The tarsectomy operation of A.P.L. Gillet de Grandmont (1837-1894) and its periodic rediscovery

During the past two centuries, several methods of ptosis repair have been described and refined, but each method has typically been subject to cycles of popularity, neglect and reincarnation. Repair of ptosis through partial resection of the tarsus is one such example. Although Sir William Bowman included tarsectomy with his historic levator resections, the French ophthalmologist, A.P.L. Gillet de Grandmont was the first to specifically emphasize resection of tarsus for the correction of ptosis. Yet contemporary advocates of tarsectomy for ptosis repair have generally failed to recognize Gillet de Grandmont's contribution and his role in the history of ptosis surgery. For this reason, a review of this subject is presented.