Modified treatment of distichiasis with direct tarsal strip excision without mucosal graft

To describe a new modified technique of direct tarsal excision for treatment of distichiasis.

Retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent direct tarsal excision without grafting to treat distichiasis between December 2007 and November 2015. Gender, number of eyelids treated, follow-up time, and surgical outcome were recorded. The technique involved dividing the anterior and posterior lamella and excising a two mm tarsoconjunctival strip including the abnormal lash follicles, without suturing or mucosal graft.

Seventeen eyelids of 12 patients (Fourteen upper eyelids and 3 lower eyelids) were studied. Sixteen eyelids had acquired distichiasis and one eyelid had congenital distichiasis. Mean age was 64.8 (SD 22.0; range, 25-86 years) Mean postoperative follow-up time was 53 months (SD = 31, range 8 - 104 months). During this period, no recurrence was documented. There were no complications.

Direct tarsal excision without a graft is a safe, quick, and effective method for the treatment of distichiasis.