Outcomes of surgery for epiblepharon accompanied with lower eyelid retraction secondary to buphthalmos in children.

IMPORTANCE

In cases of epiblepharon with lower eyelid retraction secondary to glaucoma, correcting epiblepharon alone is ineffective. Combined surgery should be performed to obtain satisfactory outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate outcomes after surgery to correct epiblepharon with lower eyelid retraction secondary to buphthalmos in children.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of six eyes in four patients was performed included lower lid retractor recession combined with marginal rotation with tarsal fixation. The margin reflex distance-2, lagophthalmus, resolution of clinical symptoms, and complications were assessed during 6 to 12 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

In all cases, epiblepharon and lagophthalmus were corrected, symptoms of photophobia and epiphora were relieved, and the corneal epithelium was repaired. The margin reflex distance-2 decreased and remained normal during the follow-up period, but slightly regressed within 6 months postoperatively.

INTERPRETATION: Epiblepharon caused by buphthalmos in children is often associated with lower eyelid retraction. Lower lid retractor recession combined with marginal rotation with tarsal fixation fundamentally solves the problems of high eyelid tension, lower eyelid retraction, and epiblepharon and reduces the recurrence rate.