PROMs in blepharoplasty
Reviewed by Eulee Seow

With the advent of clinical commissioning in NHS England the need to demonstrate the benefits of certain surgeries is becoming increasing common. Upper Lid blepharoplasty is a commonly performed operation and often seen as a cosmetic procedure. Danish visitation guidelines for upper blepharoplasty from the Danish Health and Medicines Authority is used as a criteria for patients having blepharoplasty in Demark. The aim of this study is to investigate the functional benefits and patient satisfaction with upper blepharoplasty in patients meeting guidelines. This was determined using clinical examination, photographs, visual fields and questionnaire concerning the functional and psychosocial impact of their eyelids. Of the 45 patients, 34 were female and 11 male. The study found a statistically significant correlation between the preoperative distance from skin fold to visual axis/MRD and the pre- and postoperative visual field. The patients reported an improvement in their symptoms postoperatively. All subjects were satisfied with the postoperative result and would undergo the surgery again if they had to make the choice again. Patients meeting the Danish visitation guidelines for upper blepharoplasty experience a measurable improvement in function and alleviation of symptoms after blepharoplasty. A similar model may be adapted for use in the NHS.

Functional benefits and patient satisfaction with upper blepharoplasty – evaluated by objective and subjective outcome measures.
Jacobsen AG, Brost B, Vorum H, Hargitai J.
ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA
2017;95:820-5.