Eye & Oculoplastic Surgery
Cryptophthalmos
Staged eyelid reconstruction for cryptophthalmos, a rare condition present from birth in which the eyelids have not formed normally.
Consult Dr. Raman Mittal ↗
View before & after photos
Illustrative image · not a patient resultOverview
About Cryptophthalmos
In cryptophthalmos, skin runs over the eye with no normal eyelid opening, or the eyelids are only partly formed. It can occur on its own or as part of Fraser syndrome, which can also affect the kidneys, fingers and airway.
When to see a specialist
- 01A baby or child born with an eyelid that has not opened or formed normally
- 02A referral for oculoplastic reconstruction
- 03Questions about staged surgery and what it can achieve
Whether treatment is suitable can only be decided after a consultation and examination.
Your doctor
Dr. Raman Mittal
Ophthalmology • Oculoplastic Surgery
- MBBS
- DNB – Ophthalmology
- Fellowship in Oculoplasty
Ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon. He treats problems of the eyelids, tear ducts, orbit and eye socket, including cosmetic and reconstructive surgery around the eye.
Your consultation
What happens at the consultation.
At the first visit the doctor listens to your concern, takes a medical history and examines you. Not everyone who comes for a consultation needs a procedure.
Treatment planning
How the plan is decided.
Surgery is planned in stages according to the type of cryptophthalmos and the health of the eye underneath. Protecting the eye comes first.
- 01
Your anatomy
- 02
Examination findings
- 03
What you want to change
- 04
General health
In detail
Cryptophthalmos: what to know.
What cryptophthalmos is
Cryptophthalmos is a rare condition present from birth in which the eyelids have not formed normally, so skin runs over the eye.
- Complete: no eyelid opening, eyelashes or eyelid glands, and the eye underneath is often small.
- Incomplete: partly formed eyelids with a small opening.
- Abortive: the upper eyelid is missing and skin is attached to the front of the eye.
- It can occur on its own or as part of Fraser syndrome, which can also affect the kidneys, fingers and toes, and airway. Families are offered genetic counselling.
Assessment
- An examination of the eyelids and the eye, with scans of the eye and orbit before surgery.
- A general check by the child’s doctors for other features of Fraser syndrome.
- Lubricating drops and ointment protect the surface of the eye while surgery is planned.
Treatment
- Surgery is done in stages, planned according to the type.
- It may involve creating an eyelid opening, rebuilding the eyelids with flaps or grafts, and lining the socket with a membrane graft.
- When the eye has no sight, surgery aims to improve comfort and appearance, and may include an implant and later an artificial eye to support growth of the socket.
How much vision is possible depends on the eye underneath the eyelids. In many cases it is limited, so surgery mainly improves protection of the eye and appearance.
Risks
Every operation carries some risk. Your doctor will go through the risks that apply to you before you decide.
- The eyelid can stick to the eye again after surgery.
- Grafts can dry, shrink or not take, and the front of the eye can become exposed. Further surgery is often needed.
General information, checked against published guidance (September 2026). It does not replace an individual consultation; your doctor will advise on your own case.
Sources: EyeWiki (AAO): Cryptophthalmos · MedlinePlus Genetics (NIH): Fraser syndrome · BMC Ophthalmology: surgical management
Before & After
Cryptophthalmos Results
Photographs of patients treated at I·PLAST, published with their consent. Results vary from patient to patient.
Cryptophthalmos
Before and after eyelid reconstruction for cryptophthalmos.
Specialist: Dr. Raman Mittal
About this treatmentBefore
After
Results vary between patients. These photographs show individual cases and cannot predict the result for anyone else.
Considering this treatment?
Book a consultation to find out whether it is suitable for you.
What to expect
From first visit to follow-up.
- 01
Consultation
Tell the doctor what concerns you and ask your questions.
- 02
Examination & Planning
The doctor examines you and explains the options, including their limits.
- 03
Treatment
Carried out only if it is suitable for you and you decide to go ahead.
- 04
Follow-Up
Check-ups after treatment to review healing and any next steps.
FAQs
Common questions.
This can only be decided after a consultation and examination. The doctor will go through your concern, your medical history and the options available.
The doctor asks about your concern and medical history, examines you, and discusses what you hope to change and whether treatment is advisable.
Dr. Raman Mittal sees patients for this treatment at I·PLAST.
Yes. If treatment is planned, the doctor will explain aftercare, any activity restrictions and the follow-up visits you will need.
Not necessarily. Results depend on your anatomy, the examination findings, your general health and the procedure. Photographs of other patients show their results only.