Chronic exposure keratopathy complicating surgical correction of ptosis in patients with chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia.

Abstract

To report chronic exposure keratopathy related to surgical ptosis correction in patients with chronic, progressive, external ophthalmoplegia. Case reports of three patients with chronic exposure keratopathy following blepharoptosis surgery. We report three patients with chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia with chronic corneal complications after surgical ptosis repair. All three gave a history of blepharoptosis and extraocular muscle dysfunction. Each presented with chronic corneal ulceration. All had histories suggestive of ophthalmoplegia. Treatment of corneal ulceration necessitated hospitalization and surgical intervention. Patients with chronic, progressive, external ophthalmoplegia have little ability to properly protect the eye from exposure and are at risk for corneal damage. A thorough ophthalmic history and examination before ptosis surgery may prevent the corneal complications resulting from surgical intervention.