title: Repair of upper eyelid retraction: a comparison between adjustable and non-adjustable sutures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The challenge with the surgical repair of upper eyelid retraction is to obtain a more predictable and satisfactory postoperative eyelid contour and height, and to minimise the need for further surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients treated surgically for eyelid retraction at Moorfields Eye Hospital over a 13 year period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In this study good postoperative results were obtained in 10 of 13 (77%) eyelids using adjustable sutures, compared with 56 of 148 (38%) eyelids using non-adjustable sutures (p < 0.01). With non-adjustable sutures, good results were achieved more often for non-thyroid compared with thyroid related eyelid retraction (26/55 versus 31/93 eyelids respectively, p < 0.05). Previous eyelid surgery did not affect outcome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We recommend the use of adjustable sutures for the repair of upper eyelid retraction, particularly in patients with thyroid disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Tucker
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Collin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D005143:Eyelids / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000150:complications; D016896:Treatment Outcome