A Novel Surgical Technique for the Treatment of Giant Fornix Syndrome

Abstract

The authors' novel surgical technique helps restore the abnormal anatomy found in patients with giant fornix syndrome and thus, helps resolve chronic relapsing conjunctivitis and surface disease associated with this often underdiagnosed condition. Further studies are needed to evaluate the risk of entropion and dry eye syndrome due to the modification of the posterior lamella.

Surgical Correction of Giant Fornix Syndrome

“…Nabavi et al 7 have also reported successful outcomes from GFS surgery in a series of 6 cases. Their procedure differs from ours in the following ways: 1) Nabavi et al reduced the depth of both upper and lower fornices in all cases.…”

“…Forniceal depth was measured with a Bowmans probe marked with 1 mm graduations as described by Turner et al 6 The surgical procedure for forniceal shortening was similar to that described by Nabavi et al 7 and was as follows:…”

Recent Advances in Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery

“…15,16 Deep conjunctival fornices in affected patients can be a site for prolonged sequestration of bacteria causing recurrent infections. 15,16 Deep conjunctival fornices in affected patients can be a site for prolonged sequestration of bacteria causing recurrent infections.…”

“…15,16 Deep conjunctival fornices in affected patients can be a site for prolonged sequestration of bacteria causing recurrent infections. 15,16 Particularly, patients with unilateral symptoms in the absence of nasolacrimal duct obstruction should raise suspicion of GFS. 15,16 Particularly, patients with unilateral symptoms in the absence of nasolacrimal duct obstruction should raise suspicion of GFS.…”

“…15,16 Patients older than 60 years with repeated bouts of copious purulent discharge, punctate epitheliopathy, conjunctival injection, limbal vascularization, and superior sulcus deformity with a concomitant levator dehiscence should be evaluated for GFS. 15, 16 Turaka and associates 15 analyzed 5 patients with GFS and concluded that removing the infected debris from the superior fornix and reconstruction of the upper eyelid may prevent the recurrent chronic persistent infection. 15, 16 Turaka and associates 15 analyzed 5 patients with GFS and concluded that removing the infected debris from the superior fornix and reconstruction of the upper eyelid may prevent the recurrent chronic persistent infection.…”