Original articles Ocular and periorbital anthropometric measurements in term Turkish newborns A. Özkagnici 1 , M. Büyükmumcu 2 , N. Zengin 1 , K. Gündüz 1 andH. Koç 3 Departments of Ophthalmology 1 , Anatomy 2 , and Pediatrics 3 , University of Selçuk, Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey Received February 6, 2001 / Accepted in final final form June 29, 2001 Key words: Eyelid - Anthropometric measurement - Newborn Correspondence to: Dr. Ahmet Özkagnici Gülbeyaz Sitesi No : 114/2 Karatay Konya-Turkey E-mail: akagnici@selcuk.edu.tr Abstract Abstract: This study was conducted in an effort to determine the normal landmarks in the eyelids and eyebrows of newborns and the relationships between them. We also correlated all measurements with gender and head circumferences. The anthropometric measurements were performed on 86 normal term newborns (40 males and 46 females) in the first 48 hours after delivery. There was no significant difference between either sex, or between the right and left eyes. In contrast, a statistically significant positive correlation was found between the head circumference and the horizontal fissure length (r = 0.42, p < 0.01). In addition, a significant correlation was found between the upper eyelid crease distance and the horizontal and the vertical fissure lengths (r = 0.27, p < 0.01; r = 0.22, p < 0.05, respectively). The results indicate that the normal eyelid crease location may be used as a landmark for guidance to plan surgical and reconstructive procedures. Anthropometric evaluation of the eyes and periorbital landmarks in the newborn has an important role in the early diagnosis of several syndromes and birth defects. Because previous landmarks may have been indistinct, it is also a significant factor in the cosmetic, corrective and restorative surgical procedures in this region [2, 6, 12, 17]. This study was conducted in an effort to determine the normal landmarks in the eyelids and eyebrows of newborns and the relationships between them. We also correlated all measurements with gender and head circumferences. Material and methods The study was performed on 86 term newborns (40 males and 46 females) in the Newborn Unit of the Department of Pediatrics in a three-month period. The head circumference was measured by placing a tape anteriorly just above the eyebrows and posteriorly at the maximum point of the occiput. The following distances were measured and noted: 1) horizontal eyelid fissure length (HFL); 2) vertical eyelid fissure length (VFL); 3) free edge of the eyelid to the upper eyelid crease distance (FEECD); 4) free edge of the eyelid to the lower eyebrow distance (FELBD); 5) free edge of the eyelid to the upper eyebrow distance (FEUBD); 6) intercanthal distance (ICD); 7) inter/outercanthal distance (IOCD) and 8) interpupillary distance (IPD) (Figs. 1, 2). All measurements were performed by the same surgeon (AÖ) by using a Vernier caliper calibrated down to 0.1 mm and were done in the same session for each case. Because contraction of the orbicularis oculi m. leads to shortening of the horizontal palpebral fissure, we examined the infants when they were relaxed, not crying and with eyes open in the primary position. The measurements were performed three times on each newborn and the mean of the three measurements was used for the statistical analysis.