Floppy eyelid syndrome. Management including surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Oculoplastics

Background:

• Floppy eyelid syndrome (FES) is a condition characterized by a lax upper eyelid, often associated with obesity.
• While commonly seen in men, FES can affect women, with this report detailing the first female case.

Observation:

• Six overweight patients, including five males and one female, presented with floppy eyelid syndrome.
• Five patients exhibited bilateral ocular involvement, and only two were free from concurrent ocular surface diseases.
• Associated conditions included blepharitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, lagophthalmos, and others.

Findings:

• Conservative management, including eye shielding during sleep, proved effective for five patients.
• Surgical intervention, specifically horizontal lid tightening, provided permanent correction for three patients.
• Therapeutic success was linked to addressing both the eyelid laxity and associated ocular surface problems.

Implications:

• Obesity is a significant risk factor for floppy eyelid syndrome, necessitating awareness among clinicians.
• A multimodal treatment approach, combining conservative and surgical methods, is crucial for managing FES.
• Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent further ocular complications and improve patient quality of life.