Medial canthoplasty for the management of exposure keratopathy

To report the surgical technique and functional outcomes of the medial canthoplasty for the treatment of exposure keratopathy.

An IRB approved, retrospective review of patients who underwent medial canthoplasty for exposure keratopathy was performed. Patient demographics, reported symptoms, and clinical examination findings were collected and analyzed from pre-operative and follow-up visits.

The study included 73 consecutive cases in which the medial canthoplasty was performed in patients with exposure keratopathy. The average follow-up period was 7.9 months (median: 4.7 months; range: 1-150 months). Complete or partial improvement in ocular symptoms (dryness; pain/irritation; tearing) was achieved in 95% (69/73). Clinically, 85% (41/48) of patients demonstrated a post-operative reduction in lagophthalmos and 90% (60/67) showed improvement in ocular surface findings. Complications were rare (1/73) and reversal of medial canthoplasty was not required in any case.

The medial canthoplasty appears to be a safe and effective technique to narrow the palpebral fissure, provide lower eyelid support, and improve keratopathy. It is an uncomplicated procedure that may be considered for the treatment of exposure keratopathy caused by facial paralysis and lower eyelid malposition.