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Living with Short tarsus-absence of lower eyelashes syndrome

A very rare genetic condition that affects the eyelids, causing thin, short lids and missing lower eyelashes.

Understanding Short tarsus-absence of lower eyelashes syndrome

Short tarsus-absence of lower eyelashes syndrome is a very rare genetic condition that affects the eyelids.

People have thin and short tarsus (the firm plate inside each eyelid) in both upper and lower eyelids. The lower eyelashes are missing. Signs start in the newborn and infant period.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet. Based on its summary, features include:

  • Thin, short eyelid plates (tarsus)
  • Missing lower eyelashes

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
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
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which eye specialist should we see?
Can genetic testing help find the cause?
How can we protect the eyes without lower eyelashes?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

GARD says changes in genes cause this condition, but it doesn't list a gene. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning one changed copy of a gene is enough.

Genetic

Also known as: lopes gorlin syndrome; lopes-gorlin syndrome; short tarsus absence of lower eyelashes; short tarsus with absence of lower eyelashes; short tarsus with absence of lower eyelashes syndrome

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Short tarsus-absence of lower eyelashes syndromeGARD ID 296 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Short tarsus-absence of lower eyelashes syndrome.

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