Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 6, 2026
03:59
Surgical Correction for Pediatric Epiblepharon and Trichiasis
Published on: July 8, 2025
694
Persistent Symblepharon in an Infant Following Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis
Sezen Akkaya1, Yelda Buyru Ozkurt1
1Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital, Ophthalmology Department, E-5 uzeri, ust bostanci, Istanbul, Turkey.
Summary
Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) can lead to symblepharon in infants, a rare complication where eye tissues adhere. This case highlights the need for careful monitoring and oral steroid treatment in affected infants.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) is a severe, contagious eye infection caused by human adenoviruses (Ads).
- It characteristically involves conjunctival and corneal inflammation with subepithelial leukocyte infiltration, potentially causing persistent corneal opacities.
Observation:
- This report details a rare case of symblepharon formation in a 6-month-old infant following EKC.
- Symblepharon involves the adhesion of the palpebral conjunctiva to the bulbar conjunctiva, significantly impacting ocular health.
Findings:
- This is the first documented case of symblepharon in an infant secondary to EKC.
- The occurrence is notable as symblepharon is typically associated with other conditions, not commonly EKC, and is exceptionally rare in infants.
Implications:
- The findings underscore the potential for unusual complications of EKC in pediatric populations.
- Management challenges include severe eyelid edema precluding topical treatment, necessitating oral steroid therapy under strict pediatric supervision.
