AIM: To evaluate the host response of the gel and porous polyethylene implants in anophthalmic cavities using the B scan ultrasound.placement of gel or porous polyethylene spheres implants. The animals were submitted to clinical examination weekly and to ultrasound evaluation on 30, 60 and 90 days after surgery. Implant extrusion probably because the gel spheres have hydrated and increased in volume. The B ultrasound of the gel polyethylene implant did not show vessels inside during the following period. Five animals (27.8%) with porous polyethylene spheres presented implant extrusion after 30 days of surgery. According to B ultrasound, the porous polyethylene implant showed irregular and heterogeneous architecture and reflective peaks similar to vascularized tissues. Gel polyethylene implant necessary to correct the diminished orbital content in the anophthalmic cavity. The B ultrasound effectiveness showed in this study for anophthalmic socket implants evaluation provided useful information for further in vivo studies and might substitute expensive methods of implants vascularization evaluation.

BACKGROUND: To present the outcomes of the tarsal switch procedure using an anterior approach to correct severe ptosis with poor levator muscle function ( < 4 mm) with absent or poor Bell’s phenomenon. METHODS: This retrospective case series included 11 patients with severe neurogenic or acquired myogenic palpebral ptosis. All patients underwent the tarsal switch procedure through an anterior approach from 2012 to 2015. Margin reflex distance (MRD1 and MRD2) and the palpebral fissure were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. Data were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. P-values < 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: Surgery was performed on 18 eyelids (11 patients). The median age at surgery was 57 years (range, 29-86 years). Four patients had unilateral ptosis and seven had bilateral ptosis. Nine patients had myogenic ptosis and two had neurogenic ptosis. Postoperatively, the chin-up position improved in all patients. The MRD1 increased statistically significantly, from 0 mm preoperatively to 1.0 mm postoperatively (P=0.001). The MRD2 decreased statistically significantly, from 4.5 mm preoperatively to 3.0 mm postoperatively (P=0.001). The palpebral fissure did not change (4.0 mm preoperatively to 4.0 mm postoperatively) (P=0.13). CONCLUSIONS: The tarsal switch procedure through an anterior approach is an effective alternative for correcting severe ptosis, especially neurogenic or acquired myogenic ptosis. This procedure can be performed with minimal risk of ocular surface exposure and provides stable outcomes.
Blepharoptosis ; Eyelids ; Humans ; Reflex ; Retrospective Studies ; Transplantation