Aim To evaluate outcomes of patients with oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) with levator function (LF) ≥10mm who underwent primary bilateral silicone frontalis suspension.

Methods 31 patients with OPMD satisfied the following inclusion criteria: LF ≥10 mm; no previous eyelid surgery; and pre-operative measurements, silcone frontalis suspension and post-operative measurements performed by a single individual. The following data were collected: age; gender; pre-operative margin reflex distance (MRD), palpebral fissure height (PF), and LF; post-operative MRD, PF and lagophthalmos; follow-up; and complications.

Results Mean age at surgery was 61.5±5.8 years. Pre-operative measurements for MRD, PF and LF were −0.05±0.82 mm (OD), −0.13±0.91 mm (OS); 5.2±1.2 mm (OD), 5.2±1.3 mm (OS); 11.6±1.3 mm (OD), and 11.7±1.3 mm (OS), respectively. Post-operative measurements for MRD and PF were 2.23±0.97 mm (OD), 2.10±1.09 mm (OS), 7.9±1.4 mm (OD), and 7.7±1.6 mm (OS), respectively (all p<0.0001). The mean follow-up period was 22.8±22.4 months. There was no sling (infection or extrusion) or ophthalmic (significant corneal compromise) complication after the surgery. Six patients (19%) underwent early (within 3 months) tightening of their slings for under correction. Three patients (10%) underwent late (>39 months) tightening of their frontalis slings for recurrent ptosis after their initial surgery.

Conclusions Primary bilateral silicone frontalis suspension for good LF ptosis secondary to OPMD appears to be an effective, safe treatment which gives symmetrical upper lid elevation. Early sling adjustment may be required to attain optimal eyelid height and late tightening for expectant loosening of the sling is safe and effective.