[Childhood ophthalmoplasty].

The paper lays down the basic principles of ophthalmoplastic treatment on the basis of an analysis of the results of treatment and follow-ups of 2300 patients aged 6 months to 18 years who have abnormalities of the orbit and appendages of the eye. Emphasis is laid on the preference of methods for plastic repair, using local tissues, and free autologous grafting of the skin and mucosa. A soft material that is to be easy grown through, such as Carbotextim-carbonic felt, is recommended when contour plastic repair of the orbit is required. For hanging, a mersilene mesh should be employed in case of blepharoptosis. To achieve the better cosmetic results, it is better to operate at the age of more than 4 years; however, treatment should be initiated at the age of 1 year when there are available functional indications (symblepharon, ablepharia, or cryptophthalmus).