Retractor lysis as prophylaxis for lower lid retraction following inferior rectus recession.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Lower lid retractor lysis is a simple, safe, and effective procedure to prevent the lower lid retraction associated with inferior rectus recession.
Kim
DooHo B
DB
Department of Ophthalmology/Lions Eye Institute, Albany Medical College, New York 12208, USA.
Meyer
Dale R
DR
Simon
John W
JW
D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005143:Eyelids / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009801:Oculomotor Muscles / Q000601:surgery*; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D013285:Strabismus / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome