The effect of traction force on eyelid blood perfusion during closure of defects.

Eyelid tissue seems to respond to traction in a non-linear fashion, where the initial force results in the greatest eyelid stretching and reduction in blood perfusion. The results provide information on the effects of a large force for direct closure of large eyelid defects. Considering how quickly perfusion approaches zero, the high success rate of eyelid reconstruction surgery is likely a testament to the extensive vascularization of the periocular region.