Floppy eyelid syndrome in a child with chronic unilateral conjunctivitis

To report a 2-year-old child who had chronic unilateral conjunctivitis and spontaneous left upper eyelid eversion during sleep consistent with the floppy eyelid syndrome.

The patient's parents used a video camera to document nocturnal ectropion of the left upper eyelid. Examination demonstrated left upper eyelid swelling and left palpebral conjunctival hyperemia with papillary hypertrophy.

All signs and symptoms of the floppy eyelid syndrome resolved with taping of the left upper and lower eyelids to close the palpebral fissure and to prevent ectropion during sleep, and with application of ocular lubricants.

Floppy eyelid syndrome may manifest in childhood without other contributing conditions and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic papillary conjunctivitis in patients at any age.