Lifting and Supporting Method of Lower Eyelid Edge by a Bridge-like Thread Spacer

Introduction

 

Because of certain diseases of the periorbital region, there are possible the manifestations of retraction of the lower eyelid edge, its distancing from the eyeball, hypotension, lagophthalmus and ectropion. In these cases, such operations as canthopexy and canthoplasty, transplantation of cartilage or tendons, and also the eyelid edge lifting by plastic spacers, are usually applied.

Operations on the lateral canthus and with transplanted tendons are not always predictable, existing plastic and cartilaginous constructions are cumbersome, often contoured and do not give desired aesthetic results. And in respect of this, we were tasked to develop a more delicate and effective intervention method that could be.

 

Materials and methods

In 2015, we developed and created a device (spacer) made of prolene thread 2/0, of the bridge-like form, and which is strengthened by several nodular sutures to the costal cartilage of the edge of the upper eyelid and the periosteum of the arcus marginalis, below. Spacer is elastic, light and do a delicate, stable lifting of the edge of the lower eyelid on all along. Production of such spacers is usually done on manufacturing sites, but also it can be manufactured in a clinic space.

 

Results

The application of the proposed method is quite effective: the edge of the lower eyelid strengthens, rises cranially to the required level, its sagging and scleral lumen is eliminated.

 

Conclusion

The 2-year experience of using of the bridge-like thread spacers in 22 patients showed that this technique is quite effective to obtain desired aesthetic and therapeutic results. In some cases, it can quite effectively replace the classical methods.