Congenital eyelid colobomas in 51 patients.

Purpose: To review the clinical observations in the management of congenital eyelid coloboma.

Methods: Fifty-one cases of congenital eyelid colobomas including the functional and cosmetic rehabilitation of patients who were treated over a period of 18 years with an average follow-up of 4.7 years were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: Thirty-eight patients had an upper eyelid coloboma and 13 patients had a lower eyelid coloboma. Systemic associations included Goldenhar syndrome and Treacher-Collins-Franceschetti syndrome. Twenty-two patients with upper eyelid colobomas underwent surgery by direct apposition, eyelid sharing procedures, or a lateral rotation flap. Lower eyelid colobomas were repaired in 4 patients.

Conclusion: Gratifying cosmetic and functional results could be achieved in all 26 patients who underwent surgery.