interpalpebral

Interpalpebral is an anatomical term meaning “between the eyelids.” The word combines the Latin inter- (between) with palpebrae (eyelids) and is commonly used in ophthalmology and anatomy to describe structures, spaces, or conditions relating to the palpebral fissure—the gap between the upper and lower eyelids when the eye is open.

In clinical and anatomical contexts, the interpalpebral concept centers on the palpebral fissure itself. The fissure extends from the medial canthus to the lateral canthus and its width and shape can vary with gaze, eyelid tone, and facial anatomy. The tear film and the conjunctival surfaces interact across the interpalpebral space, which plays a role in ocular surface protection and tear distribution.

The term is often used to distinguish regions or phenomena occurring within the palpebral aperture from those on the periocular skin or outside the lids. Variations in the interpalpebral fissure are clinically relevant: a narrowed fissure can occur in blepharophimosis, while an enlarged fissure can be seen with proptosis or certain facial configurations. In contrast, eyelid closure and blink dynamics influence exposure of the interpalpebral ocular surface, which is a consideration in conditions such as exposure keratopathy and in the fitting of contact lenses.

See also: palpebral, palpebral fissure, canthus, conjunctival sac, lacrimal caruncle.