The upper eyelid levator weakening procedure for the correction of severe cicatricial entropion caused by trachoma.

Background: Trachoma-induced upper eyelid cicatricial entropion (UCE) is a common and challenging eyelid disease. Surgeons have developed various surgical techniques to address UCE in the world. However, there are few reports about surgery for Chinese patients. Our study aims to evaluate the esthetic and functional outcomes of correction of trachoma-induced UCE using upper eyelid levator weakening combined with tarsotomy and an anterior lamella recession procedure in China.

Methods: A retrospective non-comparative study was performed in the Ophthalmology Department of Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from January 2017 to December 2019. Thirty-six patients (56 eyelids) with severe UCE caused by trachoma, defined as shortening and retraction of the posterior lamella, were collected. Upper eyelid levator weakening combined with tarsotomy and an anterior lamella recession procedure was done on all patients. The mean follow-up time was 11.6±2.71 months (range, 6-24 months).

Results: Among the patients, 48 eyelids (85.7%) achieved complete success. Recurrence was observed in 4 eyelids (7.1%). No other severe complications occurred.

Conclusions: This case series showed that upper eyelid levator weakening combined with tarsotomy and an anterior lamella recession procedure is a safe and effective treatment for severe trachoma-induced UCE in Chinese patients.