Development of the Orbit and Eyeball during the Fetal Period

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Aim: We aimed to investigate the morphometric development of the orbit and eyeball in the fetal period. Material and Methods: The present study was carried out on 136 fetal eyes (86 males, 50 females) obtained from 68 fetuses aged between 15-40 gestational weeks. In this study, the area, height, width, volume, depth, and circumference parameters of the orbit were measured, while the anteroposterior and transverse diameters, weight and volume parameters of the eyeball were measured. Also, the diameter at the place where the optic nerve enters the eyeball was measured. Results: It was determined that all parameters increased during the trimesters and there was a statistically significant difference between the trimesters in all parameters. There was no statistically significant difference in all parameters in terms of gender. In the comparison of the right and left sides, orbital area (p<0.011), orbital circumference (p<0.048) and orbital width (p<0.048) were higher on the right side. There was no difference between the parties in any of the parameters related to the eyeball (p>0.05). However, the diameter of the optic nerve was higher on the left side (p<0.001). Conclusion: The data we obtained will be very useful in evaluating the pregnancy follow-up by imaging methods such as ultrasonography or magnetic resonance, in the early diagnosis of malformations or diseases, and in planning the treatment.