ANKYLOBLEPHARON FILIFORME ADNATUM : A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Ankyloblepharon filiform adnatum (AFA) is defined by partial or complete fusion of the lid margins. It can cover a part of the eyelid or its totality. Diagnosis should be done at an early stage of life. It needs a surgical correction. We describe the case of a newborn at his twentieth day of life, referred to us for assessment of his both right and left eyelids. He was born on term. Pregnancy and delivery went normally. The baby was healthy. However, we found multiple bands of tissue between upper and lower eyelids of both of his eyes. These bands were axial, covering the pupil. Full eyelid opening was incomplete. The baby underwent surgery which consisted on excising the bands of tissue with scissors at the level of each eyelid margin. Eye examination did not reveal any abnormality. Two months later, the follow up showed no anomaly. Ankyloblepharon filiform adnatum may be rare but it is potentially amblyogenic. The ophtalmological examination must always be completed in order to look for coexisting congenital anomalies. The eyelid malformation should be treated surgically as soon as the diagnosis is done.