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Face-Q Eye Module measures patient satisfaction with cosmetic eye treatment

The FACE-Q Eye Module is a validated patient-reported outcome measure for analyzing patient satisfaction and adverse effects following cosmetic eye treatments, according to study results published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery.

The module of the FACE-Q measurement [Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center] includes four appearance scales that each contain seven items regarding appearance. The first two scales for “eyes overall” and “eyelashes” measure patient aesthetic satisfaction, while the second two scales for “upper eyelids” and “lower eyelids” includes the adverse effect checklist to measure the extent to which a patient is bothered by the procedure outcomes and appearance.

A total of 233 patients participated with women (n = 192) comprising 82% of the sample.

To analyze the module, researchers used the Rasch Measurement Theory, which supported the reliability and validity of the four scales, sowing evidence that each scale’s response options worked as a continuum for the construct measured.

The results of the group evaluated prior to treatment showed that older age correlated with lower scores on “eyes overall” (R = –0.42; P = .001), “upper eyelids” (R = –0.51; P < .001) and with the Satisfaction with Facial Appearance scale (R = –0.35; P = .001). The posttreatment group showed a correlation between older age patients and scores for “lower eyelids” (R = 0.21; P = .01) and the Satisfaction with Facial Appearance scale (R = 0.21; P = .01).

Ninety-six patients completed the module’s adverse effects checklist at a mean of 11 months after blepharoplasty surgery (range, 0.5-54 months). The most common adverse effects reported were being bothered by eyelid scars (38%), eye irritation (33%), excessive tearing (25%), eyes looking hollowed out (10%), and difficulty closing eyes (4%).

“For blepharoplasty patients, appearance of the eyes was found to correlate with the number of postoperative adverse effects experienced,” the researchers wrote. “Pretreatment patients reported lower scores for appearance of the eyes and upper and lower eyelids and satisfaction with facial appearance overall and psychological and social function compared with patients who underwent a cosmetic treatment.” – by Talitha Bennett

Disclosure: Klassen reports she is a codeveloper of the FACE-Q patient-reported outcome measure and receives a share of any license revenues. Please see the full study for the other researchers’ relevant financial disclosures.