Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of modified combined fascia sheath and levator muscle complex suspension to correct severe congenital ptosis in pediatrics and the effect on refractive status. METHODS: This prospective, case series study enrolled patients (aged ≤18 years) with simple severe congenital ptosis at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center. All patients were treated with combined fascia sheath + levator muscle suspension and followed up for 3 months. Preoperative and postoperative cycloplegic refraction and the best-corrected visual acuity were performed. The types of astigmatism include with-the-rule, against-the-rule, and oblique. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients (50 eyes) were enrolled. The mean age was 7.11 ± 3.72 years. The surgery success rate was 90.0%. Following surgery, the eyelid contour of all eyes exhibited natural symmetry and satisfactory curvature. The eyelid height difference in OUs was ≤1 mm for 42 eyes. For 47 eyes, the eyelid crease was symmetry. Two eyes had conjunctival prolapse, and 1 eye developed trichiasis. After surgery, cylinder power changed from mean -1.14 ± 1.27 D to -1.54 ± 1.25 D ( p < 0.001) and best-corrected visual acuity improved from mean 0.205 ± 0.217 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution to 0.168 ± 0.176 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution ( p = 0.048). The quantities of with-the-rule increased from 35 eyes to 41 eyes, oblique from 4 eyes to 6 eyes, while against-the-rule decreased from 11 eyes to 3 eyes ( p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Combined fascia sheath + levator muscle suspension under general anesthesia is effective and safe for severe congenital ptosis in pediatrics. However, astigmatism increased and the types of astigmatism changed after surgery.