Severe post thermal burn cicatricial ectropion with corneal ulceration: an illustrative case

Management of postburn cicatricial ectroption of the upper lid is always a challenge for the oculoplastic surgeon, as they are often associated with exposure keratitis and ulceration. Traditionally, split thickness grafts have been described for upper lid reconstruction and tarsorrhaphies have been discouraged. We present a case of corneal ulceration associated with postburn cicatricial ectropion presenting 10 years following the initial trauma. The patient underwent full thickness skin grafting and tarsorrhaphy to release the ectropion with resolution of corneal ulceration. We believe that full thickness skin grafts and tarsorrhaphy are effective in correcting upper lid cicatricial ectropion, without functional compromise.