To compare the results of frontalis suspension using autogenous fascia lata versus Gore-tex sheet for treatment of moderate to severe congenital ptosis with poor levator function.

Prospective randomized controlled study included sixty eyelids of 47 patients, who attended health service in Menoufia University Hospitals. PAtients were divided into two groups. In group I (30 eyelids), upper eyelid tarsus was suspended to frontalis muscle using autogenous fascia lata. In group II (30 eyelids), upper eyelid tarsus was suspended to frontalis muscle using a ribbon of 0.3 mm Gore-tex sheet. Follow up of eyelid level and reporting postoperative complications and incidence of recurrence were done.

At 24 months postoperative (end of follow up period), there was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding eyelid level. Three eyelids in group I, and 4 eyelids in group II had under-correction. Gore-tex related complications were detected in 6 eyelids of group II. Donor site complications where detected in 3 cases of group I. There was no significant difference regarding the complications between both groups. The recurrence rate was 10% (3 of 30 eyelids) for group I, and 16.7% (5 of 30 eyelids) for group II. The difference in recurrence rates was statistically insignificant.

We conclude that use of Gore-tex sheet in frontalis suspension surgery is comparable to use of autogenous fascia lata with advantage of avoiding donor site complications.