The use of sclera in the treatment of dysthyroid eyelid retraction.

The use of sclera for correcting dysthyroid lid retraction is described. Forty-three procedures on 14 patients are reviewed. Of these 43 procedures, 18 were for upper eyelid retraction, and 25 were for lower eyelid retraction. A tapered graft, larger temporally, was used for the upper eyelid. An eliptical graft of uniform vertical height was used for lower eyelid. Moderately predictable results were obtained; 66% of patients were corrected to within 1 mm of desired positions after the first operative procedure. Only 13% of patients required additional surgery. When secondary procedures were required, the eyelids were corrected to the desired location. Complications were minimal. Sclera proved to be an excellent graft material for dysthyroid eyelid retraction.