OBJECTIVETo explore the effective methods for the correction of lower eyelid retraction at different degree.

METHODS258 patients with lower eyelid retraction were treated in our department since 1999. The lower eyelid retraction could be divided into mild, moderate and severe degree. The lateral canthal anchoring (n = 150), Hamra's lower eyelid blepharoplasty (n = 80) and translid cheek lifting (n = 28) were adopted according to the severity. The therapeutic effect for different degree of lower eyelid retraction was compared.

RESULTS98 patients were followed up for 3-12 months, including 51 patients of mild degree, 29 patients of moderate degree, and 18 patients of severe degree. The retraction were corrected completely in 91 patients. The lower eyelid was repositioned to the level of inferior limbus without inferior scleral show when eyes opened. The palpebral fissure could close completely. The blunt lateral canthus turned to be acute and the scar was inconspicious. The retraction was improved, but not corrected completely in 3 patients of moderate degree and 4 patients of severe degree. The complications included petechiae, chemosis, and so on.

CONCLUSIONSThe lower eyelid retraction can be corrected effectively if the appropriate techniques are performed according to the degree of retraction.