The Efficacy of Orbital Septal Flap in the Treatment of Moderate and Severe Upper Eyelid Retraction

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the long-term effectiveness of the orbital septal flap to lengthen the levator muscle in management of moderate and severe upper eyelid retraction. Methods: This study reports 46 eyes of 43 consecutive patients with moderate or severe upper eyelid retraction who were recommended for surgery. The period of the study was between October 2016 and October 2019. All cases were evaluated for eyelid position before and at 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation. Successful outcome was defined as “perfect,” “acceptable,” and “failure”. Results: The average age was 33.3 years (range, 16–59 years). The average orbital septal flap height was 5.28 ± 0.77mm. Before surgery, 78.3% had 1 of 3 central upper eyelid retraction (group 1), and 21.7% had 1 of 3 lateral upper eyelid retraction (group 2). During follow-up postoperatively, all eyelid parameters of upper marginal reflex distance, upper scleral show, and palpebral fissure height significantly decreased compared with preoperative values in both groups. The result was considered “perfect” or “acceptable” in 42 eyes (91.3%). However, at 12 months after surgery, of the 36 middle eyelid retraction cases (group 1), 35 (97.2%) showed a successful outcome (perfect or acceptable results), while the success rate in group 2 was 70% (7 of 10 cases), a significant difference (p = 0.008). No severe complications were seen during follow up. Conclusions: Orbital septal flap is a safe and reliable procedure for management of upper eyelid retraction of moderate and severe degree.