The reconstruction of posterior lamellar eyelid defects remains a significant challenge in clinical practice due to anatomical complexity, specialized function, and aesthetic concerns. The ideal substitute for the posterior lamellar should replicate the native tarsoconjunctival tissue, providing both mechanical support for the eyelids and a smooth surface for the globe after implantation. In this study, we present an innovative approach utilizing tissue-engineered cartilage (TEC) grafts generated from rabbit auricular chondrocytes and a commercialized type I collagen sponge to reconstruct critical-sized posterior lamellar defects in rabbits. The TEC grafts demonstrated remarkable mechanical strength and maintained a stable cartilaginous phenotype both in vitro and at 6 months post-implantation in immunodeficient mice. When employed as autografts to reconstruct tarsal plate defects in rabbits' upper eyelids, these TEC grafts successfully restored normal eyelid morphology, facilitated smooth eyelid movement, and preserved the histological structure of the conjunctival epithelium. When applied in bilayered tarsoconjunctival defect reconstruction, these TEC grafts not only maintained the normal contour of the upper eyelid but also supported conjunctival epithelial cell migration and growth from the defect margin towards the centre. These findings highlight that auricular chondrocyte-based TEC grafts hold great promise as potential candidates for clinical posterior lamellar reconstruction. The complex structure and function of the posterior lamellar eyelid continue to be significant challenges for clinical reconstructive surgeries. In this study, we utilized autologous auricular chondrocyte-based TEC grafts for posterior lamellar eyelid reconstruction in a preclinical rabbit model. The TEC grafts exhibited native cartilaginous histomorphology and comparable mechanical strength to those of the native human tarsal plate. In rabbit models with either tarsal plate defects alone or bilayered tarsoconjunctival defects, TEC grafts successfully restored the normal eyelid contour and movement, as well as supported preservation and growth of conjunctival epithelium. This is the first study to demonstrate autologous TEC grafts can be employed for repairing tarsal plate defects, thereby offering an alternative therapeutic approach for treating posterior lamellar defects in clinic settings.
Reconstruction of eyelid defects, especially the posterior lamella, remains challenging because of its anatomical complexity, functional considerations, and aesthetic concerns. The goals of eyelid reconstruction include restoring eyelid structure and function and achieving an aesthetically acceptable appearance. An in-depth understanding of the complex eyelid anatomy and several reconstructive principles are mandatory to achieve these goals. Currently, there are multiple surgical treatment options for eyelid reconstruction, including different flaps, grafts, and combinations of them. This comprehensive review outlines the principles of reconstruction and discusses the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of currently available surgical techniques. We also propose our clinical thinking for solving specific clinical questions in eyelid reconstruction and offer perspectives on new potential methodologies in the future.
Reconstruction of posterior lamellar eyelids remains challenging due to their delicate structure, highly specialized function, and cosmetic concerns. Current clinically available techniques for posterior lamellar reconstruction mainly focus on reconstructing the contour of the eyelids. However, the posterior lamella not only provides structural support for the eyelid but also offers a smooth mucosal surface to facilitate globe movement and secrete lipids to maintain ocular surface homeostasis. Bioengineered posterior lamellar substitutes developed via acellular or cellular approaches have shown promise as alternatives to current therapies and encouraging outcomes in animal studies and clinical conditions. Here, we provide a brief reference on the current application of autografts, biomaterials, and tissue-engineered substitutes for posterior lamellar eyelid reconstruction. We also shed light on future challenges and directions for eyelid regeneration strategies and offer perspectives on transitioning replacement strategies to regeneration strategies for eyelid reconstruction in the future.
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