Short-term changes in tear volume after blepharoptosis repair.

PURPOSE: The aim was to evaluate tear volume change by using videomeniscometry before and after blepharoptosis surgery.

METHODS

Fifty-nine eyes of 36 patients with blepharoptosis without lacrimal duct obstruction or other eyelid diseases were examined. All the patients underwent levator advancement, and the tear volume was evaluated preoperatively and 1.5 months postoperatively. The margin reflex distance-1 was determined from photographs, and the tear volume was determined by the measurement of tear meniscus radius using videomeniscometry.

RESULTS

The mean margin reflex distance-1 was significantly increased after performing a blepharoptosis surgery (0.13 ± 1.13 mm preoperatively vs. 3.18 ± 0.85 mm postoperatively, P < 0.001). The average tear meniscus radius was significantly decreased (0.31 ± 0.16 mm preoperatively vs. 0.23 ± 0.08 mm postoperatively, P < 0.001). A postoperative reduction in the tear meniscus radius was noted in 46 eyes (78%) of 31 patients, and no reduction was noted in 13 eyes (22%) of 12 patients. Preoperative higher tear meniscus radius values were more likely to be decreased (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The tear volume was decreased after the blepharoptosis surgery was performed, especially for an initially high tear volume.