Ankyloblepharon

ANKYLOBLEPHARON (from Greek ankyle- bridle and blepharon- eyelid), partial or complete fusion of the eyelid margins with each other, often also associated with fusion to the eyeball (symblepharon). The condition may be congenital or acquired and in its essence has a violation of the integrity of the epithelium and ulceration of the eyelid margins with their subsequent sticking together and fusion. Such a process can develop in utero, but more often occurs after ulcers (lupus, diphtheria), injuries and burns (acids, alkalis, lime, hot liquids, molten metals, etc.). The adhesions may be in the form of thin stretchable cords (congenital ankyloblepharon filiforme), or denser, broad scar bridges. In fresh cases of eyelid injuries, it is necessary to strive to eliminate contact between their margins, pulling them apart and applying a layer of ointment between them. In developed adhesions, surgical separation of the eyelids is required with closure of the exposed surface, even if only on one eyelid, by means of sutures, displacement of a flap of adjacent tissue, or transplantation of mucous membrane. The presence of symblepharon greatly complicates the prognosis of surgical intervention, sometimes making it pointless.