J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2025 Feb;66(2):81-85. 10.3341/jkos.2025.66.2.81.

Changes in Clinical Features of Epiblepharon before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Seong HJ
• Lee GH

• KMID: 2564933
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/jkos.2025.66.2.81

Abstract

Purpose
This study compares the clinical features of children who underwent Hotz’s operation for epiblepharon before and after the COVID-19 pandemic focusing on body mass index (BMI).
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the randomized charts of 976 children diagnosed with epiblepharon who underwent Hotz’s operation in our hospital from March 2016 to December 2022. Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent surgery from March 2016 to December 2019 (before the pandemic, group 1) and those who had it from August 2020 to December 2022 (after the pandemic, group 2). Patients were further categorized into age groups (0-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-11, and 12-14 years) for comparison of clinical features.
Results
Groups 1 and 2 included 714 and 262 patients, respectively. In group 2, BMI was significantly higher in the 6-8 and 9-11 groups and skin fold height was also higher.
Conclusions
In regard to clinical features, BMI was greater after the COVID-19 pandemic in children aged 6–11 years, and skin fold height was higher across all age groups. These changes are likely due to lifestyle modifications associated with the pandemic.

Keyword

Body mass index, COVID-19 pandemic, Epiblepharon, Hotz’s operation