Fetal orbital and ocular biometry at different gestational ages

Abstract

IntroductionDetermination of orbital and ocular growth patterns in fetal life is necessary for early diagnosis of facial malformation syndromes. We aim to establish the normative data for growth of different ocular and orbital parameters. These parameters may also correlate with fetal anthropometry. MethodsFifty normal fetuses at different gestational ages were studied for anthropometric, orbital and ocular growth. The parameters measured included weight, height, biparietal diameter, depth and width of the orbit, interorbital distance, transverse and vertical corneal diameters, axial and transverse diameters of the eyeball and diameter of the lens. Normative values were determined for orbital and ocular parameters in fetuses of 11–36 gestational weeks. ResultsThe orbital and the ocular parameters demonstrated significant positive correlation with age and biparietal diameter. However, the lens diameter did not show any significant correlation with either age or biparietal diameter. Among orbital parameters interorbital distance showed maximum correlation with biparietal diameter. The correlations of orbital and ocular parameters were better defined in males. ConclusionsThe gestational age specific normative data generated in this study may provide reference for comparing the growth of various orbital and ocular parameters and may aid in early diagnosis of fetal maldevelopment syndromes.