Abstract Listings 2024

Purpose

Lower lid blepharoplasties a frequently performed oculoplastic procedures utilised in the treatment of a variety of lower lid conditions. The surgery involves abutting the orbicularis oculi and there is potential for disruption of the muscle, its nervous or vascular supply in this surgery. As of yet, the effect of the surgery on the function of orbicularis oculi has not been investigated. We aim to identify and describe any changes in function to orbicularis oculi following lower lid blepharoplasty.

Methods

This is a single-centre, prospective, interventional study. Video was recorded of three spontaneous blinks immediately prior to their blepharoplasty, at one week follow-up and at six weeks follow-up. Footage was analysed to assess lower lid horizontal, vertical and total movement by tracking a fixed point on the lower lid margin. This study was registered as an audit in the clinic it was conducted in.

Results

19 patients were recruited and included in the study with 34 eyes undergoing pre-procedure assessment, 28 undergoing the one-week post-operative visit and 7 having a six-week review. Mean horizontal, vertical and total distanced moved by the lower lid during the spontaneous blink were all significantly reduced at 1-week post-op (p=0.01, p=0.02 and p=0.01 respectively). At 6 weeks post-op, eyelid movement had recovered and no significant difference in distance travelled by the lower lid was identified in any direction (horizontal: p=0.38, vertical: p=0.15, total: p=0.94).

Conclusion

Despite an initial reduction in orbicularis action on the lower lid, the lower lid blepharoplasty does not significantly affect function in the medium term. Lower lid blepharoplasties can be undertaken without concern over permanently affecting the spontaneous blink.

Additional Authors

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