Young oculoplastic surgeons: Are your ptosis repairs doing well? Don’t forget to look for topical prostaglandins, steroids, and contact lenses in the history.
Author: Carlos Francisco Vargas Lopez
Base Hospital / Institution: Hospital de Vilafranca
ePoster presentation
Abstract ID: 25-486
Purpose
To highlight that chronic use of topical prostaglandin analogues, corticosteroids, and contact lenses can influence the success of ptosis surgery.To raise awareness about the importance of identifying such treatments in the medical history, even if they were discontinued years before surgery.To recommend the need for further research into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these effects
Methods
In contemporary oculoplastic practice, it is not uncommon to operate on patients with a history of prolonged topical treatment, such as prostaglandin analogues for glaucoma, corticosteroids for inflammatory or ocular surface disease, and long-term contact lens wear. These factors should be taken into consideration when evaluating ptosis surgery outcomes—particularly those performed by junior oculoplastic surgeons early in their learning curve.
Results
In several recent cases, we observed that some patients did not achieve the expected improvement in MRD1 following ptosis repair. This suboptimal response may be explained by long-term use of topical agents such as prostaglandins and corticosteroids, as well as chronic contact lens wear. Alternatively, it may simply reflect the limited experience of novice oculoplastic surgeons.
Conclusion
A diagnostic overlap exists between biological changes induced by topical agents and outcomes affected by surgical inexperience. This complicates postoperative assessment and necessitates a comprehensive approach that considers tissue quality, medical history, and technical factors.
Surgeons should systematically assess prior use of prostaglandins, corticosteroids, and contact lenses when evaluating ptosis surgery candidates. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the role of these agents on eyelid biomechanics. Recognizing modifiable and non-modifiable patient factors will support more accurate interpretation of results, fairer evaluation of surgical skill, and improved patient management.
Additional Authors
| First name | Last name | Base Hospital / Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Cristian | Carranza | Hospital de Vilafranca |
