Surgical correction of recurrent epiblepharon in Chinese children using modified skin re-draping epicanthoplasty

Abstract

AIM: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the modified skin re-draping epicanthoplasty procedure for correction of recurrent lower lid epiblepharon in Chinese children. METHODS: From 2016 to 2018, 18 children (10 males and 8 females, average age 6.2±1.7y; 30 eyes) with recurrent epiblepharon who attended Beijing Children’s Hospital were included in the study. All the children had undergone lower eyelid surgery for epiblepharon. Surgical design included using an additional incision along the upper palpebral margin, to avoid vertical scarring on the upper lid. The re-draping method was used to correct recurrent epiblepharon. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 24mo. Postoperative surgical outcomes, complications, and subjective satisfaction were evaluated. RESULTS: Complete correction of cilia touching the cornea was observed in all patients during an average follow-up of 7.1mo. No “dog ears” or obvious scars were formed after surgery. All parents were satisfied with the cosmetic results and none complained. Mean astigmatism decreased from 2.39±0.79 diopter (D) preoperatively to 2.19±0.79 D at 6mo after surgery; however, the difference was not significant. Best-corrected visual acuity improved, although the change in mean visual acuity was not significant. No recurrence occurred during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: This surgical modified skin re-draping technique is effective and highly satisfactory for correction of recurrent epiblepharon. The approach is characterized by a simple design, a straightforward procedure, inconspicuous scarring, and good postoperative appearance.