ABSTRACT
We report ankyloblepharon filiforme adnatum (AFA) along with associated skin lesions in a 7‑day‑old child from South India. It could be a variant of the well described ankyloblepharon‑ectodermal defects‑cleft lip and palate syndrome also called Hay–Wells syndrome wherein AFA, skin lesions, and clefting are characteristic. The ocular features, genetic inheritance, and possible systemic associations, along with the options for management, are discussed. The need for awareness among ophthalmologists of its systemic associations is discussed to ensure that proper multidisciplinary care is offered to the individuals affected by this rare disorder. This article also highlights the unusual hypopigmented skin lesions found in this infant, which has been scantily reported in the literature, as a possible variation in patients of Indian ethnicity.
ABSTRACT
Fusion of the eyelid margins is normal in human fetal development, but it is abnormal at birth. The approximated margins of developing eyelids fuse during the 9 th week of gestation and remain fused until the end of the 5 th month of gestation. Subsequently, they became separated although the process may not be completed until the 7 th month of gestation. On occasion, the entire or a portion of eyelid margins remain fused postnatally, resulting in a spectrum of eyelid abnormalities that are usually classified according to the morphology. Ankyloblepharon filiforme adnatum comprises single or multiple fine bands of extensile tissue connecting the lid margins at the grey line and it reduces the palpebral fissure by interfering with the movements of lids. This abnormality has been reported as an isolated finding, in association with other anomalies, or as a part of a well-defined syndrome. We have experienced a case with this syndrome. Then we report this rare case with brief review of literature.