Living with Epiblepharon
A rare eyelid condition where a fold of skin turns the eyelashes inward, which can irritate the eye.
Understanding Epiblepharon
The extra fold lies along the edge of the eyelid. The turned-in lashes can rub on the surface of the eye. It is usually in both eyes and more often affects the lower eyelids. Some people have no symptoms. Others have repeated eye infections or scratches on the clear front of the eye (corneal erosion).
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. Based on GARD's summary, people may have:
- No symptoms at all
- Feeling like something is in the eye
- Constant watering of the eyes
- Itching
- Redness of the eyes
- Repeated eye infections
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include eye disease specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
Changes in genes cause this condition. GARD does not name a specific gene or how it is inherited.
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Epiblepharon.
Explore research for Epiblepharon
Explore actively recruiting Epiblepharon studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Epiblepharon with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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