VASCULAR ANATOMY OF THE EYELIDS

Purpose: The eyelids have a rich vascular supply, and bleeding may com promise 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 theref ore was undertaken to determine the detailed anatomy of eyelid vascula rity. Method: The common carotid arteries of six fresh cadaver heads w ere injected with a compound consisting of a partially polymerized mon omer, to which a catalyst and promoter were added to cause hardening. The soft tissue was then digested, using 40% potassium hydroxide, to o btain detailed casts of the eyelid arteries, arterioles, and capillari es. Results: The authors describe the eyelid vascularity and anastomot ic network with average distance measurements from clinically relevant soft tissue landmarks in the 12 cadaver eyelids. Conclusions: Consist ent patterns of eyelid vascularity were observed. A better understandi ng of the eyelid vascularity should allow modification of surgical tec hniques and reduce postoperative complications after eyelid surgery.