The Clinical Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes of Epiblepharon in Korean Children: A 9-Year Experience

Abstract

Purpose. To examine the demographic characteristics, clinical features, surgical outcomes, and long-term prognoses of epiblepharon in Korean children. Methods. Epiblepharon patients who were followed for ≥ 6 month following surgical correction between January 2005 and December 2013. The patient demographics, clinical features, concomitant disorders, surgical outcomes, and complications were retrospectively reviewed. Results. A total of 768 epiblepharon records were included in the analysis. The mean patient age was 6.55 ± 2.37 years. At presentation, 712 patients (92.8%) complained of typical epiblepharon symptoms. The mean patient age at surgery was 6.95 ± 2.52 years, with 629 patients (81.9%) on the lower lid and 72 patients (9.4%) on the upper lid and 82 patients (10.7%) undergoing surgery on both lids. The eyelid was well everted with no recurrence in 740 patients (96.4%). Conclusion. Epiblepharon frequently occurs in Korean children and is correctable with a simple surgery. Recurrence and serious complications do not occur often, and any suspicions of epiblepharon should be investigated. A thorough ocular examination can lead to a correct diagnosis and timely corrective surgery. Most procedures are successful and prevent secondary complications that often occur with uncorrected epiblepharon.

Transient bilateral epiblepharon occurring during pregnancy

“…Epiblepharon is a common eyelid abnormality characterized by a fold of skin overlapping the lid margin . It is frequently congenital, and often resolves spontaneously with growth of the facial bones during early life . Acquired epiblepharon is uncommon and infrequently reported.…”

“…Epiblepharon is a common eyelid abnormality that is characterized by a horizontal fold of skin overlapping the anterior lid margin. It occurs most frequently in Asian populations, with approximately 12.6% of Asian children being affected . The medial portion of the lower eyelid is most commonly involved, and may cause eyelash inversion and subsequent corneal irritation .…”

“…The medial portion of the lower eyelid is most commonly involved, and may cause eyelash inversion and subsequent corneal irritation . Spontaneous resolution within the first few years of life is common, resulting from growth of the facial bones . Surgical correction is often reserved for severe or persistent epiblepharon .…”

“…Spontaneous resolution within the first few years of life is common, resulting from growth of the facial bones . Surgical correction is often reserved for severe or persistent epiblepharon . Most cases are congenital, and are thought to result from either insufficient cutaneous insertion of the inferior retractors or excess orbicularis muscle .…”

“…Surgical correction is often reserved for severe or persistent epiblepharon . Most cases are congenital, and are thought to result from either insufficient cutaneous insertion of the inferior retractors or excess orbicularis muscle . Compared to congenital epiblepharon, acquired epiblepharon of the lower eyelids is uncommon …”