The Effect of Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty on Corneal Biomechanical Parameters.

Abstract

Purpose: to determine the effect of lower eyelid blepharoplasty (LEB) surgery on corneal biomechanical parameters before and four months after the procedure. Method: In this prospective longitudinal study, corneal biomechanical parameters measured by Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology (Corvis ST, CVS, Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Germany) device were evaluated before and four months after LEB surgery.

Results: The study included 19 eyelids of the right eyes of 19 patients who underwent LEB, with a mean age of 49.0 ± 10.1 (range, 37 to 72) years. Four months after the procedure, significant increases were observed in the first applanation (A1) time (P=.007), second applanation (A2) time (P<.001), HC time (P=0.004), intraocular pressure (IOP) (P=0.009), and biomechanical-compensated IOP (bIOP) (P=0.007). In addition, the absolute value of highest concavity (HC) dArc length (P=0.021) and stress-strain index (SSI) (P=0.037) showed a significant decrease after the LEB. Other corneal biomechanical parameters did not show significant differences following the LEB procedure (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The resection and repositioning of the fat pockets in lower eyelid blepharoplasty lead to biomechanical changes of the cornea in the direction of increasing corneal stiffness.