Changes in Lacrimal Punctum Position and Tear Meniscus Height after Correction of Horizontal Laxity in Involutional Lower Eyelid Entropion.

PURPOSE: To examine changes in the position of the lower eyelid punctum and tear meniscus height (TMH) after correction of horizontal laxity of the lower eyelid in involutional lower eyelid entropion.

METHODS: This prospective, observational study included 42 sides of 36 patients with involutional entropion who underwent a lateral tarsal strip procedure or transcanthal canthopexy (+ lower eyelid retractor advancement). The horizontal distance from the medial margin of the lower lacrimal punctum to the medial canthus was measured using ImageJ software. TMH was measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography. All measurements were performed preoperatively, at postoperative 3-month and at postoperative 6-month.

RESULTS: The lower lacrimal punctum significantly shifted laterally at 3-month follow-up and slightly returned toward its original position at 6-month follow-up (Friedman's test, P   <  0.001). Although the differences did not reach statistical significance, TMH in the lower eyelid increased at 3-month follow-up and then slightly decreased at 6-month follow-up (Friedman's test, P = 0.076).

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study imply that lateral shift of the lower lacrimal punctum prevents effective drainage of tears accumulated in the lacrimal lake, resulting in increased TMH after correction of horizontal laxity of the lower eyelid in involutional entropion.