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Management of floppy eyelid associated with Down's syndrome: a case report

Murtuza Nuruddin1

  • 1Chittagong Eye Infirmary and Training complex, Pahartali, Chittagong, Bangladesh. murtuza.eyes@yahoo.com

Orbit (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|August 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Floppy eyelid syndrome can occur in young children, even those with Down syndrome. This case highlights the importance of recognizing this condition in pediatric patients with Down syndrome.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Floppy eyelid syndrome (FES) is typically observed in middle-aged, obese males.
  • Association of FES with Down syndrome (DS) is rare, especially in pediatric cases.

Observation:

  • A 2-year-old child with Down syndrome presented with congenital bilateral upper and lower eyelid eversion.
  • Examination revealed significant tarsal laxity and thick, rubbery tarsi in both eyelids.
  • Corneal scarring was noted in both eyes.

Findings:

  • Surgical correction using pentagonal wedge resection for upper eyelids and lateral tarsal sling for lower eyelids was successful.
  • No recurrence of eyelid laxity was observed during a 6-month follow-up period.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the need for ophthalmologists to consider FES in children with Down syndrome presenting with eyelid abnormalities.
  • Early diagnosis and surgical intervention can prevent further ocular complications like corneal scarring.
Abstract

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