Eyelid imbrication. An unrecognized cause of chronic ocular irritation

BACKGROUND: Eighteen patients with chronic ocular irritation were examined over a 3-year period. All patients demonstrated papillary conjunctivitis and, occasionally, tarsal ulcers. Six also had floppy eyelid syndrome. Underlying every patient's symptoms was the overriding or imbrication of a lax upper eyelid on an often equally lax lower eyelid, allowing lower eyelid lashes to chronically rub the upper eyelid tarsal conjunctiva. METHODS: Chronic ocular irritation in five patients was managed with ocular lubricants. Two of these patients had floppy eyelid syndrome and required nightime shielding for nocturnal eyelid eversion. Thirteen patients underwent eyelid surgery to correct the overriding upper eyelid. Surgical procedures included full-thickness upper eyelid wedge resection, lateral canthal tendon plication, and lower eyelid horizontal shortening, using a tarsal strip procedure. RESULTS: Follow-up averaged 2.5 years. Symptomatology was adequately controlled in all patients. In addition to the five patients who received medical treatment for their symptoms, two with complicated ocular problems required continued ocular lubrication after surgery. Seven patients were successfully treated with eyelid shortening procedures and lateral canthal tendon plication. The remaining six patients underwent a variety of additional eyelid surgeries. All patients undergoing surgery had complete resolution of eyelid imbrication. CONCLUSIONS: Eyelid imbrication is a previously unrecognized cause of chronic ocular irritation. In this condition, eyelid laxity causes the upper eyelid to override the lower eyelid, allowing the lower eyelid to chronically rub and chafe the upper eyelid tarsal conjunctiva. In some cases, symptoms can be managed medically. More often, surgical intervention is required to correct eyelid laxity and prevent overriding of the upper eyelid.     

Simplification in locating and dissecting the levator muscle of the upper eyelid in surgery for ptosis

BACKGROUND: While repairing eyelid ptosis by aponeurotic resection by anterior approach, the risk of damaging the levator complex and the conjunctiva is significant. In order to simplify the dissection between Müller's muscle and the underneath conjunctiva, we use a modification of the usual surgical technique. METHODS: Before the skin incision, the eversion of the upper eyelid allows to dissect the conjunctiva from the Müller's muscle under direct visual control, starting from the upper tarsal margin. A silicone band is then passed through the so created horizontal subconjunctival tunnel. The upper eyelid can be physiologically replaced, and the levator muscle aponeurosis exposed. The two ends of the band are then pulled on surface through two lateral incision performed close to the upper tarsal edge. Now the band plays the role of a useful landmark: every tissue above the band is levator complex; when stretched downwards, it points the upper edge of the tarsal plate. We operated by this technique 24 eyes, affected of acquired or congenital ptosis. Fourteen eyelids had already undergone ptosis surgery elsewhere. RESULTS: We achieved good-to-excellent results in all cases, without any important postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed manoeuvre makes easier the dissection of the inner aspect of the levator complex, because of the material control. Therefore it minimises the tissue trauma and the postoperative complications, particularly in complicated cases characterised by scarring and fibrosis.     

Use of the orbicularis muscle flap for complex lower lid problems: a 6-year analysis

There are several groups of patients seeking lower lid blepharoplasty who present with the potential for unsatisfactory postoperative results, such as those presenting with atonic eyelids, patients with severe blepharochalasis alone or with large fat bags, patients with festoons, those with abnormal anatomy, and patients with deformity due to prior surgery. The orbicularis muscle flap technique provides good results in patients with potentially problematic lower eyelids. Of 600 blepharoplasties, 8.5 percent underwent the orbicularis muscle flap procedure. Follow-up time was 1.3 years, and average patient age was 54 years. Details of this technique are described together with results, including illustrative photographs. Of 51 patients, 49 had excellent or acceptable results and 2 had unacceptable results, 1 of whom required a small correction. This method produces a "minilift" of the lower eyelid and upper cheek skin that cannot be achieved with the standard lower eyelid blepharoplasty as described to date.     

Lower eyelid reconstruction using pedicled skin flap and palatal mucoperiosteum

BACKGROUND: Full-thickness lower eyelid reconstruction requires functional as well as aesthetic considerations to be successful in the long term. The three elements necessary for a stable result are skin, mucosa, and a semirigid "skeleton" to provide the support that prevents the development of ectropion. A number of techniques combining these elements are described in the literature, with reconstruction in one or more stages. OBJECTIVE: We report a simple method of reconstruction of a full-thickness lower eyelid defect, in which palatal mucoperiosteum provided both the mucosal and the "skeletal" components following tumor excision. METHODS: Literature review and report of illustrated case. RESULTS: A cosmetically acceptable result with no functional deficit or donor site morbidity. CONCLUSION: Palatal mucoperiosteum provides an abundant supply of tissue that may be used successfully in the reconstruction of the lower eyelid. It functions both as a mucosal lining in addition to a semirigid supporting framework.     

