Fornix deepening reconstruction in conjunctivochalasis surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Ocular Surface Disease
• Surgical Reconstruction

Background:

• Conjunctivochalasis (CCh) is characterized by redundant conjunctiva, potentially leading to inferior fornix shortening.
• Shortened fornix may compromise the tear reservoir, impacting ocular surface health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify inferior fornix shortening in patients with CCh.
• To evaluate the efficacy of fornix deepening reconstruction in restoring the tear reservoir and improving CCh symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 7 eyes from 5 CCh patients undergoing fornix deepening reconstruction with conjunctival recession and amniotic membrane transplantation.
• Assessed changes in fornix depth, basal tear volumes, patient symptoms, corneal staining, and conjunctival inflammation post-surgery.

Main Results:

• Fornix depth increased significantly (2.0 ± 1.1 mm) 5.3 months post-surgery (P=0.02).
• 91.5% of patients reported symptomatic relief, notably blurred vision (P=0.03).
• Superficial punctate keratitis and conjunctival inflammation showed significant improvement (P=0.008 and P=0.05, respectively).

Conclusions:

• Deepening the fornix is a crucial surgical goal for CCh management.
• Restoring the tear reservoir through fornix deepening can stabilize the tear film and enhance patient outcomes.
• This surgical technique effectively addresses CCh-related ocular surface issues.