Abstract
Symblepharon, an ophthalmological condition characterized by adhesions between the eyelid and ocular conjunctiva, often arises from chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva due to conditions such as ocular pemphigoid, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, trauma, thermal burns, or chemical injuries. We herein report a case of symblepharon that developed after extensive resection of upper eyelid sebaceous gland carcinoma. The defect was reconstructed using local skin flap surgery and a hard palate mucoperiosteal graft, followed by temporary tarsorrhaphy for six days. Approximately one month postoperatively, the patient experienced restricted eye movement and diplopia on the affected side. Therefore, she was diagnosed with symblepharon. A collaborative ophthalmological approach involves detachment of the adhesion and transplantation of the amniotic membrane (on the ocular conjunctival side) and buccal mucosa (on the eyelid conjunctival side) to repair the conjunctival defects. Postoperative improvements in eye movement impairment were observed. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of symblepharon following eyelid tumor excision, prompting a discussion of its etiology and management.
Five months after adhesion release surgery. Magnified view of adhesions.
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