Evaluation of the complex treatment for congenital blepharoptosis

To evaluate the results of treatment of congenital blepharoptosis (CBP) using selected surgical methods; and to evaluate concomitant visual system disorders.

Between 2001 and 2010, 52 children with CBP underwent surgical correction of CBP using the modified method of Mustarde, the original Mustarde method or frontal suspension at the Department of Plastic Surgery, Medical University of Lodz (Poland). Based on the results of ophthalmic and orthoptic examination, and standard measurements, postoperative differences in the position and symmetry of the upper eyelids, complications, and visual system abnormalities were analyzed.

Very good results were obtained in all patients with mild unilateral CBP. The results in patients with moderate and severe unilateral CBP, and in bilateral anomaly after correction using Mustarde's method or the modified Mustarde's method, were also very good. Complications included lagophthalmos (15.4%) and undercorrection (3.8%). Visual system disorders, mainly amblyopia, resulting from strabismus, astigmatism, anisometropia and CBP, were observed in 88.5% of patients.

Complex ophthalmic examination and measurements in individuals with CBP enable correct diagnosis, selection of appropriate treatment method and timing of surgical intervention. Postoperative results in patients with CBP supported the efficacy of the methods that shortened the levator palpebrae superioris. Supplementing with Mustarde's modified method contributed to an increase in the number of favourable postoperative results.