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

Aim: Aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the upper eyelid attempts to r estore aesthetic or functional deficits. Knowing of the anatomic relationsh ips in these structures is very important. The aim of our study was to asse ss by ultrasound the upper eye lid tarsal curvature changes depending on mo vement of the bulbus. Methods: In 50 people with healthy eyes we measured t he diameter of the upper eyelid tarsal plate, the cornea, the bulbus and ad ditionally the intraocular pressure. In measuring the upper eyelid tarsal p late 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. Results: In healthy eyes the diameter of the upper eye lid tarsal plate ch anges 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 ver sus 30.1 +/- 6.3 mm in abduction position. This difference is statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results of the study indicate, th at using ultrasound with a 7.5 MHz linear array scanner is appropriate for objective evaluation of relative changings of the upper eye lid tarsal plat e diameter. The obtained data showed significant differences and must be ta ken into account when considering cosmetic and functional surgery of the up per eye lid, f. e. lidloading in facial palsy with gold or platinum implant s.