Eyelid crease incision for lateral orbitotomy

PURPOSE: The authors describe a surgical incision and technique for lateral orbitotomy that is intended to minimize visible scarring and deformity. METHODS: This is a noncomparative, interventional, retrospective case series. Other surgical approaches for lateral orbitotomy are briefly reviewed. The authors' technique includes incision placement within the natural upper eyelid crease, with minimal extension in a relaxed skin tension line; dissection to the superior and lateral orbital rims in the submuscular plane; and wide dissection within the subperiosteal space. Criteria are described for inclusion of a bone flap in the technique. RESULTS: The eyelid crease incision has been used for exposure of the superolateral diagonal half of the orbit in approximately 600 cases. A variety of pathologic conditions affecting the orbital bones or the subperiosteal, extraconal, or intraconal spaces have been treated. Surgical exposure has been adequate to achieve the goals of surgery in individual cases, and the cosmetic results have been preferable to those the authors achieved using other surgical incisions. CONCLUSIONS: The eyelid crease incision for lateral orbitotomy allows dissection in relatively avascular planes, involves minimal transection of orbicularis muscle and lymphatic channels, and results in negligible postoperative scarring. Depending on the size and location of the lesion and the goal of surgery, the eyelid crease incision may be used without a bone flap. However, when a bone flap is needed, the incision does not restrict its size.     

The role of Müller's muscle reconsidered

It is a traditional teaching that the levator aponeurosis is the main transmitter of the levator palpebrae muscle. However, there are several points that raise doubts in this fundamental concept of the levator aponeurosis as being the primary interconnecting mechanism in upper lid elevation. Despite the structural integrity of the levator complex, drooping of the upper eyelids is seen to develop in situations such as Horner's syndrome and in times of excessive fatigue and sleepiness. Amid the controversy in the literature regarding the specific role of the levator aponeurosis in the lid-elevating mechanism, we have observed that the levator aponeurosis fails to make constant attachment to the tarsal plate. This has led us to speculate on the possible role of the posterior lamella - Müller's muscle - as the primary transmitter of the levator muscle action to the tarsal plate.     

Local injections of corticotropin releasing factor reduce doxorubicin-induced acute inflammation in the eyelid

PURPOSE: Doxorubicin chemomyectomy is an effective alternative treatment option for patients with blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm. One side effect of the use of doxorubicin in localized injections is the development of acute inflammation and skin injury at the injection site. Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) was reported to reduce inflammation after acute inflammatory injuries due to other causes and at other sites. This study was performed to assess the potential of CRF to prevent the development of skin injury and eyelid soreness after local doxorubicin injection. METHODS: Rabbits received lower eyelid injections of either 75 or 150 micrograms CRF followed by injection of either 0.5, 1, or 2 mg doxorubicin or doxorubicin alone. Eyelids were assessed for changes in acute inflammation by immunohistochemical localization of macrophages and monocytes using anti-CD11, an antibody specific for these cell types. Short-term alterations in vascular permeability were assessed using an Evans blue assay. Additional eyelids were followed daily for changes in the skin over the injection site to determine day of onset of skin injury and the total duration of skin injury. After 1 month, the eyelids were processed histologically for morphometric analysis of muscle fiber loss. Monkey eyelids also were examined for the effect of CRF and doxorubicin injections. RESULTS: Doxorubicin alone produced an acute inflammatory reaction in the treated eyelids, with a large influx of macrophages and monocytes throughout the connective tissue at 1 and 2 days. Corticotropin releasing factor pretreatment significantly reduced this influx of inflammatory cells into the connective tissue. Doxorubicin produced a large increase in vascular permeability in the treated eyelids, with resultant edema. Corticotropin releasing factor did not alter this change in vascular permeability, indicating that CRF appears to have a specific effect on migration of inflammatory cells rather than just a generalized effect on vascular permeability. Corticotropin releasing factor and doxorubicin cotreatments delayed the onset of skin injury and decreased the total duration of injury to the skin compared to doxorubicin alone. The effectiveness of doxorubicin chemomyectomy was maintained; muscle loss was significant at all doses of CRF combined with doxorubicin. CONCLUSIONS: Corticotropin releasing factor dramatically decreased the acute inflammatory reaction that results in the eyelid from local doxorubicin injections. Not only did CRF reduce the acute influx of monocytes and macrophages, but it protected the skin overlying the injection site, substantially reducing the extent of skin injury. The efficacy of doxorubicin-induced muscle toxicity was maintained. A treatment protocol that combines myotoxicity with antiinflammatory activity in the treated eyelids may lead to a more effective patient treatment by increasing patient acceptance. The potential should be explored that CRF may be of clinical use in limiting tissue injury when administered immediately after extravasation during cancer chemotherapy.     

