The aponeurotic approach to eyelid retraction.

A technique for the upper lid retraction that involves an anterior approach similar to aponeurotic ptosis surgery is presented. Instead of advancing the aponeurosis, it is recessed and Müller's muscle is completely extirpated. The lateral horn of the levator must be cut to relieve the marked temporal elevation of the eyelid. Lid height and contour are adjusted intraoperatively with patient cooperation. In the lower lid, the retractors are recessed via a conjunctival approach unless simultaneously performed with orbital decompression. Any amount of lid retraction may be corrected by this technique in the upper lid and up to 3 mm of lower lid retraction can be corrected. Lid height in both the upper and lower lid is lasting and predictable. Thirty-one patients (63 eyelids) have been operated on using this technique with good results. Results in 17 patients (35 eyelids) with follow-up ranging from 8 to 42 months are presented.