Palpebral dimensions in Brazilian children: assessment based on digital images.
OBJECTIVE
To determine palpebral dimensions and development in Brazilian children using digital images.


METHODS
An observational study was performed measuring eyelid angles, palpebral fissure area and interpupillary distance in 220 children aged from 4 to 72 months. Digital images were obtained with a Sony Lithium movie camera (Sony DCR-TRV110, Brazil) in frontal view from awake children in primary ocular position; the object of observation was located at pupil height. The images were saved to tape, transferred to a Macintosh G4 (Apple Computer Inc., USA) computer and processed using NIH 1.58 software (NTIS, 5285 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, VA 22161, USA). Data were submitted to statistical analysis.


RESULTS
All parameters studied increased with age. The outer palpebral angle was greater than the inner, and palpebral fissure and angles showed greater changes between 4 and 5 months old and at around 24 to 36 months.


CONCLUSIONS
There are significant variations in palpebral dimensions in children under 72 months old, especially around 24 to 36 months.
Schellini
Silvana A
SA
Department of Ophthalmology, Botucatu School of Medicine-UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil. sartioli@fmb.unesp.br
Sverzut
Eduarda M
EM
Hoyama
Erika
E
Padovani
Carlos Roberto
CR
Cruz
Antonio A V
AA
D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005143:Eyelids / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D007223:Infant; D011446:Prospective Studies