Tape Tarsorrhaphy in the Management of Lagophthalmos Caused by Severe Congenital Blepharoptosis Procedures

Abstract

Background Lagophthalmos, a common complication after blepharoptosis correction, has plagued oculoplastic surgeons. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of tape eyelid closure on reducing the occurrence of lagophthalmos after blepharoptosis correction. Methods From April 2020 to June 2021, a total of 112 patients with severe congenital ptosis received corrective surgery at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University. Of these, 48 underwent frontalis muscle advancement technique and 64 underwent conjoint fascial sheath suspension. Preoperative data collected included demographics, levator function, Bell's phenomenon, and marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD1). Postoperative data included surgery type, MRD1, eyelid closure function, aesthetic outcomes (including eyelid contour, eyelid symmetry, and eyelid crease), keratitis, and other complications. Results Frontalis muscle advancement technique group: the median of safe eye closure time was 7.3 months (positive Bell's phenomenon; interquartile range [IQR], 3.8–10.8 months) and 13.9 months (poor Bell's phenomenon; IQR, 11.6–16.1 months). There was a significant improvement between the preoperative and postoperative MRD1 (−1.52 ± 0.82 vs 3.85 ± 0.58 mm, P < 0.05). Conjoint fascial sheath suspension group: the median of safe eye closure time was 5.7 months (positive Bell's phenomenon; IQR, 2.9–8.5 months) and 12.4 months (poor Bell's phenomenon; IQR, 8.1–16.7 months). There was a significant improvement between the preoperative and postoperative MRD1 (−1.02 ± 0.91 vs 4.15 ± 1.03 mm, P < 0.05). All patients/guardians were satisfied with the aesthetic outcomes. Conclusions Tape tarsorrhaphy is a safe, easy-to-learn method for treating lagophthalmos with a good aesthetic outcome.