Definition of Short Palpebral Fissures

Palpebral fissure length is the distance between the endocanthion (the innermost corner of the eye) and the exocanthion (the outermost corner of the eye). Certain medical conditions can affect the length or shape of the palpebral fissure.

Identification

• Short palpebral fissures occur when there are fewer millimeters between the inner and outer corners of the eye than normal, resulting in abnormally small-set eyes. Normal palpebral fissure measurements vary depending upon race and age. Children born with short palpebral fissures will retain this condition for life.

Cause

• A short palpebral fissure length is a symptom of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. This syndrome can occur when a woman ingests two or more drinks per day during the duration of her pregnancy. Since 2005, it is believed that Fetal Alcohol Syndrome may affect up to 1% of the U.S. population.

Measuring

• Palpebral fissures can be measured by ruler, though this method is not considered very accurate. A sliding digital caliper is a tool where measurements are derived from reading values on a sliding scale positioned at each corner of the eye. It is highly accurate, but has an increased risk of poking a patient in the eye. There is also a software system that allows a user to take a digital photograph of the patient and click on the endocanthion and exocanthion using a computer mouse; the computer will then calculate the palpebral fissure length of the patient.