Background: Eyelids vary in morphology and structure depending on age, sex, and race. Usually, one-dimensional measurements are used to evaluate blepharoplasty outcomes. However, in recent years, three- or four- directional enlargements of the eyelid have been used for blepharoplasty in Asian patients, and the outcomes of techniques such as lateral canthoplasty or canthotomy and medial epicanthoplasty with increased scleral area cannot be analyzed using marginal reflex distance 1 or the area of corneal exposure. Therefore, we describe the use of a measurement method based on the eyeball exposure area (EEA). Methods: To obtain normal EEA values by age and sex, 320 individuals were recruited. The participants were divided into eight age groups (n=40 in each group: female subjects, n=20; male subjects, n=20): 10–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, and 80–89 years. The EEA value was obtained by dividing the exposed area by the total eyeball area. The normal EEA values and differences in EEA according to age and sex were calculated. Results: The mean EEA values for male and female subjects were 66.86% ±9.20% and 71.48%±10.48%, respectively. In each age group, the EEA values of females were higher than those of males. EEA decreased significantly with age in both male and female subjects (P<0.05). Conclusions We determined normal EEA values according to age and sex. EEA can be used as an indicator of the outcome of blepharoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Blepharoptosis is the drooping of the margin of the upper eyelid, which narrows the palpebral fissure and makes it difficult to open the eye. Various surgical methods are used to correct blepharoptosis and have been investigated in different studies. After surgery, blepharoptosis can relapse over time, which affects a patient’s satisfaction with the operation. However, few studies have investigated the long-term outcomes of patients after blepharoptosis surgery. METHODS: From 1991 to 2013, 325 patients (480 eyelids) underwent frontalis muscle transfer or Müller-aponeurosis composite flap advancement in our clinic. We analyzed 12 patients (13 eyelids) with severe ptosis who had been followed-up for more than 5 years. Six patients underwent frontalis muscle transfer for the correction of seven eyelids, while Müller-aponeurosis composite flap advancement was performed on six patients (six eyelids). The marginal reflex distance (MRD1), area of corneal exposure (ACE), and height of the eyebrow were used to analyze the objective outcomes, and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory questionnaire was used for the analysis of subjective patient satisfaction. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the MRD1, ACE, and eyebrow height between the two methods used to correct ptosis. However, over the long-term (>5 years), the MRD1, ACE, and eyebrow height were better maintained in patients who underwent Müller-aponeurosis composite flap advancement than in patients who received frontalis muscle transfer. CONCLUSIONS: Both surgeries were effective for blepharoptosis correction. However, Müller-aponeurosis composite flap advancement was better for long-term maintenance after surgery than frontalis muscle transfer.
Blepharoplasty ; Blepharoptosis ; Eyebrows ; Eyelids ; Humans ; Patient Satisfaction ; Recurrence ; Reflex