The lower lid diamond: a simple entropion repair to correct both horizontal and lower-lid retractor laxity.

PURPOSE: To describe a simple technique for involutional entropion correction and to present the findings of a pilot study.

METHODS: Consecutive case series of 42 procedures. Patients presenting with involutional entropion in the absence of lateral canthal tendon laxity (lateral canthus could be distracted 1 cm or more medially) underwent a modified full-thickness eyelid shortening combined with retractor plication. Main outcome measures were correction of entropion and cosmesis of the surgical site at final follow up.

RESULTS: At final follow up, 92% of patients had a satisfactory eyelid position with no recurrence of entropion and a cosmetically satisfactory scar.

CONCLUSIONS: This is a useful technique with a higher success rate than everting sutures and is particularly suitable for patients for whom rapid surgery is needed or a lateral canthotomy is best avoided.