Changes in Tear Meniscus and Corneal Epithelial Thickness Following Upper Blepharoplasty: A Systematic Review of Clinical Evidence from Anterior Segment OCT Studies | ||
| Benha Medical Journal | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 30 September 2025 PDF (623.95 K) | ||
| Document Type: Review Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/bmfj.2025.413258.2611 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Mohamed I Abouelela* 1; Hamdy A Elgazzar2; Marwa A Tabl2; Walid S Abousaif2; Ahmed E Daifalla2; Mohamed T Ibrahim2 | ||
| 1M.B.B.Ch., M.Sc. Faculty of Medicine, Ophthalmology Department Benha University | ||
| 2Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a prevalent surgical intervention for dermatochalasis, but its effects on tear film stability and corneal epithelial thickness (CET) remain debated. Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT) provides precise, non-invasive measurements of tear meniscus parameters (TMH, TMA) and CET, offering insights into postoperative ocular surface changes. Objective: This systematic review synthesizes clinical evidence from AS-OCT studies to evaluate changes in tear meniscus and CET following upper blepharoplasty. Methods: A literature search has been performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Inclusion criteria comprised clinical researches reporting pre- and postoperative AS-OCT measurements of TMH, TMA, or CET. Five studies (prospective and observational) met eligibility criteria, with sample sizes ranging from 25 to 60 cases. Methodological quality has been evaluated utilizing the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: Postoperative increases in TMH and superior CET were statistically significant, suggesting reduced mechanical pressure from the upper eyelid. TMA and central CET showed inconsistent changes. Transient tear film alterations were noted, with normalization by three months. AS-OCT demonstrated high reproducibility in tracking these metrics. Conclusion: Upper blepharoplasty may improve tear film dynamics and superior corneal epithelial remodeling, as quantified by AS-OCT. However, variability in outcomes underscores the need for larger, standardized studies to confirm these benefits and optimize surgical approaches for ocular surface health. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| blepharoplasty; tear meniscus; corneal epithelium; AS-OCT; eyelid surgery | ||
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