these to a normal eyelid position. It is concluded that this operation can be used for all types of congenital ptosis, and especially in severe cases, where it produces better results than e.g. the frontalis sling procedure.