Conceptual approach to eyelid reconstruction.

A variety of techniques are available to repair congenital, traumatic, or surgical eyelid defects. The unique functional requirements of the orbital tissue must be considered when choosing the most ideal surgical procedure. It is essential to preserve conjunctival integrity and eyelid closure to maintain corneal protection. Full eyelid mobility should ideally be restored. These goals can generally be achieved with the correct closure of small eyelid defects. Larger deficits are usually best replaced by the use of grafts and flaps developed from the orbital region because this tissue most closely matches the functional needs of the eye. Close ophthalmic follow-up is necessary in the postoperative period to monitor and treat any ocular complication.