Eye movement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a longitudinal study

Conservative therapy in cases of severe dysthyroid ophthalmopathy (DO) has not given satisfactory results. Since 1986, 51 patients (99 orbits) with marked DO have been treated by surgical decompression of the orbits. The procedure begins within the upper eyelid. The excision of the excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue is performed and eyelid fat is removed. In order to obtain the correction of the upper eyelid retraction, the levator aponeurosis is divided by 2-3 transverse incisions in its central part and Muller's muscle is sectioned at the level of its tarsal insertion. Through an incision in the lower eyelid, the posterior part of the orbital floor, the lateral orbit wall, as well as the periorbital and intraorbital fat are removed. Through an incision made over the medial margin of the orbit, the ethmoidal part of the medial orbital wall and the retrobulbar fat are removed. The periorbital periosteum should be incised at several sites. After operation all patients showed a significant reduction of exophthalmos (5-11 mm, 7.16 mm on average), significant reduction of intraocular pressure, marked improvement in ocular muscle function, as well as considerable reduction or disappearance of subjective symptoms. There was an improvement in vision in 68% patients who had impaired vision before the operation. There were no cases of subsequent impairment of vision or ocular motility. Mild relapse was recorded in three cases only and only one patient required unilateral reoperation. Strabismus surgery had to be performed in five patients due to unsatisfactory correction of double vision. It can be concluded that this method of orbital decompression gives very good functional and aesthetical long-term results.     

Vascular anatomy of the eyelids

PURPOSE: The eyelids have a rich vascular supply, and bleeding may compromise both surgical technique and postoperative results. Generally, it is known that the eyelids contain a marginal and peripheral arcade, but detailed anatomic information is not available. This study therefore was undertaken to determine the detailed anatomy of eyelid vascularity. METHOD: The common carotid arteries of six fresh cadaver heads were injected with a compound consisting of a partially polymerized monomer, to which a catalyst and promoter were added to cause hardening. The soft tissue was then digested, using 40% potassium hydroxide, to obtain detailed casts of the eyelid arteries, arterioles, and capillaries. RESULTS: The authors describe the eyelid vascularity and anastomotic network with average distance measurements from clinically relevant soft tissue landmarks in the 12 cadaver eyelids. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent patterns of eyelid vascularity were observed. A better understanding of the eyelid vascularity should allow modification of surgical techniques and reduce postoperative complications after eyelid surgery.     

Treatment of eyelid burns and results

Eyelid burns may cause irreversible damage to the eyelids and eye globe. We review 45 patients with eyelid burns, in 8 of whom skin grafting was required due to the deepness of the burn. The results were satisfactory in all except 1, in whom 9 surgical procedures were required to give complete coverage of the cornea. During 1 procedure skin was grafted directly onto the conjunctiva. The other 36 patients were treated conservatively.     

Examination of bilateral eyeblink conditioning in rats.

This experiment monitored eyelid responses bilaterally during delay eyeblink conditioning in rats. Rats were given paired or unpaired training with a tone or light conditioned stimulus (CS) and a unilateral periorbital shock unconditioned stimulus (US). Rats given paired training acquired high levels of conditioned responses (CRs), which occurred in both eyelids. However, acquisition was faster, and the overall percentage of CRs was greater in the eyelid that was ipsilateral to the US. CRs in the eyelid ipsilateral to the US also had shorter onset latencies and larger amplitudes than CRs in the contralateral eyelid. Both eyelids consistently showed high percentages of unconditioned responses (UR) to the US, and the UR amplitude decreased across training sessions in the paired group. The present study demonstrated that CRs occur robustly in both eyelids of rats given eyeblink conditioning, which is similar to previous findings in humans and monkeys. The results also showed that conditioning occurs more prominently in the eyelid that is ipsilateral to the US, which is similar to previous findings in humans, monkeys, dogs, and rabbits. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Anterior capsulotomy created by radiofrequency endodiathermy and continuous curvilinear posterior capsulorhexis in a patient with intumescent cataract and primary capsular fibrosis

