Temporary sutured tube-tarsorrhaphy: reversible eyelid closure technique

Temporary closure of the eyelids is frequently recommended for ocular surface disorders in which reepithelialization of the cornea is problematic, as well as for acute Bell's palsy. We describe an easily performed technique of temporary tarsorrhaphy using plastic tubes sutured externally to the upper and lower eyelids, with eyelid closure accomplished by tightening a loop of suture passed through the two tubes. Corneal epithelial defects in 11 of 13 patients in whom we used this technique resolved satisfactorily without complications. In the remaining two, the polypropylene sutures eroded through the eyelids between 5 and 6 weeks after surgery. The sutured tubes loosened and the loosened sutures had to be replaced. In one patient, the overly long end of a suture rotated between the apposed eyelids, inducing a corneal abrasion, but no permanent damage to the eye. We conclude that the sutured tube-tarsorrhaphy provides excellent short-term closure of the eyelids, while allowing simple, painless opening for examining the globe. The risks of inflammation and infection associated with previously described techniques are minimized.