Floppy eyelid syndrome A frequently underdiagnosed entity of interdisciplinary importance

Clinically, the floppy eyelid syndrome is a frequent but underdiagnosed condition. This clinical phenotype is characterized by an extreme laxity of the eyelid, which is enlarged and has a rubber-like structure in combination with a pronounced hyperelastic tarsus. When looking down, minimal vertical tension can trigger spontaneous eversion of the upper eyelid leading to chronic papillary conjunctivitis. This syndrome usually affects older, adipose men who also suffer from sleep apnea and metabolic syndrome. Due to the resistance of chronic papillary conjunctivitis to conservative treatment, surgical treatment is often necessary; however, due to the frequent association between floppy eyelid syndrome, sleep apnea and metabolic syndrome a collaborative interdisciplinary approach is necessary.