Refractive changes following congenital ptosis surgery

Mohamad Watad1, Moamen Masalha1, Tamara Wygnanski-Jaffe2

  • 1Gray Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.

Strabismus
|December 17, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Congenital ptosis surgery can cause significant refractive changes in pediatric patients. Regular eye exams are crucial after surgery to monitor vision and guide treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Refractive Error

Background:

  • Congenital ptosis, a drooping eyelid present from birth, can affect vision and appearance.
  • Surgically induced refractive change (SIRC) is a potential complication following ptosis correction.
  • Understanding SIRC is vital for optimizing surgical outcomes in pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the occurrence and magnitude of surgically induced refractive changes (SIRC) after congenital ptosis surgery.
  • To compare pre-operative and post-operative refractive parameters in pediatric patients undergoing ptosis correction.
  • To assess the impact of congenital ptosis surgery on visual acuity and refractive status.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of medical records from 24 pediatric patients (age < 18) who underwent congenital ptosis surgery.
  • Collected pre-operative and at least 3-month post-operative cycloplegic refraction data.
  • Analyzed surgically induced refractive change (SIRC) and marginal reflex distance-1 (MRD-1).

Main Results:

  • Congenital ptosis surgery led to significant refractive changes in the operated eyes of pediatric patients.
  • Most patients experienced over 0.5D change in sphere, cylinder, and spherical equivalent post-surgery.
  • Marginal reflex distance-1 (MRD-1) improved significantly from 1.04 mm to 2.36 mm post-operatively.

Conclusions:

  • Congenital ptosis surgery is associated with surgically induced refractive changes in a majority of pediatric patients.
  • Close monitoring with frequent cycloplegic refraction examinations is recommended post-surgery.
  • Determining optimal timing for ptosis surgery and subsequent visual management is essential.
Abstract