Modified tarsal resection operation for congenital ptosis with fair levator function

There are many options for surgical repair of congenital ptosis with fair levator function. The authors review their 10-year experience with an en bloc resection of tarsus, Müller muscle, and conjunctiva in conjunction with graded levator aponeurosis advancement (a variation of the tarsectomy operation).

This is a retrospective case series that reviews all cases of ptosis repair performed at West Virginia University from 1994 to 2004 using the "modified tarsal resection method." Thirty patients with congenital ptosis and fair levator function were identified. Follow-up ranged from 6 weeks to 8 years. Charts were reviewed for type of ptosis, pre- and postoperative upper eyelid margin to reflex distance, degree of levator function, amount of operative tarsus and Müller muscle resection, postoperative eyelid symmetry, and postoperative complications.

In patients with congenital ptosis and fair levator function, the average preoperative upper eyelid margin to reflex distance was 0.0 mm and the average postoperative upper eyelid margin to reflex distance was 2.8 mm. Twenty-five of 30 (83%) patients were deemed to have a "good" surgical outcome. The amount of tarsus-Müller muscle resection reliably predicts the amount of eyelid elevation. The only complications to date have been transient lagophthalmos with exposure keratitis.

In the authors' hands, an en bloc resection of tarsus, Müller muscle, and conjunctiva combined with levator aponeurosis advancement reliably produces excellent results in the treatment of fair levator function congenital ptosis, superior to their previous experience with isolated maximal levator aponeurosis advancement.