The Effect of Conjunctiva-Müller Muscle Resection on Tear Oxidative Stress Levels in Patients with Blepharoptosis

Objectives: To examine changes in tear oxidative stress levels and tear film functions in patients with blepharoptosis and dermatochalasis following conjunctiva-Müller muscle resection (CMMR) and blepharoplasty surgeries.

Materials and methods: This prospective study included 32 healthy controls and 62 patients with blepharoptosis or dermatochalasis. CMMR surgery was performed in 20 eyes and upper blepharoplasty was performed in 42 eyes. Tear oxidative stress markers (8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine [8-OHdG] and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal [4-HNE]) were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and tear film functions were evaluated preoperatively and at 1 and 6 months postoperatively. The same assessments were performed in the control group at the same time points.

Results: Preoperative tear 8-OHdG and 4-HNE levels were lower in healthy controls (52.8±13.5 ng/mL and 27.8±6.4 ng/mL, respectively) compared to patients with dermatochalasis (86.1±37.2 ng/mL and 29.8±11.1 ng/mL, respectively) and blepharoptosis (90.4±39.3 ng/mL and 43.1±4.2 ng/mL, respectively) (p<0.001). 8-OHdG levels were increased at 1 month after CMMR, while both markers were decreased 1 month postoperatively in the blepharoplasty group (p=0.034). Schirmer 1 and OSDI scores did not change throughout the visits in both patient groups, but a temporary decrease in tear break-up time (TBUT) was observed after CMMR (p=0.017).

Conclusion: Dermatochalasis and blepharoptosis were associated with higher tear oxidative stress levels. CMMR surgery caused a temporary decrease in TBUT scores and an increase in oxidative stress in the first postoperative month.