Congenital distichiasis treated by a time-based cryosurgical technique--a case report

Congenital distichiasis is a rare eyelid anomaly usually running in a family with some systemic disorders. Isolated congenital distichiasis is very rare. A very rare case of sporadic congenital distichiasis with symmetrical four-lid involvement is reported here. Detailed ophthalmic and systemic examinations failed to reveal any other abnormality. Various modalities of surgical techniques are tried to treat this difficult condition. It was treated by eyelid splitting and double freeze-thaw cryotherapy with anterior lamellar recession but no thermocouple was used. This simple modified technique, ensured excellent functional and cosmetic result with no recurrence in a one year follow-up.