BACKGROUND: The coordimetric examinations according to Hess-Weiss (HW) and Hess-Lancaster produce the bidimensional graphic demonstration of eye deviations. The horizontal and vertical deviations can be shown easily, whereas cyclotorsion cannot be detected readily. Clinical experience has suggested, however, that there may be an association between rotation of the HW graph and cyclotorsion. The question is, how much can the bidimensional presentation be influenced by the cyclotorsion? METHODS: 48 patients with posttraumatic superior oblique palsy were investigated. The cyclotropia measured at the tangent scale of Harms (dark-red glass method) was compared to the rotation of the HW graph. Patients were divided into 2 groups: 27 unilateral and 21 bilateral palsy. CONCLUSION: The association between the two examination parameters was significant in both patient groups (Group 1 p < 0.01, Group 2 p < 0.05).