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The lacrimal fascia redefined
H Shinohara1, Y Taniguchi, R Kominami
1Department of Anatomy II, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan. haru@kanazawa-med.ac.jp
Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.)
|December 26, 2001
Summary
The lacrimal fascia, commonly believed to be intact, often features an opening called the lacrimal fascial foramen. This anatomical finding has clinical implications for nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Anatomy
Background:
- The lacrimal fascia is traditionally viewed as an intact connective tissue septum.
- This septum divides the orbital cavity into distinct compartments for the eyeball and the lacrimal drainage system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the integrity of the lacrimal fascia.
- To identify and characterize any openings within the lacrimal fascia.
Main Methods:
- Dissection and examination of 52 human orbital specimens.
- Documentation of the presence, location, and characteristics of any lacrimal fascial openings.
Main Results:
- A lacrimal fascial foramen was identified in 71.2% (37 of 52) of the examined specimens.
- These openings were circular or oval and located at variable levels within the lacrimal fossa.
- The foramen contained fatty tissue, an artery (inferior palpebral or infraorbital), and a vein associated with the nasolacrimal duct.
Conclusions:
- The lacrimal fascia is not always intact, with a significant prevalence of a lacrimal fascial foramen.
- This anatomical variation may play a role in the pathophysiology of nasolacrimal duct obstruction.