Long-term outcomes of eyelash-sparing surgical technique for severe segmental cicatricial entropion.

Purpose: To assess the long-term outcomes of segmental entropion correction using anterior lamellar recession (ALR) with mucous membrane graft (MMG).

Methods: Prospective interventional study of 16 patients (mean age, 35.3 ± 16.3 years; 10 females) with severe segmental cicatricial entropion, managed using ALR and MMG. Outcome measures include eyelid and eyelash status, changes in the ocular surface, visual acuity, and cosmetic appearance at a minimum nine months of follow-up.

Results: Of 16 patients (16 eyelids), 11 had Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and five had chemical injury. The most common location of entropion was medial (87.5%) followed by central and lateral. All patients had severe entropion with trichiatic eyelashes. Anatomical success was 87.5% (14/16) at six weeks of follow-up. Residual trichiasis was managed with a repeat ALR with MMG in one and eyelash resection in the other eyelid. The etiology-wise success rates were 90% in SJS and 80% in chemical injury. At the final mean follow-up of 14.8 months, entropion was corrected in 100% of eyelids. None of the patients had cosmetic concerns. Ocular surface symptomatology and visual acuity improved in 87.5% of patients and 40% of eyes, respectively.

Conclusion: Anterior lamellar recession with lid margin mucous membrane grafting successfully repairs the severe segmental cicatricial entropion without raising any cosmetic concerns.