PURPOSE: To report a clinicopathologic correlation of angiosarcoma affecting the eyelid skin. METHODS: An 82-year-old man developed multiple bruise-like maculopapular lesions, subcutaneous nodules, and diffuse edema over his scalp, face, and eyelids. Biopsy disclosed angiosarcoma, and the patient was treated with wide-field external beam radiotherapy (5,000 cGy). RESULTS: He responded to radiotherapy with partial regression of the tumor. Twelve months later, he developed extensive lymphedema secondary to the residual tumor. He was also found to have parotid gland and bone metastases, treated with radiotherapy. The patient died of widespread bone metastases 3 months later. CONCLUSIONS: Angiosarcoma is a rare skin tumor that has a poor prognosis despite treatment. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of eyelid tumors and edema because it may affect only the central portion of the face.     

Reconstruction of the constricted orbital cavity in patients with artificial anophthalmy

In cases, in which not only the globe of the eye, but the whole conjunctival sack is missing and the eyelids are due to scarring attached either to the orbital tissues and/or to each other, it is not possible to insert a prosthesis. This is a major aesthetic defect. The cavity that allows artificial eye insertion can be formed by surgery. One of the best methods is the orbital cavity reconstruction developed and suggested by the Hungarian István Csapody. He constructed two instruments to perform the operation: a butterfly shaped marker to prepare skin graft with proper size and shape, and an adjustable cone formed spacer to keep the reconstructed socket open during the healing process. We use free autologous split skin graft to line the cavity. If the shapes of the eyelids are intact, and the color of the prosthesis matches the fellow eye and it fits perfectly, then the postoperative cosmetic result can be excellent.     

Why does the brain prefer opium to broccoli?

Hemangiomas present at, or soon after birth, proliferate and eventually involute. In spite of this, children may suffer severe psychosocial trauma during the formative years of their lives, and, in a proportion of cases, a cosmetically unacceptable result is left at the end of involution. Since flashlamp pumped dye lasers have been shown to selectively destroy ectatic dermal vascular tissue through intact epidermis, 6 patients with very early superficial cutaneous hemangiomas were treated. All treated areas resolved completely and treatment was completed by 12 months. No complications were encountered apart from mild, temporary post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which was seen in one patient. This, however, resolved completely within 3 months of treatment. Flashlamp pumped dye lasers are thus able to effect complete resolution of very superficial proliferating cutaneous hemangiomas in neonates and infants without the risk of scarring.     

Use of a modified monocanalicular silicone stent in 33 eyelids

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To determine (1) whether a modified monocanalicular silicone stent fixated to the peripunctal tissues by a 6-0 polypropylene suture is a practical alternative to bicanalicular intubation for canalicular reconstruction, and (2) whether this technique is superior to previously described methods of monocanalicular intubation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The charts of patients from the Oculoplastics Division of the Ophthalmology Department at the UMDNJ Medical School who had undergone insertion of a modified canalicular stent were retrospectively reviewed from April 1, 1991, to April 1, 1995. RESULTS: The technique was used successfully in 33 eyelids (32 patients) for the following conditions: (1) unicanalicular (17 eyelids) and bicanalicular lacerations (1 eyelid), (2) reconstruction of a single canaliculus after eyelid tumor resection (5 eyelids), (3) after canaliculotomy for canaliculitis refractory to medical treatment (3 eyelids), and (4) after punctal plasty for congenital punctal agenesis and after a three-snip procedure for acquired punctal stenosis (6 eyelids). Tubes were maintained in position for a median of 11.5 weeks. Complications included erosion of the anterior aspect on the lid margin (1 eyelid) and premature tube extrusion (1 eyelid) that required reinsertion of another monocanalicular stent. All patients had normal results on dye disappearance tests after surgery and no patients experienced postoperative tearing. CONCLUSIONS: The monocanalicular silicone stent is technically simple to perform and is an effective method of monocanalicular intubation that may avoid the need for bicanalicular intubation in certain circumstances.     

