Comprehensive, combined anterior and transcaruncular orbital approach to medial canthal ligament plication.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of a comprehensive technique for correction of severe punctal and medial lower eyelid ectropion and lower eyelid retraction associated with medial canthal ligament (MCL) laxity.

METHODS

A comprehensive technique that plicates the anterior and posterior crura of the MCL was performed on 8 eyelids of 6 patients with punctal ectropion and MCL laxity. Preoperative and postoperative symptoms, punctal ectropion, medial lower eyelid ectropion, lower eyelid retraction, lagophthalmos, and exposure keratopathy were evaluated.

RESULTS

At an average of 13 months (range, 8-17 months), preoperative symptoms of epiphora and discomfort improved or resolved in all eyes. Punctal ectropion improved in all eyes and completely resolved in 75% of eyes. Medial lower eyelid ectropion was corrected in all eyes, when present. Lower eyelid retraction, lagophthalmos, and exposure keratopathy improved in all eyes. In 1 case, edema of the caruncle and semilunar fold persisted for 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined anterior and transcaruncular MCL plication is an effective and safe procedure for addressing severe punctal and medial lower eyelid ectropion that accompanies MCL laxity and is difficult to correct by other methods. This procedure provides stable, 3-dimensional support to the medial lower eyelid and punctum.