Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Surgical Correction for Pediatric Epiblepharon and Trichiasis
Published on: July 8, 2025
Congenital alacrima in a patient with blepharophimosis syndrome
Geetha K Athappilly1, Rebecca Sands Braverman
1The University of Colorado at Denven and Health Services Center, Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Institute, Denver, CO 80045, USA. geetha.athappily@UCHSC.edu
Purpose:
To report a case of congenital alacrima in a patient with Blepharophimosis Syndrome (BPES).
Methods:
Case report of a 9-month-old female who presented with severe dry eyes. Further investigation revealed bilateral absence of lacrimal glands confirmed by CT. This unique case and its management are discussed.
Results:
Conservative management with artificial tears and ointment did not treat the ocular surface dryness. A combination of aggressive lubrication with surgical occlusion of the lower lid punctums was required to improve the corneal surface.
Conclusion:
BPES can be associated with many ophthalmic and facial abnormalities. Review of the pubmed literature, reveals this is the first reported case of alacrima and BPES. Patient with alacrima have severe ocular surface dryness, which requires aggressive and life long lubrication and tear supplementation.
Related Concept Videos
Accessory Structures of the Eye
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Microbiome of the Eye

