[Comparative analysis of refractive and topographic changes after eyelid surgery].

Abstract

Background: There is largely a lack of clarity on the question of whether refraction or topography changes are to be expected after blepharoplasty, levator resection, or a lateral tarsal strip procedure.

Materials and methods: Therefore, in the present study, objective refraction, anterior eye segment tomography, and visual acuity tests were carried out pre- and postoperatively in 78 patients and then analyzed. The examination was carried out preoperatively, at suture removal after 10 days, and after 3 months.

Results: Neither after blepharoplasty nor after a lateral tarsal strip procedure were significant changes in vision or refraction seen in the topography. In contrast, the Wilcoxon sign test 10 days after levator resection showed a significant increase in the cylinder after 10 days compared to the preoperative level (p = 0.042). However, this change was no longer detectable after 3 months.

Conclusion: The authors postulate that extensive patient education with regard to temporary visual changes, particularly in the case of levator resections, is essential and that additional refraction and topography control can be useful postoperatively.