Is It Worth Using Botulinum Toxin Injections for the Management of Mild to Moderate Blepharoptosis?

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Aesthetic Medicine

Background:

• Mild ptosis, particularly unilateral, presents aesthetic concerns for patients.
• Surgical correction is not always desired by patients with mild ptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To objectively evaluate the efficacy of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT-A) injections into the orbicularis oculi muscle for managing blepharoptosis.
• To assess the impact of BoNT-A on eyelid margin position and patient-reported outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving 8 patients with mild to moderate ptosis.
• BoNT-A was injected into the pretarsal orbicularis oculi muscle.
• Objective analysis using standardized photography and digital image software (Image J) to measure margin reflex distance-1 (MRD-1).

Main Results:

• Significant MRD-1 increase on the treated side (P=0.003) and reduction on the contralateral side at week 2.
• Subjective improvement reported by 87.5% of patients.
• Effects diminished by week 24, with no significant difference from baseline.

Conclusions:

• Botulinum toxin injection into the orbicularis oculi muscle is a viable temporary management option for ptosis in non-surgical candidates.
• This treatment can also address ptosis secondary to botulinum toxin diffusion.