Management of ptosis in chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia

Patients with chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO) are often disabled by ptosis; however, conventional ptosis surgery may induce lagophthalmos and exposure keratitis. Ten patients with CPEO underwent ptosis correction via bilateral frontalis suspensions, using monofilament synthetic material. Three of these patients were also treated with lower eyelid horizontal tightening. The frontalis sling was adjusted to provide a firm linkage between the eyebrow and eyelid, but was loose enough to allow eyelid closure when the frontalis muscle is relaxed. All patients experienced lessening of ptosis and relief from visual obstruction. One patient required reoperation of one eyelid for undercorrection. No lagophthalmos or corneal complications occurred. The rationale for treatment, preoperative evaluation, and operative procedure in CPEO is discussed herein.