Epiblepharon

Epiblepharon is a congenital eyelid anomaly, commonly found in East Asian populations, where an extra horizontal fold of skin near the lower eyelid pushes the eyelashes against the eyeball. This condition is often confused with entropion, another eyelid disorder, but they are distinct in their causes and treatments.

Anatomy

The human eye is protected by the eyelids, which have several layers including the skin, muscle, connective tissue, and the innermost layer, the conjunctiva. In epiblepharon, an extra fold of skin and muscle is present below the lower eyelid margin, causing the eyelashes to be directed vertically or even inverted towards the eye.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of epiblepharon is eye irritation due to the eyelashes rubbing against the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. This can lead to keratitis, inflammation of the cornea, or corneal ulcer, a painful open sore on the cornea. Other symptoms may include excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and frequent blinking or squinting.

Diagnosis

Epiblepharon is usually diagnosed during a routine eye examination. The doctor will look for the characteristic extra fold of skin and the abnormal direction of the eyelashes. Additional tests may be performed to assess the health of the cornea and to rule out other eyelid disorders.

Treatment

Mild cases of epiblepharon may not require treatment, as the condition often improves as the child grows and the facial bones develop. However, if the condition is causing discomfort or damage to the cornea, surgical correction may be recommended. The surgery involves removing a small amount of skin and muscle from the lower eyelid to correct the position of the eyelashes.

See also

• Blepharoplasty
• Eyelid disorders
• Pediatric ophthalmology