The zygorbicular dissection in composite rhytidectomy: an ideal midface plane

Traditional face lift and blepharoplasty techniques are based on two consistent principles. Conventional face lift techniques have always incorporated unopposed lateral vector tissue advancement, which is typical of subcutaneous lifts or rhytidectomies that include the platysma muscle (SMAS) or cheek fat (malar fat). When they are not adequately repositioned, the tissues of the lower eyelid and upper cheek continue to age, which may create a "lateral sweep" of the lower face as those malar soft tissues descend at a more rapid rate than the repositioned SMAS. Removal of the lower eyelid fat in conventional blepharoplasties may also lead to a more hollow-appearing lower eyelid. Hollow eyes and the lateral sweep could be prevented with a rhytidectomy technique that includes orbicularis repositioning and preservation of the lower eyelid fat with an arcus marginalis release. All patients who have been operated on who exhibit these unfavorable signs can have an impressive correction by utilizing the principles of superomedial vector orbicularis repositioning to counter the "lateral sweep" and arcus marginalis release to recreate a youthful shallow and narrow lower eyelid contour. This technique is invaluable to patients seeking secondary surgery to regain harmony of the rejuvenated face.     

Medial canthoplasty for optimum support of the lower eyelid in 14 patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Medial canthoplasty surgically fuses the upper and lower lids medial to the puncta. The authors modified the procedure by inserting a temporary lacrimal stent in order to avoid kinking and scar contracture of the canaliculi. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A medial canthoplasty successfully corrected lower eyelid laxity in 14 patients with the following conditions: (1) exposure and/or neurotrophic keratitis with medial ectropion and/or retraction of the lower eyelid (11 patients), and (2) inability to retain a prosthesis because of lower eyelid ectropion and contracture of the inferior conjunctival fornix (3 anophthalmic patients). RESULTS: All patients had a satisfactory cosmetic result despite minimal vertical and horizontal narrowing of the palpebral fissure. Complications included partial wound dehiscence and pyogenic granuloma. CONCLUSION: The modified medial canthoplasty described in this article corrects medial ectropion with minimal cosmetic deformity.     

The relationship between quality of care and financial performance in dialysis: "doing well by doing good"

Reconstruction of posterior lamellar eyelid defects requires a tissue substitute that is either identical to the tissue lost (ex. surrounding or nearby tarsus) or donor tissue from another site that serves the same supportive role. Irradiated homologous tarsal plate and irradiated homologous aorta are potential posterior lamellar substitutes. Each provides a structural framework for the surrounding lid tissues to grow upon and are incorporated into the normal eyelid anatomy. Both the tarsal plate and aorta can be harvested, irradiated and stored in a refrigerator, ready to be utilized in those selected cases with severe tissue loss. They may also be utilized as a donor material in more routine lid reconstruction as an alternative. We discuss our experience with these materials.     

Epicanthoplasty with modified Y-V advancement procedure

The presence of epicanthal folds and lack of supratarsal folds are unique features in most Asian eyelids. Although many surgical procedures are available to eliminate epicanthal folds, scarring on the medial canthus is still an obstacle for surgeons to overcome. From January of 1989 to November of 1997, we used modified Y-V advancement procedures in 148 cases to correct epicanthal folds in Asian eyelids. Five of those cases involved congenital palpebral anomalies, including congenital entropion, congenital ptosis, and Down syndrome. There were few complications in our series. We believe that the modified Y-V advancement procedure causes minimum scarring on medial canthus in correcting Oriental epicanthal folds and congenital palpebral anomalies. This procedure can also be simultaneously combined with blepharoplasties and corrective procedures of eyelids.     

Streptococcal preseptal cellulitis complicated by the toxic Streptococcus syndrome

BACKGROUND: After decades of decline in the incidence of severe infections secondary to group A streptococci, a dramatic increase in the frequency and severity of infections with these organisms has been reported since 1984, including a "toxic Streptococcus syndrome," resembling staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome. To the authors' knowledge, this entity has never been described after ocular infection. METHODS: In a previously healthy 3-year-old boy, preseptal cellulitis developed secondary to minor trauma to the eyelid, progressing rapidly to hypotension, respiratory distress, and an erythrodermic desquamating rash. Ocular and blood cultures grew group A beta-hemolytic streptococci. Appropriate antibiotic coverage and management of systemic manifestations led to rapid improvement, although necrosis developed in the right upper anterior eyelid, requiring skin grafts. RESULTS: More than 3 years since the incident, the patient is free of infection and has a good cosmetic result after skin grafting and revisions for scarring and adhesions. CONCLUSIONS: Streptococcal preseptal cellulitis is not unusual, particularly after trauma. Ophthalmologists must be aware of the re-emergence of more virulent organisms with increased potential for morbidity and mortality.