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Digital image analysis of blepharoptosis surgery outcomes provides precise measurements

Digital image analyses can provide precise measurements of eyelid features following bilateral, CO₂ laser-assisted blepharoptosis surgery, according to study results published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open.

The researchers used a Nikon 5500 digital camera (Nikon, Osaka, Japan) with a strobe light to take the images, which they analyzed with the ImageJ software (version 1.45 NIH, Bethesda, Maryland). Images of the patients were taken with a forward-facing position preoperatively and at 2 months postoperatively with the eyes in the primary positions.

The patients were separated into one group of 30 with involutional ptosis (mean age, 75.8 years) and a second group of 30 with contact lens wear-induced ptosis (mean age, 50.2 years).

The researchers analyzed the upper eyelid position (MRD-1), lower eye position (MRD-2), ocular surface area and eyebrow height.

The first group’s average MRD-1 changed from –0.56 ± 1.82 mm to 3.14 ± 0.67 mm after surgery. MRD-2 changed from 4.48 ± 1.26 mm to 4.15 ± 0.68 mm. Ocular surface area changed from 58.26 ± 19.04 mm² to 100.17 ± 20.63 mm². Eyebrow height changed from 30.16 ± 8.25 mm to 25.71 ± 7.33 mm.

The second group’s average MRD-1 changed from 0.64 ± 1.71 mm to 3.66 ± 0.54 mm. MRD-2 changed from 4.36 ± 0.75 mm to 4.68 ± 0.67 mm. Ocular surface area changed from 63.71 ± 17.25 mm² to 103.15 ± 19.69 mm². Eyebrow height changed from 22.09 ± 3.88 mm to 19.64 ± 3.82 mm.

The change in MRD-1, ocular surface area and eyebrow height was significant for both groups following surgery (P = .001), but MRD-2 was significantly higher in the second group following surgery (P = .008).

“Computerized image analyses can be used to determine the outcome of ptosis surgery quantitatively,” the researchers wrote. “The analysis is simple and precise, and images of the two eyes can be analyzed in less than 5 minutes.” – by Talitha Bennett

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.