DR. DEEPAK SONI

Dr.(Mrs.) KASTURI BHATTACHARJEE, Dr. Vatsalya Venkatraman, DR. OBAIDUR REHMAN

Abstract

Functional epiphora, a subjective symptom of overflow tears, is a major determinant of quality of life. It has multifactorial etiologies; including prolapsed orbital fat, senile changes in orbicularis, and excessive skin fold. In this study, 15 patients underwent lower lid blepharoplasty with superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) and orbicularis oculi lift. The results showed a statistically significant decrease in MUNK score compared to the baseline (P<0.001) and improved quality of life parameters. Lower lid blepharoplasty leads to alteration in orbito-malar vectors along with improved eyelid contour and eyelash position, reduction of the excessive skin fold, and strengthening of lateral canthal ligament hence resulting in a refined blink mechanism and a significant improvement in epiphora. The results highlight lower lid blepharoplasty involving SMAS orbicularis lift as one of the techniques which reduce the bothersome functional epiphora and improve the quality of life.

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