BACKGROUND
Lower lid retraction is a frequent complication of inferior rectus recession, especially of larger amounts.
METHODS
With an incision through the palpebral conjunctiva, the lower lid retractors were lysed at the same anesthesia as inferior rectus recessions in a total of 20 patients (24 eyes). Included are 10 patients (12 eyes) described earlier and presented here with extended follow-up. Inferior rectus recessions ranged from 2 to 10 mm (mean, 4.2 mm).
RESULTS
No patient had clinically apparent lid retraction or subjective complaints of lid deformity. Results were stable for 1 to 89 months (mean, 24.8 months) of follow-up. Three patients developed symblepharon, but surgical repair was required in only 1 case.
CONCLUSION
Lower lid retractor lysis is a simple, safe, and effective procedure to prevent the lower lid retraction associated with inferior rectus recession.
Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus 2002;39:198-202.
AUTHORS
From the Department of Ophthalmology/Lions Eye Institute, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York.
Originally submitted July 31, 2001.
Accepted for publication October 17, 2001.
Reprint requests: John W. Simon, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Albany Medical College, 35 Hackett Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.
The authors have no industry relationships to disclose.
