From the Research
Eyelid Examination Findings
- The skin-orbicularis complex appears hyperechoic 1
- The tarsal plate and capsulopalpebral fascia form a hypoechoic band, continuous and of almost uniform thickness in normal eyelids 1
- The glandular structure of meibomian glands can be identified in 100% of cases 1
- The retractor-conjunctiva complex appears as a hyperechoic layer below the capsulopalpebral fascia 1
- The mean thickness of pretarsal and pre-septal orbicularis is 0.68 ± 0.18 mm and 0.89 ± 0.16 mm, respectively 1
- The tarsal plate measures 0.57 ± 0.12 mm, capsulopalpebral fascia 0.42 ± 0.13 mm, and the retractor-conjunctiva complex 0.79 ± 0.18 mm 1
Conjunctival Examination Findings
- Conjunctival concretions may be present in asymptomatic patients, with advanced to severe tear deficiency detected in 42.8% of patients 2
- Tear film break-up time (BUT) is shorter in younger patients (younger than 45 years of age) with conjunctival concretions 2
- Patients with conjunctival concretions are potentially affected with dry eye syndrome 2
- Viral conjunctivitis is the most common overall cause of conjunctivitis, while bacterial conjunctivitis is less frequent 3
- Allergic conjunctivitis is common, with findings including itching, mucoid discharge, chemosis, and eyelid edema 3
Upper Eyelid Structures
- Orbicularis oculi muscle and Müller muscle-conjunctival complex are echo-dense, while levator aponeurosis and tarsus are echo-lucent 4
- The mean thickness of orbicularis oculi muscle, levator aponeurosis, tarsus, and Müller muscle-conjunctival complex is 0.74 ± 0.11 mm, 0.44 ± 0.67 mm, 0.91 ± 0.15 mm, and 0.38 ± 0.64 mm, respectively 4
- There is no significant difference in the thickness of these structures between patients younger than 40 years old and older patients, or between male and female patients 4