Current ptosis management: a national survey of ASOPRS members

To assess current practice patterns for management of ptosis by current ASOPRS members.

An invitation to participate in a web-based, anonymous survey was sent to current members of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASOPRS) via e-mail. The survey consisted of 4 sections: preoperative testing of ptosis patients, surgical preferences, dry eye evaluation in ptosis patients, and length of postfellowship practice. Responses were analyzed using standard statistical methods.

Fifty percent of ASOPRS members performed more than 100 ptosis procedures in the past year. Most ASOPRS members performed preoperative photography, automated perimetry testing, and phenylephrine testing in evaluation of ptosis patients. A slight majority of ASOPRS members did not use preoperative Schirmer testing as the primary screening tool for dry eye disease. Most ASOPRS members performed internal levator aponeurosis advancement surgery, although most surgeons performing concurrent ptosis repair and blepharoplasty preferred an external approach. Frontalis sling surgery was performed using a wide variety of materials for suspension.

Current trends in the management and preoperative evaluation of blepharoptosis by ASOPRS members revealed a number of interesting common practices that are of value to current practitioners.