The Relationship Between Blepharoplasty Techniques, Blinking Dynamics, and Dry Eye
Author: TUBA GULTEKIN EROL
Base Hospital / Institution: Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit Universıty
ePoster presentation
Abstract ID: 25-228
Purpose
This study was undertaken to characterize the effects of upper eyelid blepharoplasty with or without orbicularis oculi excision and combined lower eyelid blepharoplasty on blink dynamics and to evaluate the hypothesis that changes in blink dynamics following blepharoplasty are associated with postoperative dry eye.
Methods
The upper eyelid blepharoplasty group with orbicularis oculi muscle excision (Group M), the upper eyelid blepharoplasty group with skin-only excision (Group S), and the combined upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty group with orbicularis oculi excision (Group UL) were evaluated preoperatively and at postoperative follow-ups at the 1st week, 1st month, 3rd month, and 6th month. At each visit, dry eye parameters including the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, Schirmer I test, Non-Invasive Tear Break-Up Time (NITBUT), and Meibomian gland loss were assessed.For the analysis of blinking parameters, patients’ spontaneous blinking in a neutral position was recorded for one minute using a high-speed camera. These videos were analyzed using the Kinovea program to determine the number of blinks, complete blink count, average closing duration(ACD), average opening duration(AOD), peak closing velocity(PCV), peak opening velocity(POV), average closing velocity(ACV), and average opening velocity(AOV).
Results
A total of 31 patients (24 eyes in Group M, 18 eyes in Group S, and 20 eyes in Group UL) were included. There were no significant differences among the groups in objective dry eye parameters such as Schirmer test (p>0.05), tear film stability (p>0.05), or Meibomian gland loss (p>0.05). However, OSDI scores significantly improved in Group M compared to Group S at the first week (p<0.001) and sixth month (p=0.003), and compared to Group L at the sixth month (p=0.038).Regarding blink dynamics, Group M demonstrated a significant decrease in blink frequency compared to Group S and Group L (p0.05). No major postoperative complications were observed.
Conclusion
Using high-speed videographic technology, we objectively evaluated eyelid dynamics following different blepharoplasty techniques. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty with orbicularis oculi muscle excision resulted in a reduction in blink frequency compared to skin-only excision. Skin-only excision provided limited symptomatic improvement. Combined upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty led to increase in eyelid opening time and decrease velocity, likely due to alterations in lower eyelid mechanics rather than muscle excision. Careful selection of surgical technique, especially in combined procedures, may help preserve optimal postoperative eyelid function.
Additional Authors
| First name | Last name | Base Hospital / Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Suat Hayri | Uğurbaş | Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University |
