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Epiblepharon

WHAT IS EPIBLEPHARON?

Epiblepharon is a condition where the skin and muscles of the eyelid push against the edge of the eyelid, making a fold. This happens because the muscles inside the eyelid are not well connected to the front of the eyelid. It is usually there from birth and can affect one or both eyes. It tends to affect the lower eyelid more often than the upper eyelid.  It causes the eyelashes to point upward and inward toward the eyeball. 

© 2021 American Academy of Ophthalmology

Figure 1. Photo showing epiblepharon where eyelashes point upwards and inwards towards the eye ball because of the shape of the lower eyelid.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF EPIBLEPHARON?

In children with epiblepharon, the eyelashes can rub against the front of the eye. When children are young, the eyelashes are soft and don't usually cause problems. When they grow older, the eyelashes get stiffer and can cause small scratches to the eyes (corneal abrasions). Children may have no symptoms or may have eye redness, tearing, eye irritation or light sensitivity. Symptoms may be worse when a child looks down, like when they are reading, because this can make the eyelashes touch the eye more. If the scratches are big, they can get infected and may leave scars on the eyes.

 IS THERE TREATMENT FOR EPIBLEPHARON?

Epiblepharon can go away on its own as the child grows and their eyelids and face change. If it doesn't go away, or if it causes eye scratches, treatment may be needed. Artificial tears or ointments can help, but sometimes surgery is needed. In surgery, a small piece of skin and muscle is removed from the eyelid to help the eyelashes point away from the eye. 
 
If you have any questions about epiblepharon, talk with your eye doctor. 
For more information, you can visit this website: https://eyewiki.org/Epiblepharon

 
Updated 04/2025