Eyelid kinematics following blepharoplasty.
OBJECTIVE
This study characterizes the effects of blepharoplasty on blink dynamics in subjects with dermatochalasis. The authors evaluate the hypothesis that orbicularis oculi removal and the consequent alterations in blink are potentially harmful consequences of blepharoplasty.


METHODS
Sixteen patients were studied, before and after laser blepharoplasty, by a modified scleral search coil technique. Changes in lid position during blinks were recorded before surgery as well as 2 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Off-line analyses assessed blink down-phase amplitude, peak velocity, duration, and main sequence (peak velocity versus amplitude) relationships.


RESULTS
Despite muscle resection, there was no significant compromise of mean blink down-phase amplitude, peak velocity, or main sequence following blepharoplasty. Mean blink duration was likewise unchanged at either follow-up session from the preoperative state. Our data show that upper lid blepharoplasty does not cause any lasting decrement in lid function in blinking.


CONCLUSIONS
Blepharoplasty includes resection of a portion of the orbicularis oculi. It appears unlikely that the purposeful resection of preseptal portion of the orbicularis oculi that accompanies blepharoplasty is responsible for any functional complications such as dry eye.
Abell
K M
KM
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Kentucky Medical Center Lexington 40536-0284, USA.
Cowen
D E
DE
Baker
R S
RS
Porter
J D
JD
D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D019882:Blepharoplasty; D001767:Blinking / Q000502:physiology*; D003483:Cutis Laxa / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005143:Eyelids / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged