Effects of upper lid blepharoplasty on visual quality in patients with lash ptosis and dermatochalasis

Abstract

Aim: To assess the effects of upper lid blepharoplasty on visual quality.

Methods: Seventy-three eyelids of 39 patients were subjected to upper lid blepharoplasty. Pre- and post-operative contrast sensitivity, visual acuity, vertical palpebral aperture and the degree of lash ptosis were measured.

Results: The mean log contrast sensitivities under photopic (P=0.017) and scotopic conditions (P=0.009) were improved after surgery, and these differences were significant. The degree of lash ptosis was also decreased after blepharoplasty (P<0.001).

Conclusion: In our study, a significant increase in contrast sensitivity was found after surgery. These results suggest that upper lid blepharoplasty can be helpful for improving visual quality.

Keywords: blepharoplasty; contrast sensitivity; visual quality.

Figures

Figure 1. A 4-point LPR scale enumerates variations in the degree of lash ptosis

An LPR of 0 indicates no lash ptosis, while 1 indicates minimal, 2 indicates moderate, and 3 indicates significant lash ptosis.

Figure 2. Mean pre- and postoperative contrast sensitivity (under photopic conditions)

Significant increases in contrast sensitivity were found at spatial frequencies A and B at 1 post-operative month and at each spatial frequency at 3 postoperative months (A: From 1.43±0.28 log units to 1.64±0.21 log units; B: From 1.75±0.46 log units to 1.97±0.21 log units; C: From 1.45±0.31 log units to 1.70±0.23 log units; D: From 1.07±0.36 log units to 1.32±0.18 log units; Total: From 1.37±0.40 log units to 1.70±0.31 log units). aThe correlation is significant at P<0.05 (paired t-test); bA: 3 cpd; B: 6 cpd; C: 12 cpd; D: 18 cpd; Total: Sum of A-D cpd contrast sensitivity values.

Figure 3. Mean pre- and postoperative contrast sensitivity (under scotopic conditions)

A significant increase in contrast sensitivity was found at every spatial frequency at 3 postoperative months (A: From 1.45±0.26 log units to 1.70±0.21 log units; B: From 1.75±0.29 log units to 1.99±0.18 log units; C: From 1.46±0.33 log units to 1.77±0.18 log units; D: From 1.08±0.30 log units to 1.36±0.17 log units; Total: From 1.37±0.37 log units to 1.69±0.29 log units). aThe correlation is significant at P<0.05 (paired t-test). bA: 3 cpd; B: 6 cpd; C, 12 cpd; D, 18 cpd; Total: Sum of A-D cpd contrast sensitivity values.

Figure 4. Lash ptosis before and after upper eyelid blepharoplasty

A: Moderate LP (LPR 2); B: No LP (LPR 0)

Figure 5. The height of the palpebral aperture at the midpupil point before and after upper eyelid blepharoplasty

A: The height of the vertical palpebral aperture was decreased due to excessive redundant skin folds; B: After the redundant skin folds were removed, the height of the vertical palpebral aperture at the midpupil was increased.