ögonområde

ögonområde, or the eye region, denotes the anatomical area surrounding the eye. In clinical and anatomical use, it includes the ocular adnexa (eyelids, eyelashes, conjunctiva, lacrimal apparatus) and the orbital cavity that houses the eyeball and its supporting structures. The term can refer to both the soft tissues around the eye and the bony orbit that protects the globe.

Anatomy: The orbit is a cone-shaped bony cavity formed by several bones (frontal, zygomatic, maxillary, sphenoid, ethmoid, lacrimal, palatine). The orbital contents include the globe, the extraocular muscles (six), the optic nerve and vessels, branches of the oculomotor (III), trochlear (IV), and abducens (VI) nerves, and a fatty tissue matrix. The lacrimal gland, lacrimal sac, and tear drainage ducts lie in the superolateral and medial regions. The ocular adnexa comprise the eyelids, eyelashes, conjunctiva, and tear-producing and -draining structures. The orbit communicates with the paranasal sinuses and cranial cavity at the orbital apex.

Function: The ögonområde protects the eye, facilitates movement through the extraocular muscles, distributes tear film via blinking, and supports eyelid function. The eyelids and conjunctiva protect against debris and infection, while the lacrimal system maintains moisture.

Clinical significance: Conditions affecting the ögonområde include eyelid disorders such as ptosis and blepharitis; orbital conditions such as orbital cellulitis, orbital fractures, and tumors; strabismus from misalignment of the ocular muscles; and proptosis or exophthalmos in endocrinopathies or tumors. Diagnosis often involves slit-lamp examination, imaging with CT or MRI, and specialist evaluation.