A case report on spontaneous return of levator function following postcataract blepharoptosis repair

Blepharoptosis is a recognized complication of cataract extraction and other ocular procedures. A 6-month waiting period is recommended before repairing postcataract ptosis because most cases resolve during this time. We report the course of a patient who developed spontaneous recovery of eyelid function 11 months after cataract surgery. She had previously undergone successful ptosis repair 8 months after cataract extraction, but developed overcorrection 3 months later as her levator function returned to normal. We recommend at least a 1-year waiting period before repair of postcataract ptosis. If corrective surgery is undertaken earlier than 1 year due to visual obstruction or for aesthetic reasons, we suggest two guidelines. The levator should be plicated rather than resected and patients should be forewarned of the possibility for a revisionary procedure if spontaneous return of levator function occurs.