Vascular anatomy of the eyelids.

Abstract

The eyelids have a rich vascular supply, and bleeding may compromise both surgical technique and postoperative results. Generally, it is known that the eyelids contain a marginal and peripheral arcade, but detailed anatomic information is not available. This study therefore was undertaken to determine the detailed anatomy of eyelid vascularity. The common carotid arteries of six fresh cadaver heads were injected with a compound consisting of a partially polymerized monomer, to which a catalyst and promoter were added to cause hardening. The soft tissue was then digested, using 40% potassium hydroxide, to obtain detailed casts of the eyelid arteries, arterioles, and capillaries. The authors describe the eyelid vascularity and anastomotic network with average distance measurements from clinically relevant soft tissue landmarks in the 12 cadaver eyelids. Consistent patterns of eyelid vascularity were observed. A better understanding of the eyelid vascularity should allow modification of surgical techniques and reduce postoperative complications after eyelid surgery.