Changes in Tear Meniscus Height Following Lower Blepharoplasty as Measured by Optical Coherence Tomography

The lower eyelid serves important roles in tear distribution and drainage. The purpose of this study was to measure the tear meniscus height (TMH) with anterior segment optical coherence tomography after lower blepharoplasty.

A total of 52 eyes from 26 patients treated between July 2012 and June 2015 were included in the study. A transcutaneous or transconjunctival approach was performed, depending on whether (1) the supportive lower lid orbicularis oculi muscle was tightened, (2) the middle lamella was elongated, (3) minimal fat was removed or transpositioned, and (4) lateral canthal support was established. Marginal reflex distance 2 and marginal nose distance were analyzed with Image J software. TMH was measured with anterior segment optical coherence tomography. A paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used for statistical comparisons.

Marginal reflex distance 2 decreased and marginal nose distance increased with both surgical techniques. TMH decreased from 337.3 ± 117.9 to 289.3 ± 69.1 μm (p = 0.024) in patients who had transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty, but increased from 186.5 ± 35.5 to 274.8 ± 58.3 μm (p = 0.000) in patients who had transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty. Medial and lateral TMHs decreased significantly from 228.8 ± 80.7 to 152.7 ± 42.1 μm (p = 0.008) in patients with transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty. TMH was significantly restored after lower blepharoplasty with either approach.

Enhancing the lower eyelid position combined with orbicularis muscle tightening and lateral canthal support can normalize the TMH following lower eyelid blepharoplasty.