Eyelid Reconstruction at a Tertiary Eye Centre in Nigeria: Case Series of an Eight Year Review

Orbit and Oculoplasty

Abstract

Introduction: Lid defects are a source of disfigurement, visual dysfunction with resulting psycho-social issues.1 A variety of standard techniques are called into play to provide safe, reliable outcomes when approaching different degrees of eyelid defects. Consideration of the role of the lid in ocular protection, determination of the anatomical defect, lid/bony anchor, anatomy and vasculature and availability of tissues from other sites for reconstruction are all points to be noted.2,3 Procedures are done to correct lid deformities resulting from tumour resection, congenital as well as traumatic defects. Reconstruction of both upper and lower upper eyelid defects include:

1. Primary closure with or without lateral canthotomy or superior cantholysis.
2. Semicircular flap
3. Adjacent tarso-conjunctival flap and full thickness skin graft
4. Free tarso-conjunctival graft and skin flap.

The upper eyelid has an additional option of full thickness lower lid.3 while the lower eyelid has an option of tarso-conjunctival flap from upper eyelid. The of this study aim is to report the types of surgical techniques in use for eyelid reconstruction from a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.