ABSTRACT

The eyelids are important accessory structures to the eye and can directly impact on vision. They are derived from surface ectoderm and fused together until the sixth month of gestation. With the exception of certain rare conditions such as ankyloblepharon, separation usually occurs before birth. Eyelid movement, or blinking, plays a key role in supporting the anterior ocular surface, and subsequent development of useful vision. In children, even benign appearing eyelid maldevelopment or pathology can lead to loss of vision by causing amblyopia.