Orbito-palpebral reconstruction in two cases of incomplete cryptophthalmos

Abstract

Two cases of congenital symblepharon (variant of cryptophthalmos) are reported. Cryptophthalmos is a very rare congenital defect, with incomplete or complete failure in the development of one or both eyelids with skin recovering the anterior segment. Surgical treatment is described including expansion of the conjunctival fornix with eyeball conservation if possible. At the same time or later, the upper eyelid is reconstructed by inferior eyelid flap. The ophthalmic features of cryptophthalmos and its systemic associations are reviewed.