[Simulating the outcome of ptosis and squint surgery with digital photomontage]

When being informed preoperatively about the risks and prospects of ptosis and squint surgery patients may wish to see pictures of the possible outcome. In most cases pre- and postoperative prints of patients with similar problems will be sufficient. But, to come to a decision, some patients need portrait prints of their own face modified to show the changes that could be produced by the surgery proposed. Such photo prints can be rather easily produced with modern computer and software equipment.

Portrait photos have been shot with a digital camera and have been modified in a personal computer with image processing software.

Technique and outcome are shown with two case studies. One patient had a slight asymmetry of the upper lids after a bilateral anterior fat resection for dysthyroid exophthalmus. The second patient suffered from a considerable pseudoexotropia caused by retinopathy of prematurity. In both cases the probable result could be simulated photographically to an extent that decision making became rather easy.

Phototechnical simulation of surgical outcome may be useful to produce better information for some patients.