Steri-Strip Tape Use in Unilateral Ectropion Surgery

Currently, the incidence of involutional and chronic eyelid disorders, such as ectropion, has been increasing, as human life expectancy has risen worldwide (more than 600 million people are aged ≥ 60 years). Ectropion is a common eyelid malposition that causes visual morbidity. It is characterized by eversion of the eyelid margin and has multiple etiologies.

Steri-Strip tapes have been used in some ophthalmologic procedures, such as blepharoplasties, where they help prevent infections by acting as a barrier method, are resistant enough to reduce the risk of wound dehiscence, simplify postoperative care, and allow for proper eyelid fissure closure. Their use has been recommended in patients with facial paralysis to prevent keratitis or exposure ulcers. However, current evidence is limited, as their use has only been documented in case series and letters to the editor. Therefore, a randomized controlled clinical trial is proposed to evaluate the postoperative outcomes of Steri-Strip tape use in unilateral ectropion surgery compared to standard postoperative management.