PREVALENCE OF BLEPHAROPTOSIS IN PATIENTS PRIOR TO CATARACT SURGERY

Introduction. With increasing life expectancy and population aging, age-related changes in the visual system, their timely diagnosis, treatment, and medical-social care remain key challenges in geriatrics. Objectives. To determine the prevalence of blepharoptosis in patients presenting for age-related cataract surgery. Participants and Methods. A prospective study was conducted involving 100 consecutive patients over 50 years of age scheduled for cataract surgery, who were also examined for blepharoptosis. Standard ocular examinations were supplemented by assessment of the eyelid apparatus, including measurement of the margin-reflex distance (MRD1), defined as the distance from the upper eyelid margin to the corneal light reflex. Blepharoptosis was diagnosed at MRD1 < 3 mm. Preoperative photographs were taken to document eyelid changes, and MRD1 was measured using Image J software (National Institutes of Health, USA). Results. Preoperative evaluation of 100 patients (200 eyes) revealed senile blepharoptosis in 49% (n = 49). Unilateral blepharoptosis was observed in 19 patients (19%), bilateral in 30 patients (30%). Of these, 32 were women and 17 men. All cases were acquired. Across all patients, MRD1 values ranged from 0.5 to 6.0 mm, with a mean of 3.17 ± 1.3 mm. In patients with blepharoptosis, mean MRD1 was 1.8 ± 0.6 mm (range: 0.5–2.9 mm). Conclusions. Nearly half of elderly patients scheduled for cataract surgery presented with blepharoptosis, underscoring the need for routine preoperative evaluation. Careful assessment allows timely patient counseling regarding eyelid changes and potential surgical considerations.