The ophthalmic manifestations and treatment of the amniotic band syndrome

The amniotic band syndrome is an unusual cause of craniofacial deformities. The syndrome, which is initiated by rupture of the amnion, results in an unpredictable combination of compression deformities of the fetus, construction or amputation defects of the extremities, and craniofacial clefting deformities. The type and extent of ophthalmic abnormalities are dependent on the band location and timing. They include a combination of bony orbital clefts or hypertelorism; lid anomalies such as colobomas, ptosis, and ectropion; lacrimal outflow obstruction; and globe involvement. We review the clinical course of 14 patients diagnosed with, or suspected as having, this syndrome and describe the methods of treatment. In most instances, multiple surgical procedures were required to restore function. Satisfactory cosmesis proved more difficult to obtain.