Levator function in blepharoptosis surgery

To investigate the predictive value of levator function in the outcomes of surgeries using the anterior levator resection technique in patients with aponeurotic blepharoptosis.

A retrospective analysis of 69 eyes of 65 patients who underwent anterior levator resection between 2005 and 2011 in the ophthalmology department of a tertiary care center was performed. Levator function was assessed as perfect (10 to 15 mm; group 1), good (9 to 10 mm; group 2), and moderate (5 to 8 mm; group 3). Postoperative success rates were analyzed with respect to preoperative levator function.

The patient group consisted of 36 females (55.4%) and 29 males (44.6%) with a mean age of 57.2 (range: 16 to 71) years and average duration of follow-up of 13.7 (range: 6 to 36) months. The rates of success in the first, second, and third groups were 84.6%, 84%, and 71%, respectively. The success rate was found to be significantly lower in the third group (p < 0.05). The overall success rate, which was 78.3%, improved to 87% after revision surgery.

In patients with aponeurotic blepharoptosis with relatively better preoperative levator function, the anterior levator resection technique seems to yield more successful surgical outcomes. Preoperative assessment of levator function may help in the selection of appropriate treatment modality in these patients.