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

Abstract EN

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.