Dynamic imaging of paralytic eyelid disorders.

OBJECTIVE

Eyelid dysmotility may result from trauma, tumors, inflammation, infection, and a variety of other conditions. In these cases, a mechanical effect is disrupting a normal neuromuscular apparatus. Dysmotility can also be caused by paralytic eyelid disorders; included in this broad category are neurologic and myogenic disorders of eyelid opening and/or closure. Secondary effects include spastic eyelid closure and synkinesis syndromes. These conditions, by definition, are disorders of movement, and can only be studied adequately using dynamic imaging techniques.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed on PubMed. Ninety abstracts were reviewed.

RESULTS

Dynamic eyelid imaging has evolved dramatically over the past two decades, at least partially due to the rise of inexpensive digital technology. Magnetic search coil imaging, high- and low-speed videography, electromyography, and high-resolution microscopy coil magnetic resonance imaging each has its advantages and disadvantages, an understanding of which will guide appropriate selection of technology in any given clinical situation.

CONCLUSIONS

Dynamic eyelid imaging is useful to study dysmotility. The optimal technique depends upon the clinical setting and the physiologic or pathologic topic of interest. To our knowledge, a report of this type has not been previously summarized.