Global perspectives on postoperative eye patching among oculofacial plastic surgeons

The study aimed to evaluate international practice patterns among oculofacial plastic surgeons regarding postoperative patching, given evolving evidence and uncertainties surrounding benefits and risks.

A web-based survey was distributed to members of nine oculoplastic societies worldwide. The survey included thirty-eight questions about postoperative patching practices for oculofacial procedures. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess practice patterns and identify demographic factors associated with patching decisions.

A total of 519 surgeons completed the survey. Patching practices varied substantially by procedure: 29.1% routinely patched after eyelid surgery, 51.1% after orbital surgery, 23.9% after lacrimal surgery, and 80.3% after skin graft surgery. Logistic regression showed that surgeons practicing outside the United States were more likely to patch for eyelid (Odds Ratio (OR) = 5.00, p < 0.001), orbital (OR = 2.94, p < 0.001), and lacrimal (OR = 1.96, p = 0.02) surgeries. Surgeons aged ≥ 40 years were less likely to patch in eyelid (OR = 0.64, p = 0.04) and lacrimal (OR = 0.51, p = 0.002) surgeries.

Postoperative patching practices among oculofacial plastic surgeons show significant variation, influenced by geographic location, surgeon age, and procedure focus. These findings highlight the need for further research to evaluate the impact of these practices on surgical outcomes and to develop consensus guidelines that optimize patient care.