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Long-term tear volume changes after blepharoptosis surgery and blepharoplasty
Akihide Watanabe1, Dinesh Selva2, Hirohiko Kakizaki3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|November 27, 2014
Summary
Blepharoptosis surgery decreased tear volume, especially in patients with higher initial tear volume. Upper blepharoplasty did not significantly alter long-term tear volume.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oculoplastic Surgery
Background:
- Tear volume is crucial for ocular surface health.
- Surgical interventions around the eyelid can potentially impact tear production and drainage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess long-term tear volume changes after blepharoptosis surgery and upper blepharoplasty.
- To investigate the relationship between surgical outcomes and tear meniscus measurements.
Main Methods:
- Video meniscometry was used to measure tear meniscus radius (R) preoperatively and postoperatively (1.5, 3, 6 months).
- Margin reflex distance-1 (MRD-1) was measured before and after surgery.
- Patients underwent either blepharoptosis repair or upper blepharoplasty.
Main Results:
- Blepharoptosis surgery significantly increased MRD-1 and decreased tear volume (R), particularly in those with higher baseline R.
- Upper blepharoplasty initially decreased MRD-1 but returned to baseline by 6 months, with no significant change in tear volume.
- No correlation was found between MRD-1 changes and tear volume reduction after blepharoptosis surgery.
Conclusions:
- Blepharoptosis surgery leads to a long-term decrease in tear volume.
- Upper blepharoplasty does not significantly affect long-term tear volume.
- Initial tear volume may predict the extent of tear volume reduction after blepharoptosis surgery.
