Ophthalmic manifestations associated with eyelid hyperlaxity in Indian subcontinent

Abstract

Purpose

To describe the demographic profile and clinical features associated with upper eyelid (UL) hyperlaxity in the Indian subcontinent.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of 100 consecutive patients with UL hyperlaxity, presenting at a tertiary eye centre in India, between January 2016 to February 2022. The data collected included the demographics, clinical features including the ophthalmic and systemic manifestations, and management outcomes.

Results

The average age at presentation was 42.71 (±18.73) years. Majority were males (83%). Syndromic associations included Down's syndrome (2%) and Ehler-Danlos syndrome (1%). Of the 45 investigated, obstructive sleep apnea was diagnosed in 24% cases. Adnexal manifestations included concurrent lower eyelid laxity (70%), blepharoptosis (41%) of which 38% were aponeurotic, lower eyelid retraction (37%), chalazia (25%) of which 58% were either recurrent, multiple, or both, lacrimal gland (LG) prolapse (11%), lash ptosis (11%), lower eyelid ectropion (8%), entropion (5%), and recurrent dacryoadenitis (3%). Chronic papillary conjunctivitis (66%) was the most common ocular surface abnormality followed by meibomian gland dysfunction (31%). Seven cases (7%) had eyelid imbrication syndrome (EIS), of which 60% had retinopathy of prematurity. Surgical management was recommended in 25% cases, indications being ptosis (13%), generalized eyelid laxity (11%), and recurrent globe luxation (2%).

Conclusion

UL hyperlaxity can be associated with a myriad of ophthalmic manifestations. One should look for novel findings such as EIS, dacryoadenitis, LG prolapse, and lower eyelid retraction in these cases.