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Epiblepharon with inverted eyelashes in Japanese children. I. Incidence and symptoms
S Noda1, S Hayasaka, T Setogawa
1Department of Ophthalmology, Shimane Medical University, Izumo, Japan.
Insights
Epiblepharon, a condition of inverted eyelashes, is common in Japanese infants but often resolves with age. This study found its incidence decreases with age, though some high school students remain affected.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Ocular Surface Disease
Background:
- Epiblepharon is a common condition in Japanese infants characterized by inverted eyelashes.
- It typically resolves spontaneously as the child ages.
- The condition involves eyelashes touching the cornea, potentially causing irritation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of epiblepharon in a large cohort of Japanese children.
- To determine the age-related incidence and resolution patterns of epiblepharon.
- To identify any associated symptoms or risk factors.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 4449 Japanese children.
- Participants' ages ranged from 3 months to 18 years.
- Examinations focused on the presence of epiblepharon and its association with inverted eyelashes touching the cornea.
Main Results:
- Epiblepharon was identified in 441 cases (approximately 9.9%).
- The incidence of epiblepharon significantly decreased with increasing age.
- About 2% of high school students still presented with the condition; no sexual predilection was observed, and lower eyelids were commonly affected bilaterally with mild or no symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Epiblepharon is a prevalent condition in Japanese children, with a notable decline in incidence during childhood and adolescence.
- While often self-limiting, a small percentage of older children and adolescents may continue to exhibit epiblepharon.
- The condition is generally asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, with bilateral lower eyelid involvement being common.
Abstract:
Epiblepharon commonly occurs in Japanese infants and tends to disappear spontaneously with age. We examined 4449 Japanese children aged 3 months to 18 years for epiblepharon associated with inverted eyelashes touching the cornea. The condition was evident in 441 cases. We found that the incidence of epiblepharon decreased with age, but about 2% of high school students still had the condition. No sexual predilection was found. Lower eyelids were commonly involved bilaterally. Most cases of epiblepharon produced no or mild symptoms.