[Sonographic imaging of upper eyelid tarsal radii when changing the direction of vision]

Aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the upper eyelid attempts to restore aesthetic or functional deficits. Knowing of the anatomic relationships in these structures is very important. The aim of our study was to assess by ultrasound the upper eye lid tarsal curvature changes depending on movement of the bulbus.

In 50 people with healthy eyes we measured the diameter of the upper eyelid tarsal plate, the cornea, the bulbus and additionally the intraocular pressure. In measuring the upper eyelid tarsal plate we used transpalpebral ultrasound in a non contact mode with a 7.5 MHz linear array scanner, with the bulbus in median and in abduction position.

In healthy eyes the diameter of the upper eye lid tarsal plate changes depend on movement of the bulbus. The mean diameter of the upper eye lid tarsal plate over the bulbus in medium position was 19.3 +/- 3.8 mm versus 30.1 +/- 6.3 mm in abduction position. This difference is statistically significant (p < 0.05).

The results of the study indicate, that using ultrasound with a 7.5 MHz linear array scanner is appropriate for objective evaluation of relative changings of the upper eye lid tarsal plate diameter. The obtained data showed significant differences and must be taken into account when considering cosmetic and functional surgery of the upper eye lid, f. e. lidloading in facial palsy with gold or platinum implants.