Palpebral fissure
Palpebral Fissure
The Palpebral Fissure (/pælˈpiːbrəl ˈfɪʃər/; from Latin palpebra, "eyelid" and fissura, "split") is the elliptical open space between the eyelids of an eye. In simple terms, it is the opening that lets light into the eye, allowing us to see.
Anatomy
The palpebral fissure is not a static structure, but changes shape during blinking and eye movement. It is typically larger in adults than in infants, and can vary in size and shape between different individuals. The size of the palpebral fissure can be affected by a person's emotional state, such as when it widens in surprise or narrows during concentration.
Clinical Significance
The size and shape of the palpebral fissure can be an important diagnostic tool in ophthalmology and genetics. Abnormalities in the size or shape of the palpebral fissure can be indicative of various medical conditions. For example, a smaller than normal palpebral fissure can be a sign of microphthalmia or blepharophimosis, while a larger than normal palpebral fissure can be a sign of exophthalmos or Graves' disease.
Related Terms
- Blepharophimosis: A condition where the palpebral fissure is abnormally small.
- Exophthalmos: A condition where the palpebral fissure is abnormally large due to protrusion of the eyeball.
- Microphthalmia: A condition where the eyeball is abnormally small, often associated with a small palpebral fissure.
- Graves' disease: An autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid, often causing exophthalmos.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Palpebral fissure
- Wikipedia's article - Palpebral fissure
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