[Correction of non-traumatic retraction of a unilateral upper eyelid]

Six patients with retracted unilateral upper eyelid were operated on by cutting the levator and Muller's muscles under local anesthesia. 1% lidocaine was infiltrated into the eyelid and the tissues superficial to the orbicularis oculi muscle. It is important that the infiltration should not enter the deep layer of the muscles to avoid paralysis of the superioris levator palpebra muscle. Incision is made on the upper eyelid about 6mm above the lid margin. The cutting of the levator and Muller's muscles should be limited to the central portion and leave a strip of muscles intact on both sides. The extent of cutting is decided by adequate correction of lid retraction. With the opposite palpebral fissure as a guide the cutting is extended bilaterally until overcorrection by 1 mm is reached. Adequacy of correction is obtained when the patients can open and close the eyelid. The results in these 6 cases were satisfactory and deformities were corrected.