Scanning electron microscopic study on double and single eyelids in orientals

The conventional theory is that Occidentals have a terminal insertion of th e levator aponeurosis at the anterior portion, resulting in a double eyelid , whereas in Orientals this fiber is not present, and therefore results in a single eyelid have been anatomically demonstrated. However, there have be en more than a few reports indicating that the anatomical difference betwee n a single eyelid and double eyelid in Orientals cannot be explained by thi s theory. Therefore, in order to verify the direction of the levator aponeu rosis in the eyelids of Orientals, we observed Japanese eyelids using a sca nning electron microscope (SEM). As a result of three-dimensional, cross-se ctional observations using SEM, we were able to confirm the existence of a branch of the levator aponeurosis that runs through the layer of the orbicu laris oculi muscle and connects with the levator aponeurosis in the double eyelid, as in the occidental eyelid. This was not seen in the single eyelid . It is thought that this new anatomical finding will become an important f undamental for double eyelid operations in Orientals.