Correction of oriental epiblepharon by anterior lamellar reposition

Abstract

Epiblepharon commonly occurs in Oriental infants and children, but usually corrects itself with age, Epiblepharon in adults is not uncommon and may be misdiagnosed or detected late. It causes symptoms of ocular irritation and inferior punctate corneal epithelial erosion. These can persist if surgical treatment is ineffective. A series of 15 lower lid epiblepharon in 10 adults is presented with the clinical features and surgical treatment by anterior lamellar reduction and repositioning. The surgical technique is discussed. All patients had significant symptomatic relief and correction of lash-corneal touch. Among 15 cases of epiblepharon, 3 with residual trichiasis post-operatively were further corrected by skin reduction and debulking of pretarsal orbicularis oculi to achieve total correction. Adequate skin reduction and debulking of orbicularis oculi, especially the pretarsal muscle, are essential in the anterior lamellar repositioning and effective correction of this condition.