Surgical Techniques for Symblepharon

A symblepharon occurs when there is adhesion between the bulbar and palpebral conjunctiva. Obliteration of the fornix by scar tissue resulting from a symblepharon can have negative effects on the ocular surface. This video provides an overview of the surgical steps associated with symblepharon removal and fornix reconstruction, including incision and reflection of fibrovascular tissue, the use of an antimetabolite (e.g., mitomycin C), sealing of the gap with fibrin glue and sutures, and the application of amniotic membrane, conjunctival autografts, and epithelial tissue based on the location and extent of the bare conjunctival area.

Additional authors: Drs. Shweta Agarwal and Madhuvanthi Mohan.