Double Eyelid Tape as a Treatment Option for Severe Ptosis in Patients With Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1

Abstract

Myotonic dystrophy is a systemic disorder associated with progressive muscle weakness of the limbs and multiorgan dysfunction. This condition commonly affects the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, which leads to ptosis and eventually affects patients’ activities of daily living. The effects of ptosis on activities of daily living are usually overlooked; therefore, the importance of treatment is underestimated, and surgical procedures are considered infeasible in patients with preexistent levator palpebrae superioris muscle weakness. This case report describes the case of a middle-aged man with myotonic dystrophy type 1, who presented with ptosis, which significantly restricted his participation in rehabilitation and activities of daily living secondary to a limited visual field. He was evaluated by an ophthalmologist; however, surgery was contraindicated in view of the high risk of complications, such as exposure keratitis and corneal ulcer. Double eyelid tapes were used as a nonsurgical intervention, which significantly increased the palpebral fissure height and improved the visual field, with a higher modified functional index score. Double eyelid tapes may serve as an effective, safe, and reliable therapeutic option for severe ptosis in patients with myotonic dystrophy.