A retrospective study of tailored surgery based on the mechanical balance principle for involutional entropion in the lower eyelid

Abstract

Objective: Involutional entropion in the lower eyelid is one of the most common eyelid disorders of the elderly. Despite the effectiveness of the widely used surgical procedures, recurrence rates have failed to improve. In this retrospective study, we aimed to assess surgical plans, effectiveness and safety of tailored surgery based on the mechanical balance principal in treating involutional entropion in the lower eyelid. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 47 patients (54 eyelids) diagnosed with involutional entropion in the lower eyelid and receiving tailored surgical treatment based on mechanical balance principle from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2018 was carried out. Tailored surgical plans were developed according to the mechanical balance analysis of vertical, horizontal and sagittal directions. Results: All 54 eyelids with involutional entropion in the lower eyelid underwent advancement of the lower eyelid retractor (LER) through the conjunctiva. For patients with mild horizontal eyelid laxity, only LER advancement was performed. For moderate and severe horizontal eyelid laxities, combined horizontal reinforcement procedures were performed, including lateral canthopexy, lateral tarsal strip (LTS) surgery and wedge resection. The orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM) tightening or transposition was performed for OOM overriding. The follow-up time was 1 to 4 years, and there were no cases experiencing recurrence. Thus, the rates of effectiveness and recurrence were 100% and 0%, respectively. Conclusions: This is the first descriptive study on the tailored surgical strategies designed according to the mechanism of mechanical imbalance involved in involutional entropion. Tailored surgery based on the mechanical balance principle is safe and effective with low recurrence.