The Effect of Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty on Corneal Biomechanical Parameters.

[PURPOSE] To determine the effect of lower eyelid blepharoplasty (LEB) surgery on corneal biomechanical parameters before and 4 months after the procedure.

[METHODS] In this prospective longitudinal study, corneal biomechanical parameters measured by Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology device were evaluated before and 4 months after LEB surgery.

[RESULTS] The study included 19 eyelids of the right eyes of 19 patients who underwent LEB, with a mean age of 49.0 ± 10.1 years (range, 37-72 years). Four months after the procedure, significant increases were observed in the first applanation time (p = 0.007), second applanation time (p < 0.001), highest concavity time (p = 0.004), intraocular pressure (p = 0.009), and biomechanical-compensated intraocular pressure (p = 0.007). In addition, the absolute value of highest concavity delta arc length and stress-strain index showed a significant decrease after the LEB (p = 0.021 and p = 0.037, respectively). Other corneal biomechanical parameters did not show significant differences following the LEB procedure (p < 0.05).

[CONCLUSIONS] The resection and repositioning of the fat pockets in LEB lead to biomechanical changes of the cornea in the direction of increasing corneal stiffness.