Symblepharon: Causes and Treatments

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Vompolu Kamakshi Bhaskar , Ophthalmologists

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Symblepharon is a relatively rare but potentially serious ocular condition where the conjunctiva, the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye-forms adhesions to the cornea or sclera.

Symblepharon condition can severely impair vision and eye movement, causing significant discomfort and functional limitations. Symblepharon condition can lead to restricted eye movement, discomfort, and, in severe cases, vision impairment.

Symblepharon vs. Ankyloblepharon

It's crucial to differentiate symblepharon from ankyloblepharon. While symblepharon involves adhesions between the conjunctiva and sclera or cornea, ankyloblepharon refers to the fusion of the eyelids themselves. Although both conditions can affect eye function, their causes and treatments differ significantly.

What Causes Symblepharon?

Symblepharon can develop due to trauma, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, or congenital abnormalities. Damage to the conjunctiva often leads to scarring and adhesion formation.

Traumatic Causes

Chemical Burns: Exposure to harmful chemicals can damage the conjunctiva, leading to the formation of symblepharon.
Physical Trauma: Injuries from foreign objects, surgeries, or accidents can also cause adhesions to form.

Congenital Causes

Congenital Symblepharon: Some individuals are born with this condition due to developmental anomalies during pregnancy. This form is less common but requires early diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term complications.

Inflammatory Causes

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: This severe skin and mucous membrane disorder can lead to symblepharon due to extensive inflammation and scarring.
Cicatricial Pemphigoid: A chronic autoimmune condition that affects the mucous membranes, leading to scarring and adhesions.

What Are the Symptoms of Symblepharon?

Symptoms of symblepharon may affect vision, eye movement, and overall eye comfort. The severity varies depending on the extent of adhesions.

Visual Impairments

Blurred Vision: Adhesions can obstruct the visual axis, leading to blurred or double vision.
Restricted Eye Movement: The adhesions can limit ocular motility, making it difficult to move the eye freely.

Physical Discomfort

Pain and Irritation: Patients often experience discomfort, irritation, and a gritty sensation in the affected eye.
Dryness: The condition can disrupt tear production and distribution, leading to dry eye symptoms.

Aesthetic Concerns

Visible Adhesions: In some cases, the adhesions can be visible, causing cosmetic concerns for the patient.

When Should You See a Doctor for Symblepharon?

A medical consultation with an ophthalmologist is important to prevent vision problems and complications.

Persistent eye pain or irritation
Difficulty moving the eye
Blurred or double vision
Visible changes in eye structure
History of eye injury or inflammation

Early evaluation and treatment can help prevent complications and protect vision.

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How Is Symblepharon Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves detailed eye examination techniques that help identify adhesions and assess the severity of damage.

Clinical Examination

Slit-Lamp Examination: This is the primary diagnostic tool, allowing for detailed visualization of the conjunctiva and any adhesions.
Fluorescein Staining: This technique can help identify areas of damage and adhesion.

Differential Diagnosis

Rule Out Other Conditions: It's essential to differentiate symblepharon from other ocular conditions like ankyloblepharon, conjunctivitis, and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid.

What Are the Complications of Symblepharon?

Without proper treatment, symblepharon can lead to serious eye complications affecting both vision and eye movement.

Functional Limitations

Restricted Eye Movement: Severe cases can lead to significant limitations in eye movement, affecting daily activities and quality of life.

Vision Impairment

Corneal Damage: Persistent adhesions can lead to corneal ulcers and scarring, which can permanently affect vision.

Secondary Infections

Increased Risk: The damaged conjunctiva is more susceptible to infections, which can exacerbate symptoms and complicate treatment.

What Are the Treatment Options for Symblepharon?

Treatment for Symblepharon focuses on relieving symptoms, reducing inflammation, and restoring normal eye function. Both non-surgical and surgical options may be required depending on severity.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Lubricating Eye Drops: These can help alleviate dryness and irritation.
Steroid Eye Drops: Used to reduce inflammation in cases where inflammation is a significant component.
Amniotic Membrane Transplantation: This treatment involves placing an amniotic membrane over the affected area to promote healing and prevent further adhesions.

Surgical Treatments

Surgery may be needed to remove adhesions and restore normal eye movement and function.

Symblepharon Surgery

Lysis of Adhesions: This procedure involves the surgical removal of adhesions to restore normal eye function.
Conjunctival Grafting: In cases where significant tissue has been lost, grafting healthy conjunctiva from another part of the eye or a donor can be necessary.

Post-Surgical Care

Antibiotic Eye Drops: To prevent infections post-surgery.
Regular Follow-Up: Continuous monitoring to ensure that adhesions do not recur.

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How Can Symblepharon Be Prevented?

Prevention involves protecting the eyes from injury, treating eye inflammation early, and managing underlying autoimmune conditions.

Protecting the Eyes

Safety Gear: Using protective eyewear in environments where chemical exposure or physical trauma is a risk.
Prompt Treatment: Immediate treatment of eye injuries to prevent the development of symblepharon.

Managing Underlying Conditions

Autoimmune Disorders: Proper management of conditions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and cicatricial pemphigoid to reduce the risk of developing symblepharon.
Regular Eye Check-Ups: For individuals with a history of ocular trauma or congenital conditions, regular eye examinations can help catch and treat symblepharon early.