OBJECTIVETo investigate the optimal time and method of the early repair of the full layer eyelid defect caused by chemical burn.

METHODSFree nasal septum mucosal cartilage flap with muscle flap, skin grafting, or skin flap were performed in 18 cases (19 eyelids) with chemical burn within 4 postburn weeks. Eyelid reconstruction and corneal transplantation were performed at the same time in 4 patients.

RESULTSAll the reconstructed eyelids and transplanted cornea survived. The incidence of severe complications, such as exposure keratitis, corneal ulcer and eyeball perforation decreased.

CONCLUSIONFull layer eyelid defect caused by chemical burn should receive early reconstruction and repair, including timely reconstruction of eyelid for the sake of protecting the eyesight and of alleviating the inflammatory reactions, and the corneal transplantation should be done at the same time to avoid corneal perforation. Nasal septum mucosal cartilage flap could be ideal for the eyelid reconstruction.