Comparison of clinical outcomes of conjunctivo-mullerectomy for varying degrees of ptosis

Abstract

To compare the success of conjunctivo-mullerectomy in patients with varying degrees of ptosis and identify factors affecting outcomes and complications. The prospective cohort was studied in patients with ptosis undergoing conjunctivo-mullerectomy with or without tarsectomy were enrolled. Ptosis was classified as mild, moderate, and severe per margin-to-reflex distance 1 (MRD1). Postoperative MRD1, complications, and 3-month success rates were evaluated. The study enrolled 258 ptotic eyes of 159 patients. Most eyes (233; 90.3%) achieved surgical success, 14 (5.4%) were overcorrected, and 11 (4.3%) were undercorrected. The success rates for mild, moderate, and severe ptosis were 96.6%, 91.7%, and 83.5%, respectively. The mild and moderate ptosis groups had a nonsignificant difference in success (− 4.9%; 95% CI − 12.0% to 4.5%; P = 0.36). However, the mild and severe ptosis groups’ rates significantly differed (− 13.1%; 95% CI − 23.6% to − 1.9%; P = 0.03). For all 3 ptosis groups, the success rates of individuals undergoing surgery without tarsectomy did not significantly differ. Patients undergoing conjunctivo-mullerectomy with tarsectomy had an increased risk of unsuccessful surgery (OR 3.103; 95% CI 1.205–7.986; P = 0.019). In conclusions, Conjunctivo-mullerectomy is safe and effective for all ptosis severities. The success rate was significantly lower for severe ptosis than mild or moderate ptosis. Levator muscle function was not associated with unsuccessful outcomes, but tarsectomy was.