Symblepharon: A Review of Etiology, Clinical Features, and Management Strategies

Surgical approaches to symblephara management involve excision of the fibrotic tissue and placement of mechanical barriers or biological tissue substitutes such as amniotic membranes, conjunctival autografts, and oral mucous membrane grafts. Surgical intervention is recommended for symblepharon in cases where cosmesis is a concern, the visual axis is affected, or in extensive cases before procedures such as cataract surgery, limbal stem cell transplantation, or keratoprosthesis surgery, as well as to facilitate scleral contact lens fitting. Management also involves addressing the underlying disease that led to symblepharon formation. The recurrence rate of symblepharon following surgical treatment is higher in eyes with Stevens-Johnson syndrome or mucous membrane pemphigoid compared to those with ocular chemical burns. Further research is needed to explore preventive strategies such as anti-fibrotic agents and potential medical treatment for symblepharon.