Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of a procedure that addresses both the lower eyelid retractors and the lateral canthus in the treatment of patients with lower eyelid retraction.
Methods: Through a combined lateral canthotomy and full-length transconjunctival incision, the lower eyelid retractors were disinserted across the horizontal length of the eyelid, recessed to the inferior fornix, and excised. A lateral canthopexy elevated the mobilized eyelid, and horizontal length disparity was corrected.
Results: Forty lower eyelid operations in 23 patients yielded good results; all patients attained significant improvement in both eyelid position and function. No reoperations were required during a mean follow-up period of 28 months.
Conclusion: Although not ideal for severe cases requiring posterior lamellar spacers or anterior lamellar (skin) grafts, this union of techniques successfully treats many types of lower eyelid retraction.